Have you ever heard of Sprague-Thomson trains?

The name “Sprague-Thomson” has become synonymous with heritage. The first generations of famous Sprague-Thomson trains were commissioned in 1908, while the last ones remained in operation until 16 April 1983.

Following a fire on board a wooden train in 1903, Paris metropolitan rail operator CMP (Compagnie du chemin de fer Métropolitain de Paris) sought to develop reliable and safe electrical equipment to power its rolling stock. The Sprague-Thomson model was therefore designed to address the company’s rail safety concerns.

As early as 1908, these trains provided the features required to operate a dense urban railway network that was both modern and safe: long metallic carriages, with powerful, robust engines that were controlled remotely by a multiple-unit traction system. Between 1908 and 1937, approximately 2,800 trains were built according to this design, with each new model offering greater capacity and comfort.

Second-class carriages were green, and equipped with their recognisable wooden benches, while first-class carriages were red, and fitted with leather seats. These trains embodied the Paris metro for many years, having featured in the lives of three generations of Parisians. The last of these trains made their final journey across metro line 9 on 16 April 1983. The Sprague train both witnessed and played a major role in every trend and evolution that shaped and defined its era.

The decorative fittings on Sprague-Thomson trains were outstandingly elaborate for the time. Many of its features bestowed the Paris metro with its unique and iconic look: from the large rounded windows, glazed steel signage proudly displaying the CMP logo, nickel silver handrails and hat stands, to the skylight providing ventilation.
 

Did you know? All Sprague-Thomson trains were equipped with bayonet-socket light bulbs larger than those sold in stores, their size making them impractical for domestic use. Nonetheless, Parisians had the annoying habit of stealing light bulbs from wooden metro trains in the 1900s.

On April 16, 1983, the iconic Sprague-Thomson trains ran for the last time on Metro Line 9. To mark the occasion, the RATP celebrated the event from April 11 to 16, 1983, paying tribute to this legendary rolling stock, known as the "first star of metropolitan railways." At the time, it was "impossible not to take one last ride on a Sprague." Farewell, legend!

On April 16, 2023, RATP employees and passengers came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the final journey of the Sprague-Thomson train—a nostalgic nod to this legendary generation of Paris Metro cars.

The day's program featured an exhibition of a Sprague-Thomson motor car and trailer at Porte de Saint-Cloud station, RATP staff dressed in period uniforms, guided tours by speakers from the ADEMAS association (dedicated to the operation of Sprague equipment), a concert by the Musicians of the Metro, a photo booth, giveaways, and more. It was a resounding success!

To mark the occasion, check out a video revealing 5 things you didn’t know about the Sprague-Thomson train (in French):

@ratpofficiel

5 choses que vous ne saviez pas sur la rame Sprague-Thomson #ratpsansfiltre #ratp #sprague40

♬ son original - RATP Officiel

Ademas (Association d'exploitation du matériel Sprague, Sprague rolling stock operation association) recently renovated a train at the Choisy maintenance centres to restore its original colours. A look back on the operation that mobilised numerous employees and enthusiasts.

Carriages were initially decorated with crests bearing Paris' motto fluctuat nec mergitur (tossed by waves, yet does not sink) in embossed brass. The coat of arms is a reminder that the City of Paris originally owned the infrastructure operated by the CMP.

One of the challenges involved in refurbishing the train was reproducing the emblem, as only one out of the ten coats of arms that adorned a train was preserved over time. As the original manufacturer no longer existed, another solution had to be found.

By combining RATP Group’s skills and modern technologies with traditional expertise, the emblem was brought back to life using Autodesk, based on a 3D scan carried out at RATP.

Since then, additive manufacturing technology was identified as the most effective method of testing new processes. During an initial trial with 3D Métal Industrie, a sand mould was successfully printed, relying on a technique dating back to antiquity. The crest was cast in the mould created by the new technology, and then polished to restore its original shine.