THE 6M AND 7M

• Design Criteria:
  
  
  • A new generation train set, embodying the latest in technological design.
  • Improved passenger comfort due to smooth chopper control system in the traction systems.
  • Passenger ventilation system.
  • Improved performance to reduce train set headway.
  • Improved efficiency realised by chopper control and regenerative braking. Vacuum brakes replaced with air brakes.
  • All stainless steel construction, longer coaches - 12 coach train set replaces equivalent 14 coach 5M2A.
  • Coaches made up of permanently coupled modules. Modules can be easily coupled by means of automatic couplers.


• Interesting Facts:
  
  
  • These trains were Prototype train sets, consisting of 12 coaches each.
  • 6M wholly built in Japan to South African Railways (SAR) new generation specification - delivered in 1983.
  • 7M wholly built in Germany to SAR new generation specification - delivered in 1984.
  • The two train sets are similar in that the specifications is the same, but different ideas, components and system were installed for testing and evaluation purposes.
  • For example, the 6M was made up of three coach modules (66% motorised axles 2M1T), while the 7M was 4 coach modules (50% motorised axles 2M2T).
  • After extensive testing, the 6M became the new generation train set for suburban services, which finally culminated in the class 8M. The final design incorporated all the ideas tested on both the 6M and 7M.

THE 8M

• Design Criteria:
  
  
  • Modular train set of 4 coaches per module (50% motorised axles).
  • Reduced maintenance requirements.


• Interesting Facts:
  
  
  • 96 coaches that can be made up into 24 modules or 8 train sets were delivered between 1989 and 1991.
  • Operating in the Khayelitsha service in Cape Town.

THE 9M

The 9M was designed to be the replacement series of the fleet, but the project was discontinued.

TESTS

Numerous tests were conducted before and during the design and construction of the next 'M' series.