Puneet Varma (Editor)

381 series

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In service
  
1973–Present

Refurbishment
  
1997–2011 (JR-West)

Replaced
  
183 series

Number built
  
277 vehicles

381 series

Manufacturer
  
Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo

Number in service
  
136 vehicles (as of 1 April 2015)

The 381 series (381系, Sanbyaku-hachijūichi-kei) is a tilting DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type introduced in 1973 by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and currently operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West), and formerly also operated by Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) in Japan.

Contents

Fleet

As of 1 April 2015, 136 vehicles were operated by JR-West.

JR Central

  • Shinano (1973–May 2008)

    • JR-West

  • Kuroshio (from October 1978 until 30 October 2015)
  • Yakumo
  • Kounotori (until 31 May 2011, from 1 June 2012 until 30 October 2015)
  • Kinosaki (from 1 June 2012 until 30 October 2015)
  • Hashidate (from 16 March 2013 until 30 October 2015)
  • Hanwa Liner rapid service (until March 2011)
  • Yamatoji Liner rapid service (until March 2011)

    • History

    The 381 series EMU was developed from the experimental 591 series 3-car articulated tilting EMU tested from 1970.

    The 381 series entered revenue service from 10 July 1973 on the Shinano limited express between Nagoya and Nagano.

    JR-West 381 series trains were removed from Kuroshio, Kounotori, Kinosaki, and Hashidate limited express services in October 2015, with the last services operating on 30 October.

    Preserved examples

  • KuHa 381-1: (built 1973 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries) SCMaglev and Railway Park, Nagoya
  • KuRo 381-11: (built 1974 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries) SCMaglev and Railway Park, Nagoya

    • References

    381 series Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA