In Memory of Kiev Trams + Photo Gallery of Trams and Trolleybuses:: Photo Galleries:: Trolleybuses:: K12.04 — a lone warrior?

K12.04 — A LONE WARRIOR?

In parallel to the articulated K12.03, the Antonov plane factory designed the short model, which was named K12.04. The first specimen, manufactured in May 1999, was delivered to Depot No. 2. Since the articulated Aviants in that depot had been numbered in the 25** series, the new model was assigned 26**. However, the second vehicle never came. At first, all the effort was concentrated on the articulated trolleybus (all the more so because at the same time Kiev was buying short YuMZ's by the score); eventually, the Kiev mayor declared that "the Antonov factory had been unable to create a modern trolleybus", so that the city wouldn't buy any more of them. (It is almost beyond doubt that the true reason for such a decision was the refusal of the factory to pay kickbacks to the mayor.) It is rumored that there is one or more K12.04's among the machines still in storage at the factory — completely ready, but not paid for. Hence, it is not totally excluded that we will see more of them in passenger service; however, as of today there is the one and only 2601, which can usually be found on route 39.

Next to the Akademmistechko (Akademgorodok) metro station. The trolleybus needs to turn left from Prospekt Palladina into Ul. Uborevicha here; however, there is no left turn, therefore one has to turn right, into Bulvar Vernadskogo, make a U-turn, and cross Palladina (this last stage is depicted here).
[Stefan Mashkevich, 30.05.2003]
On Chernobylskaya (yes, that's Chernobyl Street), just before turning left into Irpenskaya.
[Stefan Mashkevich, 26.09.2005]
The left turn. Beyond the right edge of the picture is the Chernobylskaya terminus of routes 7 and 39 (situated on Irpenskaya).
[Stefan Mashkevich, 26.09.2005]
Laying over at the Chernobylskaya terminus.
[Stefan Mashkevich, 30.05.2003]
Just past the bridge where Prospekt Pobedy crosses Prospekt Palladina. Route 7 makes a 270-degree turn here, in order to climb the bridge, whereas route 39 goes straight in the direction of Borschagovka.
[Stefan Mashkevich, 26.09.2005]
At Koltsevaya Doroga (Belt Road), next to a Billa supermarket. Stops are rare here, making the ride rather swift.
[Stefan Mashkevich, 26.09.2005]
The other terminus of route 39, "Prospekt 50-letiya Oktyabrya". Trolleybuses turn in a Φ-shape loop, going under the bridge (as seen here), passing under Koltsevaya Doroga, and climbing back onto it.
[Stefan Mashkevich, 30.05.2003]
The fleet number, manufacturer's plate, and the rules for tram and trolleybus passengers (in two copies, just in case).
[Stefan Mashkevich, 26.09.2005]
A notice above the doors. It reads (abridged): "To provide better service, the trolleybus is equipped with a modern system for the opening of doors, similar to the one in use in European countries. A door will open at a stop if the "Open door" button near the door in question had been pressed at least once."
[Stefan Mashkevich, 26.09.2005]
 
© Stefan Mashkevich and authors of photos, 2006
Any usage of materials found herein requires explicit permission from copyright holders.
Last updated 11 March 2006