Projekt R1

Project R1 was created at a time when the Prague metro was still taking shape. The goal was to design a lightweight, modern train that could travel across the newly built Nusle Bridge. The design was created by the famous František Kardaus, known for the look of the T3 trams. Lightweight materials such as aluminum and fiberglass were used in the construction, but these ran into fire safety regulations and bridge design limitations.

• 0: Maximum speed: 80 km/h
• 1: Power: 672 hp
• 2: Price: 15 iron tokens
• 3: Capacity: 44 people
• 4: Operating cost: 2 coins
• 5: Car coupling: YES
• 6: Era: 4–7
• 7: Hi-POLY: 14270 triangles
• 8: LOW-POLY: 582 triangles

Between 1970 and 1971, two two-car R1 units were built. Test runs took place at the Kačerov depot, but even during testing it became clear the R1 would not enter regular service. The project was eventually canceled due to production capacity – the Smíchov factory was fully occupied with T3 tram production. The fate of the units was sealed by a serious accident in 1972, when two test trains collided. (Photo from www.metroweb.cz)

From the damaged cars, a new unit called R2 was created for urban high-speed lines. It was equipped with pantographs and tested on the Cerhenice test circuit. However, the development was halted due to lack of buyer interest and funding for mass production. The R2 was scrapped in 1986. Only models and memories remain of this ambitious project that never got its chance.