Renovation of the Tramway Handrails in Tours: A Project of Industrial and Artistic Excellence!

The city of Tours, with its Citadis 402 streetcar network, stands out like a work of art, with a resolutely distinctive interior and exterior design. The atmosphere is quite unique for users, thanks to the design of the proposed amenities. MASTERIS' renovation project for the maintenance bars is part of this artistic and symbolic adventure.

Our focus is on mastering surface treatments in order to offer a high level of industrial quality, since this means preserving the unique visual identity of each of the tramway trainsets in Touraine.

Context and importance of the project

The Tours tramway network, inaugurated in 2013, was conceived not only as a new means of transport, but also as an element of urban design. The trams were designed by RCP Design Global, incorporating artistic elements that make them an architectural symbol of the city.

After more than ten years in service, the handrails require industrial renovation to restore their visual appeal and user-friendliness.

Technical and logistical specifications

Collaboration with the SNCF Technicentre Industriel in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps is a decisive factor in this project, thanks to its industrial experience and local proximity to Keolis, which is responsible for operating and maintaining Citadis trains.

Our services include major operations such as shot blasting and powder coating of holding bars, using proven, high-quality industrial processes.

Our technicians use thermosetting powder coatings in two types of color.

This industrial operation will restore the visual identity of the Citadis 402 trainsets to their original interior colors. It also enables us to meet the operational maintenance standards required by Tours Métropole Val de Loire to guarantee a high level of cleanliness.

Shuttle crates were built by Keolis to protect and transport the bars between the two sites.

Project progress

The refurbishment of the 40 handrails per Citadis trainset follows a tailor-made industrial and logistical process to meet the crossing times requested by Keolis :

1. Each handrail is visually inspected by Keolis to determine what renovation work needs to be carried out.
2. The retaining bars are then stripped of their original paint, which has deteriorated over time.
3. A tailor-made painting process was proposed by our engineering department's paint and lamination committee, to ensure long-term robustness and guarantee.
4. An express pick-up and delivery service for some of the parts enables Keolis to dismantle and reassemble the handrails in the required time.

MASTERIS interfaces and coordinates all the players involved in the various stages of industrial renovation.

Respect for Visual Identity

This collaboration is organized with the preservation of art and design for each of the tramcars. This is a unique aspect of the project, as it involves respecting the visual identity of all 21 trainsets. Unique buds designed by a number of local players in the Touraine region (vocational high schools and foundry craftsmen), are dismantled and reinstalled by Keolis teams as part of the industrial renovation process.

MASTERIS' assets for this project

MASTERIS markets local skills with its network of technical experts, specialized in the engineering and maintenance of rail and urban rolling stock. The Cluster Ingénierie Ouest and the industrial skills of the SNCF Technicentre in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps are associated with this high-quality refurbishment program to contribute to the success of the project.

Our teams are fully mobilized with Keolis to meet the expectations and satisfaction of Tours Métropole Val de Loire.

The industrial program began in 2021, with completion scheduled for 2025.

We would like to thank all those involved for the success of this industrial program, and Keolis for renewing their confidence in us.

Photo links and history of the project :

https://valesens.com/letramwaydetours/

http://les21bourgeonsdutram.fr/index.html

https://lycee-henribrisson.com/les-bourgeons-du-tramway-de-tours/