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Trams and trolleybuses in North Korea

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Pyongyang tram in 2009
Pyongyang Trolleybus near Pyongyang Station in 2007
Former Zurich type Be 4/4 tram on the Kumsusan Memorial Palace line
A Pyongyang Trolleybus Factory Chollima 90

Trams and trolleybuses in North Korea are forms of public transportation for North Koreans to travel around in urban centres given the shortages on fuel and access to cars for average citizens.

Very few details are known about these trolleybuses and trams due to the closed society of North Korea. Pyongyang, Wonsan and Chongjin are the only cities known to have tramways.

For a full list of trolleybus systems in North Korea, see List of trolleybus systems in North Korea.

Trams

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Product list and details
 Fleet Size  Description   Make  Fleet #  Year acquired   Notes 
45 double-articulated  Czech Republic ČKD Tatra KT8D5K units 1001–3023 1990 Delivered new
129 trams  Czech Republic ČKD Tatra T6B5K single motor units 1046–1174 1990s Delivered new

At least two vehicles have 'Pulgungi 2.16' labelling on front; these vehicles have significant less switches behind the driver and different electrical equipment.[1]

50 articulated trams  China Shenyang ST4 units[2] 1175–1233

not all numbers used

ordered 1991 Modified derivative of Tatra KT4 built in China, articulation later removed due to structural defects and subsequently withdrawn in 1999. Bodies were rebuilt into Chollima 971/961 trolleybuses.[3] 2.5 meters wide instead of 2.2 on normal KT4, 45 kW motors compared to 40 on KT4.[4]

150 cars were ordered but apparently only 50 were delivered.[5]

Some vehicles likely underwent body replacement in Chongjin.

160 motor units and 160 trailers trams  Czech Republic ČKD Tatra T4D/B4D

single motor units

2000-3000s ordered 1998 used trams from Leipzig (200 vehicles), Dresden (95), and Magdeburg (25). Ordered to replace ST4.

Only operating on line 2 and 3, some cars have been withdrawn. Formerly operated on line 1.

20 trams  Czech Republic ČKD Tatra T3/T3SUCS single motor units 1178-1204;

178-204

ordered 2008 Only operates on Line 1, some fleet numbers are not in use.
1 + 1 trailer articulated trams North Korea North Korea Kim Chŏng-tae Electric Locomotive Works – modification of Shenyang ST4

named '7.17' or 'Chongnyonjonwi'[6]

1991 Prototype vehicle, not in service. Occasionally displayed at Three Revolutions Exhibition.[7]
18 trailers and 18 motor units two-car married sets, each car having two trucks Switzerland Switzerland. Built 1947–1954, powered cars by Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon (MFO), BBC and SWS,[8] matching trailers by SIG,[9] for the Zürich tram system retired by Zürich in 1994; purchased by North Korea in 1995 used on a metre gauge line from Samhung metro station to Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang (all other lines are standard gauge)
≥15[10] double articulated North Korea North Korea Pyongyang Bus Repair Factory 'Thongil-181' [11] 1003-1024, 2014, 3013- 3073, not all numbers used 2018- Only 1003 is a bidirectional vehicle, all others have cabs on one side only; configurations in pantographs, rear view mirrors vary.

Uses alternating current motors.[12]

? single unit tram North Korea Kim Chong-t'ae Electric Locomotive Works 2020- Narrow gauge trams (1000mm or 1067mm) for Wonsan.[13]
≥6 single unit tram North Korea Chongjin Bus Repair Factory[14] 1115-1138, not all numbers used 1999- Four axle tram resembling Tatra T6, but longer. Three doors on right side.

No roof equipment.

Most likely are body replacements of Shenyang ST4.

≥1 articulated tram North Korea Chongjin Bus Repair Factory(청진뻐스수리공장)[14] Similar to above tram, but joined at the middle with a Jacobs bogie with six axles in total. Only the front and middle bogies have track brakes. Resembles a longer KT8D5K but without the middle section.

Only one built.

Trolleybuses

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The Pyongyang trolleybus system has been operating since 1962, with a large fleet serving several routes. Due to the closed nature of North Korea, the existence of trolleybus networks in other North Korean cities was generally unknown outside the country for many years, but it is now known that around 12 to 15 other cities also possess trolleybus systems, among them Sariwon, Wonsan, Chongjin and Pyongsong.[15] A few other places have very small (in some cases only one or two vehicles) systems for transporting workers from a housing area to a nearby coal mine or other industrial site—or at least did at some time within recent years, such as the city of Sangnong.[16][15] Trolleybuses include both imported and locally made vehicles but are mostly locally made, converted or rebuilt. There are a few local manufacturers of trolleybuses.

In 2020, NK News speculated that North Korea was likely to start a removal of its trolleybus systems;[17] however, with the revival of the network in Wonsan during 2018–19, Sinuiju in 2020 and the opening of a new system in Manpo in 2019 directly contradicts this article, and most of currently not operating systems had its trolleybuses removed prior to 2011. It is also important to note, that according to The Pyongyang Times, new trolleybuses are still being constructed.[18]

Pyongyang Trolleybus Factory

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 #  Description   Make  Fleet #  Years operational   Notes 
≥3 trolleybus Chollima 9.11[19] 612, 654, 683 1961–late 1980s #612 preserved as museum vehicle in Pyongyang Trolleybus Factory.[20] It was visited by Kim Il Sung before the formal commencement of Trolleybuses in Pyongyang.

Strongly resembles the Jinghua BK540. The first trolleybuses built at Pyongyang Trolley Bus Factory were directly based on the Jinghua BK540.[21][22]

Named in honour of 9.11 1948, when the DPRK was formed,[21] and presented as a gift to the 4th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea.[23]

≥2 articulated trolleybus Chollima 9.25[24] 903, 968* 1963– Only one preserved vehicle still in use. Based on LAZ-695. #903 is the 'honorary' trolleybus of Ryonmot depot.[25] Some transferred to Kowon (now Sudong) and Chongjin in the 1970s.[26] Number 903 has been preserved as an honorary vehicle of Ryonmot depot, as Kim Il Sung rode it on 15 May 1964 and Kim Jong Il rode it on 14 May 1964. The trolleybus has a monocoque body with three doors on the right side.[27]

A special service trolleybus was developed on the basis of Chollima 9.25, using the front section it.[21]

≥7 trolleybus Chollima 70 106, 118, 184, 801, 819 1970– Exterior based on Škoda 706 RTO. Partially withdrawn, a number of 'honorary' vehicles remain in service.[28] Presumably produced until 1974, as it was listed in the Foreign Trade of the DPRK in 1974.[29]
1 Chollima 72[30] 200 1972– One vehicle preserved as the 'honorary' trolleybus of West Pyongyang depot.[31]
Chollima 74 KA[32] 1974–- Also operates in Nampo.[33] The production of the Chollima-74 series lasted until 1984.[34]
Chollima 74 NA
Chollima 74

'Mangyongdae-ho 1979'

1979– Narrow doors in the layout of the first version and decorated with the letters '만 경 대 호 1979'.
Chollima 82/84 1982– Some trolleybuses in Sinuiju are refurbished with new Chollima-321 based bodies.[35] One vehicle still operates as a work vehicle with a maintenance tower in Pyongyang.[36]
unknown Purpose-built cargo trolleybus with right-hand drive.[21]
articulated trolleybus Chollima 842 1984– Similar to the later Chollima 862가[32]
Chollima 862가[37] 1986– Some withdrawn.[38] #281 is an honorary trolleybus of Sanghung depot, as Kim Il Sung rode it on April 18, 1989.[39] Similar design to the Chollima 82/84.[21]
Chollima 90/903 1990– Both are similar and work in Pyongyang.[40][41] These trolleybuses were also known as Sogiryon, after So Gi-ryon, a Chongryon member who donated the funds for constructing these trolleybuses.[42]
trolleybus Chollima 901 1990s– Non-articulate variant of Chollima 90/903.[43] 95 kW engine.[21]
trolleybus Chollima 902 110 kW engine.[21]
trolleybus Chongnyonjunwi/

Chollima 973

1997– Designation applies to electrifications of Karosa B731, B732, Karosa C734.[44][45]

Used in Pyongyang, Pyongsong and Sangwon.

articulated trolleybus Chollima 971/ Chongnyonjonwi/ Sonyon[46] 1997– Three axle articulated trolleybus, body from withdrawn Shenyang ST4 trams. Mostly withdrawn.

Trailer removed on some vehicle to become Chollima 961

articulated trolleybus Chollima 961/ Sonyon[47] 1999– Body from withdrawn Shenyang ST4 trams.

Similar to Chollima 971, but as a single car.

trolleybus Ikarus 260 (Chollima 951)[48] 1990s– Converted from diesel, one Ikarus 260 was converted to a solar powered vehicle in Nampo.

Works in Pyongsong and Pyongyang

≈2 trolleybus Ikarus 255 (Chollima 951)[49] 506, 589 1990s– 589 is a work car with overhead maintenance tower.[50]
≥6 articulated trolleybus Ikarus 280 (Chollima 952)[51][52] 326, 525, 212, 442, 243, 1165, ? 1990s– Likely converted from diesel Ikarus 280 due to lack of roof equipment.

Works in Sariwon and are the only two trolleybuses in service there.[53]

≈0[54] articulated trolleybus Chollima Kwangboksonyon 1992–2015 Similar to the Chollima 903 but without front door. One door in front section and two in rear section.[55] Might have featured a hybrid drive due to having a gas tank.[21]

Built in small numbers. Mostly withdrawn.

1 articulated trolleybus/

trolleybus

Chollima 011/ Kangsongdaeguk 411, 509 2002 or 2005 Only two built. Articulated trolleybus scrapped (411). Other single unit (509) still in use.[56] The trolleybus museum in the Pyongyang Trolleybus Factory instead has the name 'Kangsondaeguk' for the articulated trolleybus.[57]
>190[58] articulated trolleybus Chollima-091 2009– Variant with flatter front exists.[59][60] One vehicle has double width front door.[21] One vehicle kept as stationary display in Three Revolutions Exhibition.
≥20[61] trolleybus Chollima-316 2017–[62] First trolleybus with battery power storage, located under the floor, first trolleybus with LED display, 3 doors,[63] with a domestication rate of 92%.[64] A few early vehicles did not have a rear door.[22] The vehicles are distributed among the lines in Pyongyang, with each line having one to three vehicles.[65]
≥44 [66] trolleybus Chollima-321[67] July 2018– Has battery power storage, LED display, 3 doors.[68] Incorrectly named as Mallima-312 in other sources. Later production versions has longer and straighter side view mirror.

Used in Pyongyang, Wonsan, Kanggye and Huichon and possibly in Manpo.

Uses CNHTC axles

Oct 2020–[69] A body is used in Sinuiju most likely on the chassis of a Chollima 82/84, with MAZ-200/KrAZ-222/Jaju-64 axles.
≥22 articulated trolleybus Chollima-518 2023– Two versions exist — the Chollima-518/1, with external design inspired by Mercedes-Benz Future Bus concept,[70] and the less-appealing Chollima-518/2, which appears to be modelled after the previous version of Van Hool Exquicity.[71]

Chongjin Bus Factory

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 #  Description   Make  Fleet #  Year acquired   Year retired   Notes 
≈15[72] trolleybus Jipsan 74 1972 Some rebuilt.[73]
0 articulated trolleybus Jipsan 85 1985-90 Three axle articulated trolleybus.[74]
≈4[75] trolleybus Jipsan 88 1988 Similar to the Jipsam 74.[73]
≈5[76] trolleybus Jipsan (rebuild) Exterior strongly resembles Tatra T6
≥2 trolleybus Jipsan 2019 In 2019, two variants were produced; both were painted in blue and white, with the main difference in the curvature of the front.[77] The 2019 vehicles were probably body replacements of old vehicles.[78]
20 trolleybus Jipsan 2020, 2021 2020 first series had three doors, bearing more resemblance to the Chollima-321.

Another series of these trolleybuses were built in 2021; the differentiating feature to the 2020 series was that it featured a 'y' shaped arch above the front wheel, similarly to the Chollima-321 which the earlier series lacked.

Others

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 #  Description   Make  Fleet #  Year acquired   Year retired   Notes 
≥6 built[79] trolleybus 4 June Rolling Stock Works

Songdowon

101-107 except for 104 Late 1970s Named after local area in Wonsan.

Most likely entirely replaced by Chollima-321 sent to Kangwon Province as a gift by Kim Jong Un in April 2019.[80] Some have undergone a body replacement before being likely withdrawn.

≥22[81] Sinhungho Late 1980s refurbished through complete body replacement Some rebuilt with newer bodies into (II) and (III). Only operates in Hamhung-Hungnam region.

Some fitted with working towers on top for overhead maintenance purposes. Mistakenly called Chongnyonho.

Before 2016
2016 Produced until about 2019, design inspired by Chollima-091
2019[82] design inspired by Chollima-321 but built with MAZ-200/KrAZ-222/Jaju-64 axles
3 Pyongsong 'Chollima'[83] 2161, 2166, 2167 2019 Built with assistance from Pyongyang Trolleybus Factory. 2161 is more flat at the front than 2166–7.
Chavdar 11G5 at least 1 electrified bus existed in Sinuiju

See also

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Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Pyongyang, car # 1218". transphoto.org. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  2. ^ "ST4有轨电车新型铰接转向运动机构的设计". April 1997.
  3. ^ "Shenyang ST4 — Roster". transphoto.org. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  4. ^ "对研制ST4型有轨电车的体会_爱学术". www.ixueshu.com. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  5. ^ "沈阳无轨电车历史简介（1951-1999）（下）". www.bilibili.com. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  6. ^ "Pyongyang, car # б/н". transphoto.org. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
  7. ^ "平壌市軌道電車(路面電車)－車両紹介". 2427junction.com. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  8. ^ "SWS/MFO/BBC Be 4/4". transphoto.org. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  9. ^ "SIG B4". transphoto.org. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  10. ^ "North Korea, Tatra KT8D5K "Thongil" — Roster". transphoto.org. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  11. ^ Pictorial KOREA Editorial Board (1 July 2021). "Korea" (PDF). KOREA. 787: 88–89.
  12. ^ "Naenara Democratic People's Republic of Korea". naenara.com.kp. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  13. ^ "Photo: Wŏnsan — Miscellaneous Photos — Kalma Beach Resort Electric Transport". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  14. ^ a b "Chongjin, Tramway — Roster". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  15. ^ a b Tarkhov, Sergei; and Merzlov, Dmitriy. "North Korean Surprises". Trolleybus Magazine Nos. 244–6 (July, September and November 2002).
  16. ^ "Sangnong". transphoto.org. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  17. ^ "North Korea may soon cut its iconic trolleybus — a historic symbol of the Kims | NK News". NK News - North Korea News. 21 September 2020. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  18. ^ "Trolleybuses turned out". www.pyongyangtimes.com.kp. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  19. ^ "Chollima 9.11". transphoto.org. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  20. ^ "Pyongyang, trolleybus # 612". transphoto.org. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Исторический обзор троллейбусов КНДР". Gruzovik Press. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  22. ^ a b Klimov, Konstantin (2020). Троллейбусы Пхеньяна Pyongyang Trolleybuses.
  23. ^ "로동신문". rodong.rep.kp. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  24. ^ "Chollima 9.25". transphoto.org. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  25. ^ "Pyongyang, trolleybus # 903". transphoto.org. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  26. ^ "Обзор транспорта Северной Кореи". www.gruzovikpress.ru. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  27. ^ "平壌市無軌道電車(トロリーバス)車両紹介－千里馬9.25型". 2427junction.com. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  28. ^ "Chollima 70". transphoto.org. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  29. ^ "Trolley-Buses". Foreign Trade of the DPRK. 1974. p. 235.
  30. ^ "Chollima 72". transphoto.org. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  31. ^ "Pyongyang, trolleybus # 200". transphoto.org. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  32. ^ a b Klimov, Konstantin (2020). Pyongyang Trolleybuses.
  33. ^ "Nampho, Trolleybus — Roster". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  34. ^ "CHOLLIMA 74 | chinesecars". www.chinesecars.net. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  35. ^ "Sinuiju — Trolleybus Operation Restoration 10.2020". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  36. ^ "Chollima 82 — Roster". transphoto.org. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  37. ^ "Story of a Prototype Trolleybus".
  38. ^ "Chollima 862". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  39. ^ "Pyongyang, trolleybus # 281". transphoto.org. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  40. ^ "Chollima 90". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  41. ^ "Chollima 903". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  42. ^ "nkinfo". Ministry of Unification.
  43. ^ "Chollima 901". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  44. ^ "Chongnyonjunwi (Karosa B731/B732)". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  45. ^ "Chongnyonjunwi (Karosa C734)". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  46. ^ "CHOLLIMA 971, also named SONYON or CHONGNYONJUNWI | chinesecars". www.chinesecars.net. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  47. ^ "CHOLLIMA 961, also named SONYON | chinesecars". www.chinesecars.net. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  48. ^ "Chollima 951 (Ikarus 260)". transphoto.org. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  49. ^ "Chollima 951 (Ikarus 255)". transphoto.org. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  50. ^ "Chollima 952 (Ikarus 255) — Roster". transphoto.org. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  51. ^ "Ikarus 280T". transphoto.org. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  52. ^ "Chollima 951 (Ikarus 280)". transphoto.org. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  53. ^ "Sariwon". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  54. ^ "Chollima Kwanboksonyŏn — Roster". transphoto.org. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  55. ^ "Photo: Pyongyang, Chollima Kwanboksonyŏn # 133". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  56. ^ "Chollima 011". transphoto.org. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  57. ^ "로동신문". rodong.rep.kp. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  58. ^ "Chollima 091". transphoto.org. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  59. ^ "CHOLLIMA 091 (Flat Nose) | chinesecars". www.chinesecars.net. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  60. ^ "CHOLLIMA 091 | chinesecars". www.chinesecars.net. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  61. ^ "Chollima 316". transphoto.org. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  62. ^ "Naenara Democratic People's Republic of Korea". naenara.com.kp. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  63. ^ "平壌市無軌道電車(トロリーバス)車両紹介－千里馬-316型". 2427junction.com. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  64. ^ "New trolleybuses roll off the production line". www.pyongyangtimes.com.kp. Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  65. ^ "Beitrag – trolley:motion" (in German). Retrieved 21 October 2021.
  66. ^ "Chollima 321". transphoto.org. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  67. ^ "New-type trolley buses roll off assembly line". www.pyongyangtimes.com.kp. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  68. ^ "平壌市無軌道電車(トロリーバス)車両紹介－万里馬-312型". 2427junction.com. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  69. ^ "Sinuiju — Trolleybus Operation Restoration 10.2020". transphoto.org. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  70. ^ "Advertising and documentation – New articulated trolleybus "Chollima-518/1"". transphoto.org. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  71. ^ "Pyongyang, Chollima-518/2 # 325". transphoto.org. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  72. ^ "Chipsam 74". transphoto.org. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  73. ^ a b "Chongjin, Trolleybus — Roster". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  74. ^ "JIPSAN 85 | chinesecars". www.chinesecars.net. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  75. ^ "Chipsam 88". transphoto.org. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  76. ^ "Chipsam (rebuild)". transphoto.org. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  77. ^ "Jipsan 2019". transphoto.org. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  78. ^ "Chongjin [KP] - Renewal of the rolling stock with 20 new trolley buses" (in German). Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  79. ^ "Songdowon". transphoto.org. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  80. ^ "《조선의 오늘》". dprktoday.com. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  81. ^ "Sinhungho". transphoto.org. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  82. ^ Korean Central Television (23 November 2019). 20시보도 [20th hour news] (in Korean).
  83. ^ "Pyongsong, trolleybus # 2161". transphoto.org. Retrieved 14 January 2021.

References

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