SNCF Class Z 5300


Class Z 5300 are three and four car Electric Multiple Unit type for Paris commuter and regional services. They were built by Carel et Fouche, /Francorail, Fives-Lille and OC Oerlikon between 1965-1968 and 1972-1975. Many of these trains have been withdrawn starting from 2003.

Characteristics

These stainless steel-bodied EMUs were built as 4-car units including a driving motor car, two intermediate trailers and a driving trailer. However, some units were shortened to three or two cars by removing one or both of the intermediate trailers. Up to three elements can be coupled together to form a 12-car trainset. The power supply is 1500 V DC with electromechanical traction equipment.

Livery

As the use of stainless steel eliminates the need for painting, the units are basically silvery, with originally only an orange stripe between the headlights. They are therefore nicknamed petit gris, couscoussière, "silver arrow" or "tin can".
However, as some units were modified, the doors were painted red, light blue or dark blue according to the services they were intended for. Since 2011, only red-doored units subsist; red doors mean that the unit is fitted with EAS, and may be operated without a guard.

Operation

Current

As of 2015, Z 5300s are operating on two commuter services in the south-east of Paris:
This class used to operate on many other services, but has been replaced by more recent stock. Such services include: