E257 series

Infobox EMU
name = E257 series


imagesize = 240px
caption = An E257 series train on a Chūō Line "Azusa" service
InService = 2001 - Present
Manufacturer = Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corp
Family =
Built = 249 vehicles
Refurbishment =
Formation = 2/5/9 cars per trainset
Operator = JR East
Depots = Matsumoto, Makuhari
LinesServed = Chūō Main Line, Uchibō Line, Sotobō Line
CarBody =
CarLength = 21,000 mm (end cars), 20,500 mm (intermediate cars)
CarWidth =
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, Snow-resistant brake
SafetySystem = ATS-SN, ATS-P

The E257 series is a DC electric multiple unit operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), built jointly by Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo and Tokyu Car Corp. Two variants exist: the original E257-0 series for use on Chūō Main Line "Azusa" and "Kaiji" limited-express services, and the E257-500 series for use on Uchibō Line and Sotobō Line limited-express services.

Chūō Main Line E257-0 series

This sub-series version was introduced in December 1 2001 to replace the aging 183 and 189 series rolling stock on Chūō Main Line "Azusa" and "Kaiji" services. Based at Matsumoto depot, the fleet consists of sixteen 9-car sets (M101 to M116) with a full cab at the Matsumoto end and a gangwayed cab at the Tokyo end, and five 2-car "add-on" sets (M201 to M205) with a full cab at the Tokyo end and a shunting cab only at the Matsumoto end.

The type was the recipient of the 45th Blue Ribbon Award (2002) of the Japan Railfan Club.

ervices operated

Chūō Main Line

*"Azusa (train)": Chiba - Tokyo - Shinjuku - Matsumoto - Minamiotari
*"Kaiji (train)": Tokyo - Shinjuku - Kōfu - Ryūō
*"Chūō Liner": Tokyo - Shinjuku - Hachiōji - Takao
*"Ōme Liner": Tokyo - Shinjuku - Tachikawa - Ōme

Shinonoi Line

*Rapid: Matsumoto - Nagano

Matsumoto-based E257 series trains were also used on the "Ohayō Liner Shinjuku" and "Home Liner Odawara" commuter services running on the Tōkaidō Main Line until March 14 2008.

"Bōsō Express" E257-500 series

The E257-500 sub-series version was introduced from October 2004 on Uchibō Line "Sazanami" and Sotobō Line "Wakashio" limited-express services, replacing older 183 series rolling stock. Based at Makuhari depot in Chiba Prefecture, the fleet consists of 19 5-car sets (NB01 to NB19).Unlike the Chūō Line variant, these sets have gangways at both ends.

ervices operated

Uchibō Line

*"Sazanami": Tokyo - Tateyama

Sotobō Line

*"Wakashio": Tokyo - Katsuura - Awa-Kamogawa

Sōbu Main Line

*"Shiosai": (Shinjuku) - Tokyo - Chōshi
*"Ayame": Tokyo - Narita - Chōshi

Yokosuka Line

*"Ohayō Liner Zushi": Zushi - Tokyo
*"Home Liner Zushi": Tokyo - Zushi

References

* 2006 JR Rolling Stock Handbook - Neko Publishing
* JR EMU Formations (Winter 2007) - JRR Publishing

External links

* [http://www.tokyu-car.co.jp/eng/rs/rs_e257.html E257, Tokyu Car Corp]
* [http://www.kinkisharyo.co.jp/eng/e_sharyo/e_sh_seihin/e_sh_e257-500.htm E257-500, Kinki Sharyo]
* [http://www.hitachi-rail.com/about_us/delivery/rail_vehicles/limited_express/index.html E257, Hitachi Rail]
* [http://www.jreast.co.jp/train/express/e257.html JR E257 "Azusa/Kaiji"] ja icon
* [http://www.jreast.co.jp/train/express/257wakashio.html JR E257-500 "Wakashio/Sazanami"] ja icon