The Class 81 is the first and oldest type of electric multiple unit introduced by Keretapi Tanah Melayu for its KTM Komuter service. 18 sets were designed by Hunslet TPL and built by Ganz Works in 1993-1994.[3][4]

Class 81
A Class 81 EMU 14 Komuter train.
In service1994–2012, 2018–present
ManufacturerGanz-Hunslet
DesignerHunslet TPL
Built atGanz Works (Jenbacher Transport)
Refurbished2018 by Woojin Industrial Systems[1]
Number built54 cars (18 sets)
Formation3 per trainset
Capacity414 (224 seats)
OperatorsKeretapi Tanah Melayu
Depots
Lines served
Specifications
Height3.65 m (12 ft 0 in)
Maximum speed
  • 160 km/h (99 mph) (design)
  • 120 km/h (75 mph) (service)
Weight121 t (119 long tons; 133 short tons)
Traction system
Traction motors8 × HOLEC DMKT55/18.5 161 kW (216 hp) 3-phase AC induction motor[2]
Power output1,288 kW (1,727 hp)
Electric system(s)25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)Pantograph
UIC classificationBo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′
Track gauge1,000 mm (3 ft 3+38 in) metre gauge

The Class 81 currently operates in a fixed 3-car formation for its regular service.[5] The middle coach is exclusively for women and children.

The KTM Class 81 design is derived from the British Rail Class 323, with the main alteration being that it has single leaf swing-plug doors instead of a double leaf type.

Description

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The EMUs were built from 1993 to 1994[3] and entered service on 3 August 1995. The EMUs were the first electric trains of any kind in KTM's history. They operate in multiple-unit formation, The EMUs were state-of-the-art, with remote-controlled pneumatic doors, Automatic Train Protection (ATP), train data recorder, wheel-slip control, GTO/IGBT traction electronics and regenerative braking, and ran from 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead catenary supply. Up to the point of their introduction no other KTM motive power used these modern train control systems.

The train runs in a 3-car formation. They were once run in 3+3 formations during rush hour, but this configuration was discontinued.

The cessation of Jenbacher’s rail operations resulted in loss of spare parts for these trains. Over the years, their maintenance lapsed, resulting in poor reliability and premature failure. As a result, some had to be used as dummy coaches in a hybrid service. A diesel locomotive pulled the coaches and a power generator was attached at the end. The hybrid service started in 2009 and ended in 2012, when new trains rendered this stopgap measure unnecessary.

Many trains were rendered surplus after the introduction of the Class 92 in 2012. Some were brought down to be converted to intercity sets, while others were scrapped. The refurbished sets could not be used as intercity sets in the end as regulations mandate that long distance trains have a toilet, which this class lacks.

The class disappeared from passenger service from 2012 to 2018. However, in 2018, many of the refurbished EMUs were brought back into service. They currently operate on the Batu Caves shuttle, the Northern Sector and occasionally the Central sector.

Car No. 1 2 3
Seating capacity 72 80 72
Designation Mc Tp Mc


Set Designation 1 2 3 Status
EMU 01 C8101 T8101 C8102 Scrapped
EMU 02 C8103 T8102 C8104 Abandoned
EMU 03 C8105 T8103 C8106
EMU 04 C8107 T8104 C8108
EMU 05 C8109 T8105 C8110 Refurbished[6]
EMU 06 C8111 T8106 C8112
EMU 07 C8113 T8107 C8114 Abandoned
EMU 08 C8115 T8108 C8116
EMU 09 C8117 T8109 C8118 Refurbished
EMU 10 C8119 T8110 C8120 Abandoned
EMU 11 C8121 T8111 C8122
EMU 12 C8123 T8112 C8124
EMU 13 C8125 T8113 C8126 Refurbished
EMU 14 C8127 T8114 C8128
EMU 15 C8129 T8115 C8130 Abandoned
EMU 16 C8131 T8116 C8132 Abandoned at Rawang
EMU 17 C8133 T8117 C8134
EMU 18 C8135 T8118 C8136 Abandoned
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References

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  1. ^ Barrow, Keith (26 April 2018). "Woojin to upgrade Malaysian EMUs". International Railway Journal. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  2. ^ "Our Business". Majestic Engineering Sdn Bhd.
  3. ^ a b KTM Class 81 EMU Malaysia 1993.10.07. steel body construction in Hungary
  4. ^ Current rail services — Klang Valley Integrated Transit System
  5. ^ "KOMI". ktmkomuter.com.my. KTM Komuter. Archived from the original on 29 April 2010. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  6. ^ "81 Class KTM Komuter". Railtravel Station.