In service 2002–Present Constructed 2002–2011 Number in service 70 vehicles | Replaced 485 series, 781 series Number built 75 vehicles | |
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Manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Industries | ||
The 789 series (789系) is an AC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) on limited express services in Hokkaido, Japan, since 2002. Two variants exist: the original 789 series for use on Super Hakuchō services, and the 789-1000 series for use on Super Kamui and Suzuran services.
Contents
Super Hakuchō 789 series
A total of 40 cars were built between 2000 and 2005 for use on new Super Hakuchō services introduced from 1 December 2002 between Hachinohe (Shin-Aomori from December 2010) and Hakodate via the undersea Seikan Tunnel coinciding with the opening of the Tōhoku Shinkansen extension to Hachinohe.
The trainsets were formed as four 2-car half sets, HE-101–104, and five 3-car half-sets, HE-201–205, which were coupled to produce 5- or 8-car formations.
From December 2005, new SaHa 789-100 trailer cars were added to the original 2-car sets HE-101–104, and a fifth set, HE-105 was delivered. Two additional 2-car sets, HE-301 and HE-302, were also delivered for extending trains to up to eight cars during period seasons.
Two new 3-car sets, HE-106 and HE-206, were delivered in April 2011.
December 2002 – December 2005
Cars 2, 4, and 7 were each fitted with one N-PS789 single-arm pantograph.
December 2005 – March 2016
Cars 2, 5, and 7 are each fitted with one N-PS789 single-arm pantograph.
Super Kamui and Suzuran 789-1000 series
Seven 5-car 789-1000 series sets, HL-1001–1007, were delivered to Sapporo Depot between June and September 2007, and these entered service from 1 October 2007 on new Super Kamui limited express services between Sapporo and Asahikawa, and on Airport rapid services between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport in conjunction with 785 series EMUs. These replaced the Lilac services formerly operated by 781 series EMUs.
The 789-1000 sets differ from the earlier Super Hakuchō sets in not having gangway doors beneath the driving cabs.
Set HL-1005 was withdrawn in March 2011 following damage sustained in a level crossing collision on 29 January 2010.
These entered service from 1 November 2013 on new Suzuran limited express services between Sapporo and Muroran.
Formations
Car 3 is fitted with one N-PS785 single-arm pantograph.
Interior
The 789-1000 series trainsets do not include Green class (first class) accommodation, but car 4 is designated as a "u-Seat" car with improved seating for reserved seat passengers. All other cars are normally designated as non-reserved seating.