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The Chollima-321 (Korean: 천리마-321) is a North Korean trolleybus with battery power built by the Pyongyang Trolley Bus Factory.[1] The name 'Chollima' refers to a myth about a winged horse that has since been adopted as the name of North Korea's Stakhanovite movement.[2] The production of the Chollima-321 production replaced the Chollima-091 articulated trolleybus, due to the need to replace older Chollima-961, -951, Ikarus and Karosa bus based trolleybuses.[3] The trolleybus features on a 50 won stamp.[4]
| Chollima-321 | |
|---|---|
| In service | 2018- |
| Manufacturer | Pyongyang Trolleybus Factory |
| Assembly | Pyongyang |
| Replaced | Chollima-951, 971, 973 |
| Constructed | August 2018- |
| Entered service | September 2018- |
| Number built | ≥44 |
| Number in service | ≥44 |
| Predecessor | Chollima-316 |
| Specifications | |
| Low-floor | High floor |
| Entry | step |
| Doors | 3 planetary doors |
| Maximum speed | Operational max 40 kilometres per hour (25 mph) |
| Power supply | 300-700V DC |
| Electric system(s) | Alternating current |
In Japanese sources, it is called the Mallima-312.[5]
The new trolleybus was first tested at night, with Kim Jong-un on board, which had become a tradition for the testing of new modes of public transport. Before that, Kim Jong-un had visited the trolleybus factory, confirming the specifications of the trolleybus, such as the door width.[3] The vehicle that he had ridden on would be numbered 483, in honour of the route he had taken, and the date on which he had tested it, August 3.[6] The production vehicles differ that there is an additional blinker above the headlights, different lights on the rear and a ladder to the roof at the rear. The first seat is reserved for 'heroes'.[5]
The trolleybus has a digital dashboard that monitors the overhead wire voltage, speed and battery voltage.[5] It features a TV manufactured by Potonggang Electronics Factory. Like the Chollima-316, it has LED indicators for the route on front and rear, but the Chollima-321 also has one inside. The vehicle has no air conditioner.[5] A new type of motor, which is more efficient than previous models was introduced on this trolleybus.[7]
This model demonstrated that the trolleybus factory had mastered the use of plastic moulding,[3] which was reported as achieved through CNC machines and plasma cutters.[1] It is claimed that almost all parts are built at the factory, which after its refurbishment completed in early 2018,[8] featured a full assembly line for trolleybuses, from framing to painting of the vehicle,[1] with the plating of trolleybuses being automated.[9] A new production process of curved glass was reportedly created for the use in electric public transport.[10] Other production processes that were upgraded for its production included induction furnaces and heating furnaces, used for forging of parts.[7]
Up until January 2020, it was reported 'more than 100' trolleybuses have been manufactured in recent years,[11] and that despite shortages in 2019, the production was pushed ahead.[12]
The design of the Chollima-321 has been displayed at the national industrial design exhibition in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea.[13] Its design has inspired other factories, such as the Chongjin Bus Factory, which serially produced 20 new trolleybuses in a design clearly inspired by the Chollima-321.[14] Other similar models have been built in Hamhung and Pyongsong.[15] The design and colour scheme of the trolleybus is similar to the 'Thongil' tram that was manufactured at the same time.[5]
There are currently 42 known Chollima-321 trolleybuses known to be in operation.[16] Other vehicles, such as the trolleybuses in Chongjin are a completely different model, named 'Jipsan'.[17]
| City | Quantity | Numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyongyang | ≥20 | Assigned various numbers from 181 to 625, with one number being formerly occupied by a Chollima-091[18] | In service since 2018. |
| Wonsan | 20 | 110 to 130[19] | Delivered in a ceremony in April 2019, as a gift by Kim Jong-un.[20] |
| Sinuiju | ≥1 | Only known vehicle is 611[21] | Used the chassis of an older trolleybus, most likely a Chollima-82.
Trolleybus services in Sinuiju were suspended from December 2018, and were restarted with the launch of this vehicle in October 2020.[22] |
| Huichon | ≥2 | 111, 115[23] | Unknown date of delivery |
| Kanggye | ≥1 | 105[24] |
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