Sprague-Thomson

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

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.