253 series

Infobox EMU
name = 253 series

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imagesize = 240px
caption = A 253 series train on a "Narita Express" service.
InService = 1991 - Present
Manufacturer = Kinki Sharyo, Tokyu Car
Family =
Built = 111 vehicles
Refurbishment =
Formation = 3/6 cars per trainset
Operator = JR East
Depots = Ōfuna
LinesServed =
CarBody = Steel
CarLength = 20,930 mm (end cars), 20,500 mm (intermediate cars)
CarWidth = 2,946 mm
CarHeight =
MaxSpeed = 130 km/h
Weight =
Capacity =
Acceleration =
Deceleration =
Traction =
Power =
Gauge = 1,067 mm
Voltage = 1,500 V DC overhead
Brakes = Regenerative brake, Electric commanding brake
SafetySystem = ATS-P, ATS-SN, ATC

The 253 series is a DC electric multiple unit operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It was introduced on March 19 1991, and is used exclusively on the "Narita Express", a limited express service to and from Narita International Airport. They were manufactured by Kinki Sharyo and Tokyu Car Corp. Sets are formed as 3-car and 6-car units, running as up to 12-car formations in service.

It was the recipient of the 32nd Laurel Prize of the Japan Railfan Club. Extra sets were built in 2002 to cope with the increase in traffic during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. These sets are classified 253-200 series, and include minor improvements over the original 253-0 and 253-100 series sets, such as LED destination indicators, conventional rotating seats in standard class, and 2+1 seating in Green cars.

The standard-class seating arrangement used in the original 253 series sets was unusual for Japanese limited express trains in consisting of European-style fixed 4-seat bays. The seats were rearranged in a fixed unidirectional layout facing 4-seat bays in the centre of each car between 2003 and 2004.

Retirement

The 253 series trains are scheduled to be phased out from autumn 2009 onward following the introduction of new E259 series EMUs. [ [http://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2007_2/20080202.pdf JR East press release announcing introduction of new E259 series trains] , 5 February 2008 ja icon]

ee also

*Narita Express

References

External links

* [http://www.jreast.co.jp/train/express/253.html JR East 253 series Narita Express] (Japanese)