The 10M4

• The 10M was born out of the necessity to increase the life of the aging 5M2A fleet to ensure a continuous service during the period in which new rolling stock is acquired.
• The process began with two variants of the so-called class 5M2A Upgrade Project. Metrorail developed the specification, and Transwerk and Union Carriage & Wagon (UCW) built two train sets f 16 coaches each. (These two train sets later became known as the 10M and 10M1 respectively).
• As the specification was reasonably loose, the two train sets are quite different in design.
• In an unprecedented process Transwerk, UCW and SARCC together refined the specification, and Transwerk and UCW received further orders for 14 and 15 coaches that were then built to the same specification and design. These two train sets are known as the 10M2.
• In the next phase of the 10M development, two orders for 88 coaches each have been awarded to Bombardier/Transwerk (10M3) and Siemens/UCW (10M4).

• Design Criteria:
  
  
  • Improved passenger comfort in terms of better seating, lighting, ventilation and improved aesthetics.
  • Improved safety in terms of doors and windows, and provision made for a public address system.
  • New improved driving cab with a central driving position. Microprocessor control systems, and chopper control for the 10M3 and 10M4.
  • Made of modular re-body construction.
  • All 10M-type coaches are compatible.


• Interesting Facts:
  
  
  • Most of the 10M coaches have been rebuilt from wrecked or burnt coaches. Up to the 10M2, the bodies were rebuilt to 5M2A standard.
  • With the 10M3 and 10M4 new body designs are created making use of modular manufacturing systems.
  • As the 10M3 is to operate in Cape Town, a stainless steel body is being fitted.
  • The 10M3 designs incorporate regenerative braking that will blend with the existing vacuum brakes.