In service 2001–Present Number built 249 vehicles | Family name A-train Number in service 249 vehicles | |
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Manufacturer Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation Formation 2/5/9 cars per trainset | ||
The E257 series (E257系) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated in Japan by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and built jointly by Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo, and Tokyu Car Corporation.
Contents
Variants
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, Sotobō Line, Sōbu Main Line, Narita Line, and Kashima Line limited-express services.
E257-0 series
This sub-series version was introduced on 1 December 2001, to replace the aging 183 and 189 series rolling stock on Chuo 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.
Operations
Matsumoto-based E257 series trains were also used on the Ohayō Liner Shinjuku and Home Liner Odawara commuter services running on the Tokaido Main Line until 14 March 2008.
From 2016, the E257 series trains are scheduled to be replaced by new EMUs on Chuo Line limited express services and redeployed on other services, possibly Odoriko services.
Formations
The 9-car sets (M101 to M116) are formed as follows.
The 2-car sets (M201 to M205) are formed as follows.
Car 2 is fitted with one PS37 single-arm pantograph.
E257-500 series
The E257-500 sub-series version was delivered between July 2004 and October 2005, with the first sets entering service from 16 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.
Formation
The 5-car E257-500 series sets (NB01 to NB19) are formed as follows.
Cars 2 and 4 are each fitted with one PS37 single-arm pantograph.
Services operated
Interior
The E257-500 series sets are monoclass, with standard-class accommodation only.