VERY RARE 2004 ThyssenKrupp Avante Escalator - Municipal Market - SP, BR

Описание: Finally one I wanted to tick off the list for years - ThyssenKrupp Avante escalator at the Municipal Market in downtown São Paulo. Single unit going from the main level to the mezzanine in the center of the place.
Beautiful classic ornate architecture inside and out, that in itself is another show here.

More info about the location:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municip...
On Google Street View:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/88VoG9myxRmJG...

The building itself is from the 1930s but has undergone several renovations from time to time, including the addition of this mezzanine and these escalators in 2003 to 2004.
There was originally a pair of these here, this and another one for down at the opposite side of the mezzanine, but that one was removed years ago and in it's place is an Atlas Schindler 9300AE that's... quite beat-up, in much worse condition than this one. Likely a used and reinstalled unit. Why they replaced that other Avante with it, not sure.

So for the Avante, it's a rather rare model, and in Brazil, it is REALLY rare. For the entire country, I only have records of them in a few more places in São Paulo and one or two shopping malls in a few other big cities. Certainly a few more in select locations but I haven't taken notice yet. TK wasn't too big in the escalator market in Brazil at the time. No info when exactly the Avante was made available and discontinued around here. The version we got is made in Spain, like some of the first Velinos. Still no records of the treadmill (travelator, moving walk, etc.) version of it anywhere here yet.
There are none in my home state, actually not even anywhere near it. This is the easiest one to film in the entire country. First time I and ‪@rafaelrigoelevadores2417‬ saw one in person, for the record.

The design is pretty interesting, mainly for going all-in into that futuristic early 2000s look to it, with all the curves and light steel, it was ahead of it's time. Unlike most others, this version of the Velino does not have the angled handrail edges atop the handrail entrances, it's a regular "C" shape, as well the larger trims only on the entrances and not through all of the run of the structure.
The handrail inlets look pretty interesting, with the bump for the stop and key switches and the ThyssenKrupp name printed on, as well as the TK logo emblem "hidden" below, it's an interesting design choice, but that's what makes it cool to find. It's a feat that this unit still has them there too. Interesting that this one doesn't have the ThyssenKrupp logo on the landing plates, very uncommon to see "brandless" landing plates over here, unless they were replaced at some point, though I think these are still original. Rare case if these were ordered without the logos like it's often done in the US. Those two little dots at each side on the entrances were the lights, but do not work anymore. Worth noticing, is how deep in the structure the steps run, big distance between the step's side edges and the side skirt joints, unlike any other escalators seen here, the Avante is the only model I know that's like this (and the very opposite of some other certain models). No additional features like lighting, that little "computer" unit that some TK escalators had, idle mode/slowdown, etc., and had no aftermarket features added later on, this is still a very basic installation.
Looks dirty, beat-up, but it's more than natural for the type of place it's in, heck, I expected it to be in MUCH worse shape and it looks alright considering everything. Almost no damages, doesn't look too worn or scratched, it's still fine for being in this application!

As for the operation, it's actually doing pretty fine too! Runs smoothly and doesn't have any issues, no noises, no pullbacks or anything. Motor is nearly inaudible, has a little bit of squeaking and clacking, but not out of the normal or expected. The steps feel very heavy and firm on the structure, great construction quality overall. Really good in general considering how beat-up and used this is. Again, not what I expected lol.
Maintenance by a local company, PROVYP Elevators. Seem to be doing a good service since this one is that good despite it's looks and use.


Specifications:
Manufacturer: ThyssenKrupp
Mantainer: Provyp Elevators (local company)
Model: Avante
Type: Commercial escalator
Width: 48" (Double-file)
Balustrades: Glass
In Service: 2004
Floors Served: 2 (T* - M)
Arrangement: Single unit, freestanding
Operation: Continuous, single speed
Motor System: Top-drive, AC machine
Rating: 9/10 - Big find, a very rare model and was on my list for a long time. The design is pretty interesting, more so than the usual TK escalators. It is looking beat-up and a little dirty, natrually because of the place it's in, but I expected much worse. Runs pretty well and has no issues either, so, all positives.

Filmed: May 5, 2025
Camera: Samsung Galaxy A54
© 2025 L. Naves