Sprague-Thomson was the name of the first rolling stock on the Paris Métro made completely of metal. The first cars entered service in 1908 to replace the mostly wooden M1, and were retired from passenger service in 1983, after 75 years of service, making them the longest-used rolling stock type in the Paris Métro. However, some Sprague-Thomson cars converted into work trains remained in service until 8 March 2011.

Sprague-Thomson
A Sprague-Thomson train during the Journées du patrimoine in 2006
In service1908–1983 (in work trains until 2011)
ReplacedM1
Constructed1907–1936
Scrapped1950s–1983
Number built2700+
Number in service0 cars
Number preserved5 cars (A.475), 4 maintenance tractors
Number scrapped2700+
SuccessorMA 51/52
MP 55
MP 59
MF 67
MP 73
MF 77
Formation3, 4 or 5 per trainset
OperatorsCompagnie du chemin de fer métropolitain de Paris (green, gray and red colors)
NS (blue and cream)
RATP
Lines servedRetired
Specifications
Train length35–70 m (115–230 ft) (3-5 car trains)
Car length12–15 m (39–49 ft)
Width2,400 mm (94 in)
Doors4 per side
Maximum speed70 km/h (43 mph)
Electric system(s)750 V DC Third rail

Legacy

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The 5-set cars preserved Sprague-Thomson at Choisy metro workshops during Journées du patrimoine 2023
 
The 5-set cars preserved Sprague-Thomson at Porte d'Auteuil station in December 2023.

The RATP has preserved three Sprague train sets, only one of which is currently usable by passengers. From time to time it is exhibited on certain lines and by organisations such as ADEMAS or COPEF, or used in movies, e.g. in Les Femmes de l'ombre.

Five cars (of which two are 2nd class, with their power car, and one is 1st class, with a trailer) were classified as historical monuments on December 18, 1998. Another car, a second class power car, is preserved at the Vaugirard depot and was 'classified' on 17 February 2000.

The historical train was abandoned in a secret tunnel from the mid-2010s,[1] then renovated during 2023. The train was later displayed at Porte d'Auteuil for the centenary of Line 10.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Compagnon, Sébastian (February 22, 2023). "Métro parisien : au secours du dernier train Sprague-Thomson, une rame historique recouverte de tags". Le Parisien (in French). Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  2. ^ "La ligne 10 fête ses 100 ans". RATP. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 6 December 2023.