Tatra T5B6

The Tatra T5B6 was an experimental tramcar built in 1976 by ČKD Tatra.

Tatra T5B6
Tatra T5B6 in Most
Manufacturer	ČKD Tatra
Assembly	Prague
Family name	Tatra
Constructed	1976
Entered service	1978–1990
Number built	2
Number preserved	1
Capacity	122
Specifications
Car length	14,700 mm (48 ft 3 in)
Width	2,600 mm (8 ft 6 in)
Height	3,145 mm (10 ft 3.8 in)
Doors	3
Maximum speed	65 km/h (40 mph)
Weight	16,000 kg (35,000 lb)
Engine type	TM 22
Traction motors	4
Power output	4×77 kW
Electric system(s)	600 V DC
Current collector(s)	pantograph
Wheels driven	4
Coupling system	Albert
Track gauge	1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in), 1,524 mm (5 ft)

History

Having enjoyed widespread success throughout the Soviet Union with its earlier products, Tatra were keen to develop a new, modernised generation of tramcars for its clients. After initial runs on test-track at the Tatra factory, two prototypes were delivered to Most for evaluation, where they spent a year. The transport authorities in Most were however unwilling to pay a higher price for the T5B6 than they would otherwise have paid for the T3SU and no more orders were placed. The original prototype is still in Most, however it does not see active service and is kept only as an historic vehicle.