E3 series
Reliveried E3-1000 series set L53 on a Tsubasa service, June 2022
In service22 March 1997; 26 years ago (1997-03-22) – Present
ManufacturerKawasaki Heavy Industries, Tokyu Car Corporation
Family nameMini-shinkansen
Replaced400 series
Constructed1995–2009
Scrapped2013–
Number built261 vehicles (41 sets)
Number in service105 vehicles (15 sets) (as of 1 March 2022)
Number scrapped156 vehicles
SuccessorE6 series, E8 series
Formation7 cars per trainset 
6 cars per trainset (formerly, until 2022)
5 cars per trainset ( Akita Shinkansen only, until 1998)
Fleet numbersR1–R26, L51–L55, L61–L72
Capacity6-car R sets: 338 (23 Green + 315 Standard)
7-car L50 sets (E3-1000): 402 (23 Green + 379 Standard)
7-car L60 sets (E3-2000): 394 (23 Green + 371 Standard)
OperatorsJR East
DepotsAkita, Yamagata
Lines servedAkita Shinkansen, Tohoku Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Car length20.05 to 23.07 m (65 ft 9 in to 75 ft 8 in)
Width2,945 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors1 per side
Maximum speed275 km/h (171 mph)(Tohoku Shinkansen), 130 km/h (81 mph) (Akita/Yamagata Shinkansen)
Traction systemGTO or IGBT-VVVF (6-car sets: 16 x 300 kW,
7-car sets: 20 x 300 kW)
Power output6-car sets: 4.8 MW (6,437 hp)
7-car sets: 6 MW (8,046 hp)
Acceleration1.6 km/(h⋅s) (0.99 mph/s)
Electric system(s)20/25 kV AC, 50 Hz overhead catenary
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Safety system(s)ATC-2, DS-ATC, ATS-P
Multiple working200 series, E2 series, E4 series, E5 series
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The E3 series (E3系) is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train type built for Komachi services which commenced on 3 June 1997, coinciding with the opening of the new Akita Shinkansen "mini-shinkansen" line, a regular 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) narrow-gauge line between Morioka and Akita re-gauged to 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge. Later versions of the E3 series were also introduced for use on Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa services. Both "mini-shinkansen" lines join the Tohoku Shinkansen, providing services to and from Tokyo.

Design

This shinkansen design was originally the Akita Shinkansen E3 series trains was overseen by industrial designer Kenji Ekuan.[1] Like the 400 Series Shinkansen, these trains are built to a smaller loading gauge than mainline Shinkansen trains—the width and length of each car is reduced to fit on the narrower clearances of the "mini-shinkansen". Doorway steps fold out to bridge the gap between the narrow body and the platform at regular shinkansen stations.

Variants

Pre-series set

A pre-series 5-car set, numbered S8, was delivered from Kawasaki Heavy Industries to Sendai Depot in March 1995 for extensive testing. It was modified to full-production specifications in March 1997 ahead of the start of Akita Shinkansen services.[3]

Until it was augmented to six cars in 1998, the pre-series was formed as follows, with scissors-type pantographs on cars 12, 13, and 14.[3] Set R1 was withdrawn following its final revenue run on 20 July 2013.[4]

Car No. 11 12 13 14 15
Designation M1sc M2 T M1 M2c
Numbering E311-1 E326-1 E329-1 E325-1 E322-1

E3 series "R" sets

Set R18 coupled to an E5 series set in June 2013
Set R22 in May 2017 with its "Komachi" logos removed

The full-production trainsets built from 1996 for the Akita Shinkansen were 5-car sets, but sixth cars were added by the end of 1998. A total of 26 Akita Shinkansen sets were in service by the end of 2005. Sets R1 to R16 were leased by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) from the owning company, Akita Shinkansen Sharyō Hoyū (秋田新幹線車両保有(株)), a third-sector company jointly owned by JR East and Akita Prefecture.[5] This lease ended on 21 March 2010 with the dissolution of Akita Shinkansen Sharyō Hoyū.[6]

The E3 series sets were phased out following the introduction of new E6 series sets from March 2013, with 19 sets (114 vehicles) scheduled to be withdrawn during fiscal 2013.[7] From the start of the 15 March 2014 timetable revision, E3 series trainsets were no longer used on Akita Shinkansen Komachi services.[8] Two sets (R21 and 22) remained in service until 2021, before then they were used on Yamabiko and Nasuno services coupled to the E5 series.[8]

Formation

Car No. 11 12 13 14 15 16
Designation M1sc M2 T1 T2 M1 M2c
Numbering E311 E326 E329 E328 E325 E322
Seating capacity 23 67 60 68 64 56

Cars 12 and 15 were equipped with PS206 single-arm pantographs.[5]

Fleet history

Set R20 being hauled through Omiya Station on delivery in March 2003
Set R24 being delivered in March 2005
Set R25 being hauled by JNR Class EF65 through Nishi-Kokubunji Station on delivery in June 2005

The build details are as shown below.[9] As of 25 November 2021, the last of the original 26 sets (R22) was scrapped.[10]

Set No. Date delivered Car 14 build date Date withdrawn Remarks
R1 28 March 1995 29 October 1998 26 August 2013 Pre-series set S8 (originally 5 cars with 3 pantographs)
R2 9 October 1996 1 November 1998 13 December 2013[11] Built as 5-car sets
R3 14 October 1996 4 November 1998 17 February 2014[11]
R4 22 October 1996 6 November 1998 9 January 2014[11]
R5 28 October 1996 9 November 1998 26 April 2013
R6 6 November 1996 12 November 1998 12 April 2013
R7 11 November 1996 22 November 1998 17 May 2013
R8 15 November 1996 24 November 1998 24 May 2013
R9 22 November 1996 26 November 1998 7 June 2013
R10 2 December 1996 28 November 1998 27 August 2013
R11 12 December 1996 30 October 1998 13 September 2013
R12 21 December 1996 17 November 1998 27 November 2013[11]
R13 20 January 1997 5 December 1998 19 October 2013[11]
R14 30 January 1997 14 November 1998 1 December 2013[11]
R15 7 February 1997 16 November 1998 28 January 2014[11]
R16 17 February 1997 19 November 1998 8 March 2014[11]
R17 30 September 1998 n/a
(6-car sets from new) 		26 July 2013
R18 23 October 2002 6 March 2022 Converted 2014 to E3-700 series Toreiyu[12]
R19 18 November 2002 1 March 2021 Converted 2016 to E3-700 series Genbi Shinkansen[13]
R20 24 March 2003 17 December 2015[14]
R21 16 September 2003 13 September 2021
R22 27 October 2003 25 November 2021
R23 1 December 2003 25 May 2014 Converted 2014 to become Set L55
R24 4 April 2005 4 December 2013[Note 1] Converted 2014 to become Set L54
R25 11 July 2005 18 December 2013[Note 2] Converted 2014 to become Set L54
R26 25 July 2005 6 July 2014 Converted 2014 to become Set L55

Notes

  1. ^ Cars 11 and 14-16[11]
  2. ^ Car 14[11]

Interior

E3-1000 series

E3-1000 series set L51 on a Tsubasa service in April 2011
E3-1000 series set L52 on a Tsubasa service in July 2006

Three 7-car E3-1000 sets (numbered L51 – L53) were built between 1999 and 2005 for use on Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa services from 4 December 1999 to augment the 400 series fleet following with the extension of the line to Shinjo.[15] From 2014, a further two sets (L54 and L55) were introduced, reformed from withdrawn Akita Shinkansen E3-0 series "R" sets, to replace the two older sets L51 and L52.[16]

Formation

The sets are formed as shown below, with five motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars, and car 11 at the Tokyo end.

Car No. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Designation M1sc M2 T1 M2 T2 M1 M2c
Numbering E311-1000 E326-1000 E329-1000 E326-1100 E328-1000 E325-1000 E322-1000
Seating capacity 23 67 60 68 64 64 56

Cars 12 and 14 are equipped with PS206 single-arm pantographs.[5]

Interior

Fleet history

E3-1000 series set L53 on delivery from Tokyu Car in July 2005

The build details are as shown below.[11]

Set No. Manufacturer Date delivered Date reliveried Date withdrawn Remarks
L51 Tokyu Car 11 August 1999 - 5 September 2014[17]
L52 Kawasaki Heavy Industries 11 September 1999 - 4 February 2015[18]
L53 Tokyu Car 17 August 2005 24 November 2015[19]
L54 Kawasaki Heavy Industries[18] 30 July 2014[18] 30 July 2014[18] Rebuilt from sets R24+R25
L55 J-TREC[18] 13 January 2015[18] 13 January 2015[18] Rebuilt from sets R23+R26

L54/L55 conversion details

E3-1000 series set L54 in March 2015

The former identities of the cars reformed into sets L54 and L55 are as shown below.[16]

Set No. Car No. Running No. Former set No. Former car No. Former running No.
L54 11 E311-1004 R25 11 E311-25
12 E326-1004 12 E326-25
13 E329-1004 13 E329-25
14 E326-1104 R24 12 E326-24
15 E328-1004 13 E329-24
16 E325-1004 R25 15 E325-25
17 E322-1004 16 E322-25
L55 11 E311-1005 R26 11 E311-25
12 E326-1005 12 E326-25
13 E329-1005 13 E329-26
14 E326-1105 R23 12 E326-23
15 E328-1005 13 E329-23
16 E325-1005 R26 15 E325-26
17 E322-1005 16 E322-26

E3-2000 series

Reliveried E3-2000 series set L67 on a Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa service in September 2015
E3-2000 series set L67 in original livery in May 2009

The first of a fleet of twelve new E3-2000 series 7-car sets entered service on Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa services on 20 December 2008.[20] The new fleet totally replaced the older 400 series trains by summer 2009. The new trains incorporate design improvements, including active suspension, full-color LED destination indicators, and AC power outlets in all cars.[21] Seating capacity in cars 16 and 17 has been reduced by 4 (one row of seats) compared with the E3-1000 series to provide uniform seating pitch in all cars (seat pitch was previously reduced in non-reserved cars).

Formation

Car No. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Designation M1sc M2 T1 M2 T2 M1 M2c
Numbering E311-2000 E326-2000 E329-2000 E326-2100 E328-2000 E325-2000 E322-2000
Seating capacity 23 67 60 68 64 60 52

Cars 12 and 14 are equipped with PS206 single-arm pantographs.[5]

Fleet history

As of 1 October 2016, the E3-2000 series fleet is as follows.[19]

Set No. Manufacturer Date delivered Date reliveried
L61 Kawasaki HI 9 October 2008 6 July 2016
L62 9 December 2008
L63 7 January 2009 24 November 2015
L64 17 February 2009 25 April 2014
L65 3 March 2009 6 June 2014
L66 25 March 2009 22 October 2014
L67 Tokyu Car 28 March 2009 12 November 2014
L68 Kawasaki HI 14 April 2009 5 December 2014
L69 19 May 2009 23 February 2015
L70 30 June 2009 6 April 2016
L71 22 July 2009 24 April 2016
L72 25 March 2010 18 September 2015

Interior

Repainting

Current livery

The first re-liveried set, L64, May 2014

From spring 2014, the entire fleet of 15 E3-1000 and E3-2000 series Tsubasa sets were gradually repainted into a new livery designed by industrial designer Ken Okuyama.[22] The new livery consists of white, evoking the snow of Mount Zaō, deep purple inspired by the Mandarin duck, the prefectural bird for Yamagata Prefecture, together with yellow and red for the safflower, the prefectural flower of Yamagata Prefecture.[23] The first repainted set is appeared in late April.[23] Three sets were repainted by June 2014, and the rest of the fleet of 15 sets was repainted by mid 2016.[22]

Original livery (2023 revision)

On 11 February 2023, set L65 was repainted into the original silver and green livery used at the time of introduction to Tsubasa services last seen in 2016.[24] According to JR East, the repainting was done to promote the Yamagata Shinkansen.

E3-700 series Toreiyu excursion set

E3-700 series Toreiyu set R18 in September 2015

This was a six-car set rebuilt from former Akita Shinkansen trainset R18[12] as an excursion train named Toreiyu (とれいゆ) for use on the Yamagata Shinkansen between Fukushima and Shinjo, which entered service from July 2014.[25] The design work for the rebuilt train was overseen by industrial designer Ken Okuyama.[26] The six-car set had a total seating capacity of 143 passengers.[25] Car 11 was a standard-class car with reserved seating arranged 2+2 abreast, cars 12 to 14 featured Japanese-style tatami seating, car 15 was a lounge car with a bar counter, and car 16 was ashiyu foot baths.[25] The name of the train is a portmanteau of the English word "train" and the French word "soleil" (sun).[25] The train was normally used on special Toreiyu Tsubasa services running at weekends.[25] The train was discontinued in March of 2022.[27]

Formation

The Toreiyu set was based at Yamagata Depot and formed as shown below, with car 11 at the Fukushima end.[12]

Car No. 11 12 13 14 15 16
Designation M1c M2 T1 T2 M1 M2c
Numbering E321-701 E326-701 E329-701 E328-701 E325-701 E322-701
Facilities 2+2 seating Japanese-style seating Lounge + bar counter Ashiyu foot baths

E3-700 series Genbi Shinkansen excursion set

E3-700 series Genbi Shinkansen set R19 in September 2016

The Genbi Shinkansen (現美新幹線, "contemporary art shinkansen") was a six-car set rebuilt from former Akita Shinkansen trainset R19 at Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Kobe as an excursion train for use on the Joetsu Shinkansen between Echigo-Yuzawa and Niigata. The train began operations on 29 April 2016,[28] mostly on weekends and holidays. It was withdrawn from service on 19 December 2020.[29]

The exterior livery was designed by photographer Mika Ninagawa.[13] The first car of the six car set featured the art of Nao Matsumoto; a golden yellow motif based on harvests, festivals and light was present in the car. Window shades displayed art using a special dye as the train passes through tunnels. The second car featured stainless steel mirrors on the walls, the work of Yusuke Komuta. They reflect the landscape outside the train. The third car featured a children's area and a cafe. The children's area featured blue and white representations of toy trains by Art Unit Paramodel. The cafe section of the car was designed by Kentaro Kobuke and served sweet items featuring local products. The fourth car featured an alpine photography exhibition by Naoki Ishikawa. The fifth car featured an abstract flower artpiece by Haruka Koujin that vibrated with the motion of the train. The final car featured a short film by Brian Alfred, depicting the scenery of Niigata.[30] The trainset was shown off to the media on 12 January 2016.[13]

Formation

The Genbi Shinkansen set was based at Niigata Depot and formed as shown below, with car 11 at the Tokyo end.[28]

Car No. 11 12 13 14 15 16
Designation M1c M2 T1 T2 M1 M2c
Numbering E321-702 E326-702 E329-702 E328-702 E325-702 E322-702
Former number E311-19 E326-19 E329-19 E328-19 E325-19 E322-19
Facilities 2+2 seating Art gallery space Cafe + children's play area Art gallery space

Cars 12 and 15 each had one single-arm pantograph.[28]

See also

References

  1. ^ "The Works of GK Design Group". GK Design Group Inc. Archived from the original on 17 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  2. ^ "現美新幹線、2020年12月ラストランへ | 鉄道ニュース".
  3. ^ a b 新幹線電車データブック2011 [Shinkansen Databook 2011]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. March 2011. ISBN 978-4-330-19811-8.
  4. ^ JR東日本E3系R1編成引退 [JR East E3 series set R1 retired]. The Railway Pictorial (in Japanese). Japan: Denkisha Kenkyūkai. 63 (880): 92. October 2013.
  5. ^ a b c d JR電車編成表 2009夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2009]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. June 2009. ISBN 978-4-330-06909-8.
  6. ^ 県に出資金１１５億円返還へ 秋田新幹線車両保有会社. Akita Sakigake Shimpo (in Japanese). Japan. 22 January 2010. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
  7. ^ 2013年度総合車両センター関係業務改善が提案される [Work Improvements Proposed for General Rolling Stock Center in Fiscal 2013] (PDF). Danketsu (in Japanese). Japan: National Railway Workers' Union. 27 January 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  8. ^ a b 3月15日ダイヤ改正と各地の話題 [15 March timetable revision and topics from around the regions]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 43, no. 361. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. May 2014. p. 13.
  9. ^ JR電車編成表 2013夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2013]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. May 2013. p. 20. ISBN 978-4-330-37313-3.
  10. ^ JR電車編成表 2022冬 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2022] (in Japanese). Tōkyō: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 2021. ISBN 978-4-330-06521-2. OCLC 1286527200.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k JR電車編成表 2014夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2014]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 30 May 2014. pp. 20–24, 356. ISBN 978-4-330-46614-9.
  12. ^ a b c Shiraishi, Hiroyuki (August 2014). 平成26年3月15日ダイヤ改正にともなうＪＲ東日本車両の動き [JR East fleet changes following 15 March 2014 timetable revision]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 54, no. 640. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. p. 73.
  13. ^ a b c E3系改造"GENBI SHINKANSEN"を報道公開 [Rebuilt E3 series "Genbi Shinkansen" shown off to the press]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 45, no. 383. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. March 2016. p. 4.
  14. ^ JR車両のうごき [JR rolling stock changes]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 45, no. 383. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. March 2016. p. 127.
  15. ^ JR電車編成表 2013冬 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2013]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. November 2012. p. 24. ISBN 978-4-330-33112-6.
  16. ^ a b E3系 山形新幹線転用車両 [E3 series trains reallocated to Yamagata Shinkansen]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 54, no. 642. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. October 2014. pp. 86–87.
  17. ^ JR電車編成表 2015冬 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2015] (in Japanese). Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 21 November 2014. pp. 26, 357. ISBN 978-4-330-51614-1.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g JR電車編成表 2015夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2015] (in Japanese). Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 20 May 2015. pp. 23, 26, 358. ISBN 978-4-330-56915-4.
  19. ^ a b JR電車編成表 2017冬 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2017] (in Japanese). Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 16 November 2016. p. 118. ISBN 978-4-330-73716-4.
  20. ^ "山形新幹線に新型車両" (New Trains for Yamagata Shinkansen). (20 December 2008) Archived 13 July 2012 at archive.today. Retrieved on 20 December 2008. (in Japanese)
  21. ^ 山形新幹線「つばさ」用車両の新造について (PDF) (Press release) (in Japanese). JR East. 3 July 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2008.
  22. ^ a b 山形新幹線 「つばさ」塗装リニューアル [Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa trains to be repainted]. Kahoku Online Network (in Japanese). Japan: Kahoku Shimpo Publishing. 29 August 2013. Archived from the original on 1 September 2013. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  23. ^ a b "山形新幹線E3系のエクステリアデザインを変更" [Exterior design change for Yamagata Shinkansen E3 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 4 March 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  24. ^ "JR東日本E3系「つばさ」山形新幹線「懐かしのシルバーカラー」復刻" [JR East E3 Series Yamagata Shinkansen "Nostalgic Silver Color" Repaint]. MyNavi Corporation (in Japanese). 11 February 2023. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  25. ^ a b c d e "山形エリアにE3系改造車「とれいゆ」を導入" [Rebuilt E3 series Toreiyu to be introduced in Yamagata area]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 4 March 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  26. ^ 山形新幹線に新たな魅力が誕生します！ [A new allure born on the Yamagata Shinkansen] (PDF). News release (in Japanese). Japan: East Japan Railway Company. 4 March 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  27. ^ "JR News: Footbath bullet train Toreiyu Tsubasa to retire in March 2022". JR Times (in Japanese). Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  28. ^ a b c E3系「GENBI SHINKANSEN」 [E3 series Genbi Shinkansen]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 56, no. 661. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. May 2016. pp. 72–73.
  29. ^ "世界最速の芸術鑑賞「現美新幹線」運行終了のお知らせ" [Notice of the end of operation of the world's fastest art appreciation "Genbi Shinkansen"] (PDF) (Press release) (in Japanese). East Japan Railway Company. 27 July 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  30. ^ Japan Railway Journal. Prepaid E-money Cards: The Smart Way to Travel in Japan. Japan Railway Journal. Japan: NHK World-Japan. 3 August 2017. Event occurs at 22:40. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2017.

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