Hello & welcome to my new video! Back in July 2022 I went overseas to Sofia city, a capital of Bulgaria. The main reason for me there was public transport, especially their only metro in Bulgaria. It’s pretty new, was opened in 1998 and since then it’s a one of the most modern transport systems in Europe. Moreover, lines 1, 2 & 4 are serving by Russian made trains from "Obelya" depot. As I’m half Russian & I grew up in Moscow, I was really keen to ride same train models that I used to take everyday, so after quite a long time I got back on them. All trains, featured in this video, were built by "Metrowagonmash" company, that is located in Mytishchi city, not far from Moscow.
By my visit, there are currently 2 train models with 2 modifications each. The oldest trains are 81-717.4/81-714.4 or "Номерной" ["Nomernoy"] trains that were built back in USSR in 1989-1991, but got in service only in 1998 as of metro development problems. In total 12 4-car trains were built. Only last 4 trains of this type were there, and in a near future they will be scrapped and replaced by a newer modernised model.
The next train model is very similar. It’s 81-717.4К/81-714.4К or "Модернизированный Номерной" ["Modernised Nomernoy"]. Basically, that’s a new generation of the old train. They were built In Russia in 2019-2021. A letter K in model means "Капитальный" ["Modernised"] and this trains featuring a lot of brand new features compare to the original model. According to the plans this trains supposed to replace all 12 original 81-717.4/81-714.4 trains, but because of a current situation with sanctions in Russia, only 8 were replaced. By my visit, train A11 was the newest in whole metro, it was running with passengers only second week!
Another train model, that started a new era of trains in Sofia metro is 81-740.2/81-741.2 or "Русич" ["Rusich"]. They were built in 2005-2006 & 2009. These trains featured a lot of different features compare to other models. A really nice colourful paint job, a new Hitachi traction motors, new construction of carriages and bougies and a new doors. They were the first trains equipped with a digital information for passengers such as an electronic maps above doors and screens inside, that are showing different information.
And the last train model is 81-740.2Б/81-741.2Б or "Русич" ["Rusich"]. And yes, it’s almost same to the older trains this model, but they do have some different things. The 3 main components that changed are: 3 doors instead of 2 per carriage, passenger and driver air condition (only Russian train model in Sofia metro that features this system) and red warning lights above the doors when they closing. Other changes are different paint scheme and a few changes in drivers cabin. Basically, it’s a second generation of "Rusich" trains. They were built in 2010, 2012-2013 and currently this model is the most popular out of all in Sofia metro. Also, the last ever "Rusich" train that was built is a train A60.
All in all, it was a great trip! My big dream finally became a reality after 6 years! Sofia metro is really modern, clean and interesting! I hope one day I will be able to go there again! All videos were filmed on IPhone 13 Pro Max on 2, 8, 9, 10 & 11 July 2022. Thanks for watching!