The operation of the Moscow Metro rolling stock began on May 15, 1935, with the launch of the first six four-car trains of the type A, which ran between Sokolniki and Park Kultury stations. These machines became the foundation for the development of the entire system, setting standards for size and design that are still preserved in a modernized form. Engineers at the Mytishchi Machine-Building Plant were then faced with the task of creating reliable transport capable of withstanding enormous loads in deep tunnel conditions.
Over its almost ninety-year history, the capital’s subway has seen many generations of technology, from the rare Sokolniki trains to the latest Moscow 2020 trains with artificial intelligence. Every generation carriages reflected the technological level of its era, introducing new solutions in the field of traction engines, control systems and passenger comfort. Understanding the evolution of these machines allows you to appreciate the scale of engineering that went into creating one of the most efficient transport systems in the world.
Today, in the depot you can find both decommissioned retro trains, carefully preserved for parades, and modern models running en masse. Technical diversity is due to the gradual renewal of the fleet: old models are replaced by new ones, but this process takes years, creating a unique mixture of eras on different branches. Below is a detailed analysis of all the main types of rolling stock that have ever appeared on the Moscow subway lines.
Pre-war and post-war models: A, B, C, D
The first-born was the type A, also known as Sokolniki. These cars were distinguished by their rounded body shapes, the presence of wooden elements in the interior trim, and doors that were manually opened by the conductor. The body structure was all-metal, which was an advanced solution for the 1930s. The traction equipment made it possible to reach speeds of up to 75 km/h, but passenger comfort was secondary compared to reliability.
In 1938, trains like B (“Bogatyr”). Outwardly, they resembled their predecessors, but received more powerful engines and an improved ventilation system. Modernization also affected electrical equipment, which made it possible to increase the frequency of trains. It was these trains that plied during the Great Patriotic War, ensuring uninterrupted operation of transport in difficult conditions.
After the war, production of carriages of the type B, which became the first in the USSR with a body with a supporting structure made of stainless steel. This made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of the train and increase its service life. They were followed by a guy G, distinguished by a more streamlined frontal shape and a modified seating layout. These models laid the foundations for mass subway construction in the post-war era.
⚠️ Attention: Cars of types A, B, C and D have long been taken out of regular service. You can only meet them as part of retro trains launched on holidays, or in the metro museum.
Technical details of early models
Early models had a rheo-contactor control system (RKSU), which required a highly qualified driver for smooth acceleration. The resistance stages were switched manually or semi-automatically, which created a characteristic rumble at start-up.
The era of mass construction: D, E, Hedgehog, Em
With the beginning of the Khrushchev thaw and a sharp increase in the pace of construction of new lines, cheaper and more technologically advanced trains were required. Type D became a response to this challenge: a simplified body design, abandonment of stainless steel in favor of carbon steel and maximum unification of components. These cars were massively supplied not only to Moscow, but also to other cities of the USSR, becoming the “workhorse” of the Soviet metro.
In the 1960s, the era of cars like E and their numerous modifications (Hedgehog, Eat, Hedgehog3). The main innovation was the use of automatic doors, which made it possible to abandon the services of a conductor and switch to the “one person in the cabin” system. The interior became more spacious, soft seats appeared, and the lighting system switched to fluorescent lamps.
- 🚇 Type E: The first model with automatic doors and semi-automatic control.
- ⚙️ Hedgehog type: Improved version with modified electrical circuit and reinforced body.
- 🔋 Type Em: Upgraded electrical equipment, which made it possible to increase the dynamics of acceleration.
- 🛠️ Hedgehog3 type: Mass model, used until the early 2000s.
It is the cars of the series E formed the very recognizable image of the Soviet metro, which is depicted in thousands of films. Their reliability was phenomenal: many trains worked on the lines for more than 40 years, having undergone several major overhauls. However, by the end of the 20th century, the resource of these machines was exhausted, and the question arose about a complete replacement of the fleet.
Type E cars and their modifications became the most popular rolling stock in the history of the Moscow subway, defining the appearance of the system for several decades.
Legendary "Numbers": 81-717/714
Appearance of carriages in 1976 81-717/714 heralded a new era. People called them “numbered” because of the index in the name. These cars were radically different from their predecessors: rectangular in shape, hard plastic interior, powerful traction engines and, most importantly, the ability to operate on a multi-unit system (CME) for up to 10 cars. This made it possible to create trains of any length depending on passenger traffic.
Construction 81-717 turned out to be so successful that these cars were produced and modernized for decades. There are many modifications, from basic 717.2/714.2 to deep modernizations 81-717.5/714.5 (“Numbered with thyristor-pulse control system”). The latest version received smooth acceleration without jerking and significantly reduced power consumption.
Despite their venerable age, individual examples of “licensed” ones can still be found in less busy areas or in depots awaiting decommissioning. They are recognized by the characteristic sound of their work thyristor-pulse system (TISU) and a specific buzzing noise when braking. This was the last type of carriage that was massively equipped with a rheostarter in early versions.
| Modification | Years of manufacture | Control system | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81-717/714 | 1976–1982 | Rheo-contactor | Base model, hard interior |
| 81-717.1/714.1 | 1982–1988 | Rheo-contactor | Improved insulation, modified frontal area |
| 81-717.5/714.5 | 1996–2003 | Thyristor-pulse (TISU) | Smooth running, energy saving |
| 81-717.5K/714.5K | 2003–2008 | Thyristor-pulse | Major modernization of old buildings |
Modern classics: 81-740/741 “Rusich” and “Oka”
In the early 2000s, new shallow and overland lines required lighter, shorter trains. This is how it appeared "Rusich" (models 740/741). These cars have an articulated design (two sections in one body), which makes it possible to create trains of different lengths. The low floor level at the doors made boarding for passengers with limited mobility much easier.
"Rusich" was followed by a guy "Oka" (model 81-760/761). This is already a full-fledged mainline carriage, but with a modern design created in the Pininfarina studio. The Oka's interior is radically different from its Soviet counterparts: soft seats, wide doorways, dynamic line maps and air conditioning system. It was with Oka that Wi-Fi and USB charging stations began to be introduced en masse in the Moscow metro.
Both models are equipped with asynchronous traction motors, which provide high dynamics and low noise levels. Go to asynchronous drive became a revolutionary step that made it possible to abandon the difficult-to-maintain commutator motors. Oka trains still form the basis of the fleet on many radial lines in the capital.
⚠️ Attention: The Rusich and Oka trains have different lengths and number of doors. When transferring between lines with different types of rolling stock, pay attention to the waiting time, as intervals may vary.
The newest generation: “Moscow”, “Moscow-2020” and “Moscow-2026”
Since 2016, trains began operating on the Big Circle and radial lines "Moscow" (81-775/776/777). Their key feature is the ability to pass through the entire train. Passengers can move freely between carriages, which evenly distributes the flow and eliminates crowding at the doors. The design is developed taking into account ergonomics and modern safety standards.
Version "Moscow-2020" (81-777.1) received an updated interior, wider doors and a system artificial intelligence, which helps the driver stay on schedule and save energy. The windshield has become panoramic, and touch screens are installed in the cockpit instead of the old dial gauges. This is a completely digitalized transport.
The latest modification is "Moscow-2026" (81-777.2). These trains are equipped with autonomous driving (although there is a driver in the cab), improved sound insulation and a new climate control system. The body is made of stainless steel with a special coating that is resistant to graffiti and scratches. Interior became even brighter thanks to enlarged windows and LED lighting with variable color temperature.
☑️ Signs of a new generation train
Rare and experimental models
In the history of the Moscow metro, there were models that never went into mass production or were used for a short time. These include the type F — experimental cars created on the basis of type G, but with a modified electrical part. Also worth mentioning is the type And, which was an attempt to create a carriage with a plastic body, but the project was canceled due to fire safety problems.
Deserves special attention snowmobile cars and special track machines, which are based on passenger car units. For example, snowplows are often created on the basis of decommissioned “licensed” ones, preserving their cab and chassis. These machines come on line only in winter or during technical breaks.
There are also retro trains assembled from restored carriages from different years. The most famous is a train of cars like A and G, which is used for excursions. The interior decoration of such trains is fully consistent with the historical era: wooden floors, brass handrails and vintage lamps create a unique atmosphere.
If you want to ride a retro train, follow the announcements on the official website of the metro. Typically, such requests are dedicated to Metro Day or other significant dates and require prior registration.
Which subway cars are the quietest?
The newest models “Moscow-2020” and “Moscow-2026” are considered the quietest thanks to asynchronous motors and improved body sound insulation. They are followed by "Oka" and the modernized "Numbered" with TISU.
Why do old carriages shake when accelerating?
This is due to the rheo-contactor control system, where switching resistance stages causes jerking. In modern trains with asynchronous drives, acceleration is smooth.
Are there air-conditioned carriages in the metro?
Yes, air conditioning systems are available in all Oka and Moskva trains and their modifications. In old cars of type 81-717, only forced ventilation is used.
What is the maximum speed of Moscow metro trains?
The design speed of most modern trains is 90 km/h, but on lines with frequent stops the average speed is significantly lower.
Where can you see all types of cars at once?
There is no complete collection of all types in one place, but the Moscow Metro Museum and the Sokol depot (during open days) offer to see the rarest examples.