古城车辆段

Originally a sandy wasteland, the Gucheng Rolling Stock Section now hums with activity. It’s a vital part of Beijing’s subway system. The Gucheng Rolling Stock Section supports the Line 1 trains. It’s located in the Shijingshan District. This isn’t just any depot. The Gucheng Rolling Stock Section holds the distinction of being Beijing Subway’s oldest. Built in 1969 alongside the initial phase of the subway, it has witnessed the evolution of the system. Following the division of the original Line 1 in 1987, the Gucheng Rolling Stock Section continued its service. It now supports the independent Line 1. Sprawling over 23 hectares, this depot houses various facilities. These include a train inspection warehouse, a repair warehouse, a wheel-turning depot, a special train storage warehouse, a test track, and even a small platform. The inspection warehouse, the largest and most frequently used in the Beijing Subway system, ensures the Line 1 trains are ready for daily operation. The repair warehouse, capable of annually overhauling 72 train cars and repairing 90, services not only Line 1 but also parts of Line 2 and the Tianjin Metro. The Gucheng Rolling Stock Section even has its own specialized wheel-turning equipment, installed in 1990. This investment allowed for efficient wheel repair. Before this, damaged wheels required a laborious process involving disassembly and a specialized lathe. This older method could take up to six days. The special train storage warehouse, built in 1979, can hold three train sets simultaneously. Initially, special trains lacked a designated storage area. They were exposed to the elements until the completion of this warehouse. The warehouse then became a high-security area, accessible only to authorized personnel, due to the sensitive nature of the trains it housed. Even the seemingly mundane test track at the Gucheng Rolling Stock Section has a story. Originally located between the inspection and special train storage warehouses, the test track was relocated north of the repair warehouse during renovations between 1986 and 1992. Now, at 917.3 meters long, it serves a unique purpose. It houses decommissioned DK2 train cars converted into tow trucks. The small platform at the depot’s entrance/exit once served as a convenient stop. Employees and their families could board trains here. However, with the introduction of the Beijing Subway IC card, access became restricted to specific train times, maintaining order and security within the depot. Beyond its internal workings, the Gucheng Rolling Stock Section was linked to the national railway. A special 1.86-kilometer line connected it to the Xihuangcun Station. This line, built in 1972, transported not only trains but also essential supplies for the depot like coal, steel, and other goods. Although decommissioned in the early 2010s, it served a crucial logistical role. The Gucheng Rolling Stock Section is more than just a maintenance facility. It’s a testament to Beijing’s subway history. From its humble beginnings as a sandy expanse to its vital role today, it continues to propel Beijing’s public transit forward.