273 series
Set Y2 undergoing test running in December 2023
In serviceFrom 6 April 2024 (planned)
Manufacturer
Replaced381 series
Number under construction28 vehicles (7 sets)
Number built16 vehicles (4 sets)
Formation4 cars per trainset
Fleet numbersY1–
OperatorsJR West
Lines served
Specifications
Traction systemVariable frequency
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC (overhead catenary)
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The 273 series (273系) is a Japanese train type on order by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) for use on Yakumo limited express services on the Sanyo Main Line, Hakubi Line and Sanin Main Line. Announced on 16 February 2022, it is intended to replace the 381 series.

Design

Cars will be painted in a bronze livery. The trains will also feature a pendular[1] tilting system which will be an improvement over the current 381 series trainsets. The tilting system will be jointly developed by JR West, the Railway Technical Research Institute, and Kawasaki.[2]

Each train set will consist of four cars.[3] Green (first class) cars will feature transverse seating in a 1+2 configuration. Ordinary class cars will also feature transverse seating except in a 2+2 configuration.[3] In addition to the regular seating arrangement, there will be a section reserved for tables.[4]

History

On 16 February 2022, JR West announced that it would be introducing a new type of rolling stock on Yakumo services by Q2 2024.[5] Kinki Sharyo announced it would be responsible for manufacturing the trainsets on 7 March 2022.[6] The first set, Y1, was unveiled on 17 October 2023,[7] with test-running commencing alongside set Y2 from 25 October 2023.[8] Sets Y3 and Y4 were assigned to test-running on 17 January 2024.[9]

The fleet is scheduled to be introduced into service from 6 April 2024.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b JR西日本，273系“やくも”の運転を4月6日から順次開始 [JR West to introduce new 273 series "Yakumo" trains from 6 April]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  2. ^ "特急「やくも」新型車両273系の内外装デザイン決定 フラットシートも設置" [Limited Express "Yakumo" New Model 273 Series Interior and Exterior Design Determined with Flat Seats]. News Railway Pressnet (in Japanese). 20 October 2022. Archived from the original on 20 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  3. ^ a b "JR西日本，特急"やくも"に導入する273系のデザインを決定" [JR West decides the design of the 273 series to be introduced on the limited express "Yakumo"]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). 20 October 2022. Archived from the original on 20 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  4. ^ "JR西日本、新型車両273系の車体に「やくもブロンズ」デザイン公開" [JR West unveils "Yakumo Bronze" design for new train 273 series]. MyNavi News (in Japanese). 20 October 2022. Archived from the original on 20 October 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  5. ^ "JR西日本，特急"やくも"に273系を導入へ" [JR West to introduce 273 series to limited express "Yakumo"]. Japan Railway Fan Magazine Online (in Japanese). 16 February 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  6. ^ "西日本旅客鉄道株式会社殿向け「やくも」を受注いたしました。" [We have received an order for "Yakumo" for West Japan Railway Company/]. Kinki Sharyo (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 9 March 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
  7. ^ "JR西日本「やくも」新型車両273系「豊かな車内の過ごし方」実現へ". news.mynavi.jp (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. 21 October 2023. Archived from the original on 21 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  8. ^ 273系Y1編成・Y2編成が近畿車輛から出場 [273 series sets Y1 and Y2 undergoing testing by Kinki Sharyo]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. 25 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  9. ^ "273系Y3編成・Y4編成が登場" [Test Running for 273 Series sets Y3 and Y4]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). 17 January 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2024.

External links

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