Siemens-Duewag Supertram

Supertram
Stagecoach Supertram 114
In service	1994 – present
Manufacturer	Siemens-Duewag
Built at	Düsseldorf, Germany
Constructed	1992
Refurbishment	2006-2009
Number built	25
Number in service	25
Fleet numbers	101-125 (originally 01-25)
Capacity	86 seats, 155 standing per tram
Operator(s)	Sheffield Supertram
Specifications
Car body construction	Steel
Car length	34.8m
Width	2.65m
Height	3.645m
Articulated sections	3
Maximum speed	80 km/h (50 mph)
Weight	46.5t per tram
Prime mover(s)	4x 277kw Three phase AC
Electric system(s)	750 V DC Overhead lines
Current collection method	Pantograph Type: Brecknell Willis High Reach
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The 'Supertram' system comprises a fleet of 25 trams built by Siemens-Duewag of Düsseldorf, Germany in 1992 for use on the Sheffield Supertram light rail network in England.

After undergoing trials on Düsseldorf's Rheinbahn system, the trams were delivered to Sheffield via the Rotterdam-Immingham cargo ship route. The trams are bidirectional. Each tram comprises three articulated carriages and has a low-floor area of 40%. All four entrances are at 42 cm low level which matches the height of the platforms, thereby providing level access. The low-floor areas have limited seating and provide space for pushchairs and wheel chairs. The high floor areas are 88 cm high and can be found at the outer-end of each end carriage and in the centre carriage; they are reached by either two or three steps.

Since its rail network includes gradients up to 10%, all vehicle axles are powered, which limits the low-floor area to that between the bogies. For maximized low floor area, the middle bogies are installed entirely below the centre carriage section rather than under the articulations. The wheels are type Bochum 84, have resilient rubber inserts and have a diameter of 67 cm. They may be worn to a diameter of at least 59 cm.

There are four monomotor bogies, each powered by a longitudinally suspended motor driving both axles. The power supply is 750 volts DC from overhead lines using a pantograph (the Brecknell Willis High Reach pantograph). Speed is controlled from the cab by a joystick controller with a which must be continually held in place to keep the track brakes off. No other vigilance control is fitted, because of the perceived safety of a system of street-running trams. Drivers are seated on sprung seats for comfort and a PA system allows them to communicate with passengers.