TST 984 – Caetano Enigma


Coach operated by TST seen at Gare do Oriente, Lisboa, in May 2019. This coach with fleet number 984 is first-generation Caetano Enigma registered in 2000. It has an overall length of 39.4 ft and can accommodate 51 seated passengers (51+1+1). It uses the MAN 18.310 HOCL/A chassis with the 228 kW (310 hp) MAN D2866 LOH engine. Based in Laranjeiro, TST ¹, an acronym for Transportes Sul do Tejo, operates regular services, regular specialized services and occasional services. Here, we see this Caetano Enigma during a short break on the Lisboa–Palmela regular service. The white badge on the bumper with black "TP" inscription denotes this coach is licensed for public passenger service. The badge, usually in self-adhesive vinyl and measuring 9.84 x 7.08 in, includes the "TP" inscription (from "Transporte Público", public transportation) and the license number of the operator.

As a note of interest regarding the MAN chassis, HOCL/A denotes a bus chassis (OC, Omnibuschassis), equipped with a rear engine (H, Heck) and air suspension (L, Luft). Credible sources tell me the /A comes from the Portuguese expression Autoportante, denoting a self-supporting body. Still, I find it peculiar, the presence of a Portuguese expression in the nomenclature of the German manufacturer. ●


Autocarro operado pelos TST visto na Gare do Oriente, Lisboa, em Maio de 2019. Este autocarro com o número de frota 984 é um Caetano Enigma de primeira geração registado em 2000. Tem um comprimento total de 12 m e pode acomodar 51 passageiros sentados (51+1+1). Utiliza o chassis MAN 18.310 HOCL/A com o motor MAN D2866 LOH de 228 kW (310 hp). Baseada em/no Laranjeiro, a TST ¹, acrónimo de Transportes Sul do Tejo, opera serviços regulares, serviços regulares especializados e serviços ocasionais. Aqui, vemos este Caetano Enigma durante uma curta pausa no serviço regular Lisboa–Palmela. O distintivo branco no pára-choques com a inscrição "TP" a preto denota que este autocarro se encontra licenciado para o transporte público de passageiros. O distintivo, usualmente em vinilo autocolante e medindo 25 x 18 cm, inclui a inscrição "TP"  (de "Transporte Público") e o número de alvará do operador.

Como nota de interesse em relação ao chassis MAN, HOCL/A denota um chassis para autocarro (OC, Omnibuschassis), equipado com um motor à retaguarda (H, Heck) e suspensão pneumática (L, Luft). Fontes credíveis dizem-me que o /A vem da expressão portuguesa Autoportante. Ainda assim, considero-o peculiar, a presença de uma expressão portuguesa na nomenclatura do fabricante alemão. ● 


¹  "Transportes Sul do Tejo, S.A.", Laranjeiro, Portugal.  


Transportes Sul do Tejo 

Based in Laranjeiro, TST operates regular services, regular specialized services and occasional services. It gives way to Carris Metropolitana/TST in 2022. ●

Fleet Number

Registration

Year

Built

984

93-30-PA

2000

2000

Further details or corrections are welcome. | Mais detalhes ou correcções são bem-vindos.



Portugal is a small country, but still full of wonderful secrets. In fact, in just a few minutes the TST 984 took me from overcrowded and noisy, unpleasant Lisboa, to an idyllic corner to the south. Normally, I travel for the sake of traveling, but sometimes destination brings surprises like this, of unpretentious and invigorating beauty. ● 

Portugal é um país pequeno, mas ainda cheio de encantadores segredos. De facto, em poucos minutos o TST 984 levou-me da sobrelotada e barulhenta, desagradável Lisboa, para um recanto idílico a sul. Normalmente, viajo pela viagem, mas por vezes o destino traz surpresas assim, de despretensiosa e revigorante beleza. ●


● References 

Wikipedia | "Transportes Sul do Tejo" pt-PT
Wikipedia | "MAN Truck & Bus"
MAN | "MAN Bus-Chassis von 8 bus 28 Tonnen" brochure
Wikipedia | "Laranjeiro"
Wikipedia | "Laranjeiro" pt-PT
Wikipedia | "Lisboa"
Wikipedia | "Lisboa" pt-PT

1 mm → 0.039 inch 
1 g → 0.035 oz 
1 kg → 2.205 lb avdp 
1 t (metric) – 2204.623 pound (lb) (avdp) 
1 kW → 1,360 hp (metric/PS)
1 kW → 1,341 hp
1 hp (metric/PS) → 0,986 hp
1 km → 0,621 mile (international)
1 l → 0.264 US gallon 
1 m → 3.281 ft 
1 cm³ → 0.0610237 ci

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