{{short description|German U-Bahn train type operated in Munich}} {{Infobox train | name = MVG Class A | image = File:A2.3 7203 Neuperlach Süd U5.jpg | imagealt = | imagesize = 300px | caption = MVG Class A train leaving Neuperlach Süd station in April 2009 | service = 1971–present | manufacturer = {{ubl|MAN|Orenstein & Koppel|Rathgeber|{{ill|Waggon- und Maschinenbau GmbH Donauwörth|lt=WMD|de}}}} | factory = | replaced = | yearconstruction = 1967–1983 | refurbishment = | yearscrapped = | numberbuilt = 388 vehicles (194 sets) | numberservice = 310 vehicles (155 sets) | numberpreserved = 3 vehicles | numberscrapped = | formation = 2 cars per trainset | fleetnumbers = 091–093, 101–151, 161–178, 201–253, 301–348, 351–371 | capacity = 290 (98 seated, 192 standing) | operator = MVG | depots = | carbody = Aluminium | trainlength = {{Convert|37.15|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | carlength = {{Convert|18.00|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | width = {{Convert|2.90|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = {{Convert|3.55|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | floorheight = | entrylevelorstep = | doors = 3 pairs per side | maxspeed = {{Convert|80|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} | weight = {{cvt|51.6|or|53.2|t}} | acceleration = | deceleration = | traction = Direct current resistor control | poweroutput = {{cvt|720|kW|hp}} | transmission = | aux = 110 V Vehicle battery | powersupply = | hvac = | electricsystem = {{750 V DC|conductor=y}} | collectionmethod = HKO 3400/39 contact shoe | bogies = | brakes = Electric brake, pneumatic brake, spring accumulator brake | safety = LZB | coupling = Scharfenberg 40-3507/0 | multipleworking = | gauge = {{RailGauge|1435mm}} }}

The '''MVG Class A''' is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by the Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft on the Munich U-Bahn system. It is the first and oldest type of rolling stock in service on the Munich U-Bahn, and is used on all lines. The prototypes were delivered in 1967, and the full-production units from 1970 until 1983.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012">{{cite book |last1=Pischek |first1=Wolfgang |last2=Junghardt |first2=Holger |title=Die Münchner U-Bahn - Geschichte · Streckennetz · Fahrzeuge |trans-title=The Munich U-Bahn - History · Network · Rolling stock |edition=3rd |pages=14–15, 41–53, 113, 124, 129 |language=de |date=2012 |publisher=GeraMond |isbn=978-3-86245-148-7}}</ref> A derivative of the Class A, the VAG Class DT1, was in service on the Nuremberg U-Bahn system until 2023.<ref name="Pabst2006">{{cite book |last=Pabst |first=Martin |title=S-Bahn- und U-Bahn-Fahrzeuge in Deutschland |trans-title=S-Bahn and U-Bahn vehicles in Germany |edition=2nd |pages=68–69, 78, 172 |language=de |date=2006 |publisher=GeraMond |isbn=3-7654-7366-9}}</ref>

==Formation== Every Class A train consists of two permanently-coupled cars, forming a twin-unit. The car at the northern end is numbered 6xxx, while the car at the southern end is numbered 7xxx. The trains are equipped with automatic Scharfenberg couplers, enabling operation of up to three units together to form a six-car train.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/>

The Class A was delivered in six batches:<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> *A1: prototype units, fleet numbers 091&ndash;093, delivered from 1967 *A2.1: full production units, fleet numbers 101&ndash;151, delivered from 1970 *A2.2: full production units, fleet numbers 161&ndash;178, delivered from 1974 *A2.3: full production units, fleet numbers 201&ndash;253, delivered from 1978 *A2.5: full production units, fleet numbers 301&ndash;348, delivered from 1982 *A2.6: full production units, fleet numbers 351&ndash;371, delivered from 1983

Most units of the A2.1 and A2.2 series were repainted into a livery similar carried by the MVG Class B.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/>

<gallery class="center"> U-Bahn Muenchen Freimann Zugtyp A.jpg|A2.2 series unit in revised livery </gallery>

===A1 series=== Originally numbered 6001&ndash;6003, these prototype trains were renumbered to 091&ndash;093 from 1970 followed by a general revision of the numbering scheme in 1971.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/>

{| class="wikitable" |- ! Car !! northern !! southern |- ! Designation | A1a || A1b |- ! Numbering | 609x || 709x |- ! Capacity (total/seated) | 145/49 || 145/49 |- ! Weight (t) | colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | 51.6 |}

===A2 series=== The first full production A2.1 units were ordered in 1969, with production beginning in 1970. Further units, classified as A2.2&ndash;2.6, were built from 1974 until 1983.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/>

{| class="wikitable" |- ! Car !! northern !! southern |- ! Designation | A2a || A2b |- ! Numbering | 6xxx || 7xxx |- ! Capacity (total/seated) | 145/49 || 145/49 |- ! Weight (t) | colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | 51.6 (A2.1&ndash;2.3) <br/> 53.2 (A2.5/2.6) |}

==Interior== Seating accommodation consists of transverse seating bays in 2+2 configuration, providing seating space for 98 passengers, with additional standing space for 192 passengers per twin unit.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> The door areas are separated from the seating bays by half-high partition walls reaching slightly over the lower window edge, with panes of glass on top to prevent strong air currents from flowing through the whole passenger compartment.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> A second handhold pole in the door areas was introduced with the A2.2 series trains.<ref name="Fiedler1980">{{cite book |last=Fiedler |first=Helmut |title=U-Bahn-Linie 8/1 |language=de |trans-title=U-Bahn line 8/1 |publisher=Firmengruppe und U-Bahn-Referat der Landeshauptstadt München |date=1980 |pages=183–186 |chapter=Die technische Weiterentwicklung des Münchener U-Bahn-Wagens |trans-chapter=The technical progression of the Munich U-Bahn train |isbn=<!--Has no ISBN-->}}</ref> In order to provide more safety and prevent vandalism, the A2.3 trains were delivered with windows at the inner car ends and the doors to the cabs, allowing passengers to look into the adjacent cars.<ref name="Fiedler1980"/> Units of older series, which didn't have those windows, were later retrofitted.<ref name="Fiedler1980"/> Some units also have been retrofitted with video surveillance cameras<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> and LCD passenger information screens.<ref name="Focus201604">{{cite web |url=https://www.focus.de/regional/muenchen/seit-40-jahren-auf-den-schienen-geliebt-und-gehasst-diese-muenchner-u-bahn-wagen-sind-gelebte-nostalgie_id_5468683.html |title=Diese Münchner U-Bahn-Wagen sind gelebte Nostalgie |last=Herbers |first=Fabian |date=April 26, 2016 |website=focus.de |publisher=FOCUS Online |access-date=April 22, 2018|language=de |trans-title=These Munich subway cars are lived nostalgia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910121736/https://www.focus.de/regional/muenchen/seit-40-jahren-auf-den-schienen-geliebt-und-gehasst-diese-muenchner-u-bahn-wagen-sind-gelebte-nostalgie_id_5468683.html |archive-date=September 10, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<gallery class="center"> MVG-TypAInnenraum.JPG|Interior view U-Bahn München, Bildschirme, 3.jpeg|LCD screens inside a Class A train Foliara indikilo en metroa vagono en Munkeno, 1.jpeg|Split-flap line indicator inside a Class A train </gallery>

==Technical specifications== The car bodies are made out of aluminium. While the prototypes are fitted with a rubber pad suspension, the full production trains have an air suspension.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> The full production units also feature reinforced door columns to better support the roof structure.<ref name="Pabst2006"/> The number of roof-mounted air intakes was raised from eight to twelve from the A2.2 series trains onwards.<ref name="Fiedler1980"/> Contact shoes are fitted on each side of the outer bogies. As all contact shoes are electrically connected, one train can pass through dead sections of up to {{Convert|30|m|ftin|abbr=on}} length without running out of power.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> The A2.3 series trains introduced a number of improvements, including a newly designed compressed air system and split-flap destination indicators, which were also retrofitted into units of older series, replacing the non-automated destination signs.<ref name="Fiedler1980"/> The Class A trains are powered by resistor-controlled direct-current motors, which are capable of rheostatic braking. Passenger compartments of parked trains can be preheated to up to {{convert|15|C}} by applying current on the resistors.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> One twin-unit has four powered bogies with a power output of 180&nbsp;kW, bringing the total power output to 720&nbsp;kW.<ref name="Pabst2006"/>

===Experimental thyristor-chopper control set=== In 1974, prototype unit 093 was converted to thyristor-chopper control, and served as a test train.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> One goal of the conversion, which was supported by the Federal Ministry of Research and Technology, was to evaluate the use of power recovery technology.<ref name="Fiedler1980"/> After about eight years of testing, the train was scheduled to be refitted with its original control equipment at Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB)s Donauwörth plant. As the experimental control equipment required heavy modifications to the car bodies, MBB couldn't guarantee that the unit would meet the required specifications. Accompanied by the large estimated amount of work and costs, those plans were deemed too uneconomical.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> Instead, MBB suggested to rebuild the unit with two newly manufactured car bodies. Unit 093 was moved to the Donauwörth plant in July 1982, where all reusable parts were salvaged and built into two new car bodies based on the A2.5 series design. The rebuilt unit was moved back to Munich in 1983, and has been reinstated into service.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/>

==History== The Class A formed the initial fleet for the opening of the Munich U-Bahn system in October 1971. The first units entered trial service in 1967 on a stretch of track which is now part of the line U6.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> Six trains were lent to the Verkehrsaktiengesellschaft Nürnberg (VAG), which had a shortage of rolling stock during the German Evangelical Church Assembly 1978 in Nuremberg.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> Two units, 149 and 176, were damaged beyond repair in a fire caused by a malfunctioning cooling fan in 1983. One car body of unit 176 was donated to the ''Forschungs- und Versuchsamt des Internationalen Eisenbahnverbandes (ORE)'' and was used for fire research in Norway. The remains of the car were scrapped in Åmål, Sweden, in 1985. Two more units, 309 and prototype unit 092, had to be withdrawn after shunting accidents.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> After more than 40 years in service, the oldest Class A trains are scheduled to be phased out and replaced by newer Class C2 trains.<ref>{{cite news| last=Völklein| first=Marco| date=17 June 2016| title=München hat einen neuen U-Bahnzug - zumindest vorübergehend | trans-title=Munich has a new subway train - at least temporarily| url=http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/mvg-muenchen-hat-einen-neuen-u-bahnzug-zumindest-voruebergehend-1.3039233| language=de| work=Süddeutsche Zeitung| access-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626205907/http://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/mvg-muenchen-hat-einen-neuen-u-bahnzug-zumindest-voruebergehend-1.3039233 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Metro201011">{{cite web |url=http://www.metro-report.com/news/metro/single-view/view/muenchen-u-bahn-orders-more-trains.html |title=München U-Bahn orders more trains |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=November 18, 2010 |website=metro-report.com |publisher= Metro Report International |access-date= April 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422202347/http://www.metro-report.com/news/metro/single-view/view/muenchen-u-bahn-orders-more-trains.html |archive-date=April 22, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> A total of 194 twin-units have been built between 1967 and 1983,<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> of which 155 units are still in service {{As of|2021|lc=y}}.<ref name="ubahn50jahre">{{cite web |url=https://www.mvg.de/services/aktuelles/u50.html |title=50 Jahre Münchner U-Bahn - Unsere U-Bahn von A bis Z |trans-title=50 years Munich U-Bahn - Our U-Bahn from A to Z |language=German |date=2021 |website=mvg.de |publisher=Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH |access-date=September 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830180939/https://www.mvg.de/services/aktuelles/u50.html |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Resale=== In 2003, six units were sold to the Verkehrsaktiengesellschaft Nürnberg (VAG), which operated them on the Nuremberg U-Bahn system until 2009.<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> The units were renumbered accordingly to the VAG numbering scheme, but retained their Munich blue and white livery.<ref name="Pabst2006"/>

The former identities of the units and their new numbers were as shown below.<ref name="Pabst2006"/>

{| class="wikitable" |- ! MVG unit !! Car No. !! VAG car No. |- | 110 || 6110/7110 || 561/562 |- | 121 || 6121/7121 || 563/564 |- | 123 || 6123/7123 || 565/566 |- | 125 || 6125/7125 || 567/568 |- | 127 || 6127/7127 || 569/570 |- | 137 || 6137/7137 || 571/572 |}

==Preserved examples== *'''Unit 091''': Stored at Fröttmaning depot, awaiting further preservation at the MVG Museum in Munich<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/> *'''Unit 092''': Preserved at the ''Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum'' in Munich (car 6092)<ref name="Pabst2006"/> * The cab section of car 7149, which was severely damaged in a fire in 1983, is exhibited at the ''Münchner Feuerwehrmuseum'' in Munich<ref name="PischekJunghardt2012"/>

<gallery class="center"> Münchner U-Bahn, MVG-Baureihe A - (DE) Deutsches Verkehrsmuseum München - 26.04.2014 (14162399666).jpg|Car 6092 at the Deutsches Museum Verkehrszentrum Feuerwehrmuseum München - U-Bahn Typ A ausgebrannt.jpg|Damaged cab section of car 7149 at the Münchner Feuerwehrmuseum </gallery>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{commons category|MVG A (U-Bahn München)|MVG Class A}} *[https://www.mvg.de/ueber/das-unternehmen/fahrzeuge.html MVG fleet information] (in German)

Category:Munich U-Bahn Category:Electric multiple units of Germany Category:750 V DC multiple units Category:Train-related introductions in 1971