‘Once upon a time’ isn’t quite right for this story. Let’s talk about the Petersburg Tram Mechanical Factory. It was a key player in Russia’s tram and trolleybus history.
The Petersburg Tram Mechanical Factory, or PTMF, was founded in 1929. It started as a carriage repair plant. The plant was for Leningrad’s tram system. The location on Chugunnaya Street was ideal. Many metal workshops were already in the Vyborgskaya side.
Initially, the Petersburg Tram Mechanical Factory focused on repairs. However, by 1933, plans changed. The factory would now manufacture trams. These included the LM and LP models. 1934 marked a milestone. The plant delivered its first trams.
During the Nazi invasion, Leningrad was under siege. Tram services halted due to power shortages. The plant shifted to warfare and engine repair. After the siege in 1944, tram production resumed.
The Petersburg Tram Mechanical Factory introduced the LVS-66 in 1966. This was the first 6-axle articulated tram in the USSR. In 1973, the plant began making LM-68 trams. They produced over 2100 of these. Production of LVS-86 trams began in 1986.
In 1981, an interesting development occurred. The Petersburg Tram Mechanical Factory designed a multiple unit control system. This was for ZiU-9 trolleybuses. Vladimir Veklich’s design was used in trolleybuses. Cities like Leningrad and Kiev used this system.
As Russia transitioned to a market economy, the plant was privatized. This happened in 1993. It was renamed St. Petersburg Tram Mechanical Plant. In 2003, it joined Dedal Group. This group also owned Vagonmash.
From 2006, the Petersburg Tram Mechanical Factory produced LM-99 tramcars. These trams went to St. Petersburg, Moscow, and other Russian cities. In the same year, a sample LVS-2005 tramcar was built. This was a prototype for low-floor trams. The plant also made PTZ-type trolleybuses. These served domestically.
Later, the Petersburg Tram Mechanical Factory manufactured new designs. These included the Pioneer, Solo, and LM-2008 models. These trams were for St. Petersburg. The plant delivered trains for Volgograd’s rapid underground tram system.
Unfortunately, the Petersburg Tram Mechanical Factory faced challenges. In May 2013, it declared bankruptcy. The plant’s assets were sold. Most buildings were demolished. In 2023, plans emerged to build a subway train depot there.
The Petersburg Tram Mechanical Factory produced many trams. These included the LM-33, LM-36, LM-47, LM-49, LM-57, LM-68, LVS-80, LVS-86, LM-93, LVS-93, LVS-97, LM-99, LM-2000, LVS-2005 and LM-2008. It also produced PTZ210 and PTZ5283 trolleybuses.
The Petersburg Tram Mechanical Factory is now a memory. It was a vital part of St. Petersburg’s transport history. Its trams and trolleybuses served many cities.