Type of project: Real map (Line 1 in year 2004) and train (4000 series in original condition)
Name of project: Metro de Barcelona Línia 1 2004
Involved persons: Frank Rodriguez. Surely with technical help in advanced stages.
The train:
The 24 trains of the serie 4000 were put into service between 1987 to 1990 in the line 1, replacing the classic 200 and 400 series, manufactured between the 1940s to the 1960s. They were the broad gauge counterparts of the 3000s, the 4000 were adapted to the bigger dimensions of the line loading gauge.
The 4000s represented a very important technological advance compared with their predecessors. Some of the new features included in these trains were: air conditioning (despite the fact the first units had a fan system, but a little time later they were fitted with the A/C), the seats with 2+2 transversal configuration, automatic next stop announcement system with a "thermometer" display on some of the doors, electric doors opened by the passengers.
The units have Mitsubishi motors with a chopper traction control equipment, where they emit that characteristic sound when accelerating or braking.
The trains were refurbished in 2007, and it's expected to be retired in one or two years soon, being replaced with the future "8000" series.
The 4000 in LOTUS will be in the original condition.
The route:
The line 1 originated from the FMT, the Ferrocarril Metropolitano Transversal, a project to link the main rail stations of Barcelona. Hence why the track gauge is wider than the other lines (1672mm or 1674mm, some fonts say one or the other). The actual iberian gauge is 1668mm, so this line keeps the original gauge. It was inaugurated in 1926 between Pl. Catalunya and Bordeta (nowadays closed, between Mercat Nou and Santa Eulàlia), it was extended through the years until 1992, with the extension from Santa Coloma to Fondo, making it 20,7 km long with 30 stations.
I will make the route as it was in 2004. The section between Mercat Nou and Santa Eulàlia was on surface, Sagrera station had the three platforms (the "Barcelona" solution), and catenary replaced third rail.
Pictures/videos (at least 1!):
At the moment I'm modeling the train and the first stage will be the release of the train and a test track with the correct track gauge.
I'm really enjoying it at the moment...