Manufacturer J-TREC Constructed 2015– Formation 9+3 cars per trainset | Built at Yokohama Number built 12 vehicles | |
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In service Spring 2016 (scheduled) | ||
The E353 series (E353系) is a DC tilting electric multiple unit (EMU) train on order by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in Japan for use on limited express services on the Chuo Main Line from spring 2016.
Contents
A pre-series train, consisting of one 9-car set and one 3-car set, was delivered in July 2015 for performance testing. The trains will ultimately replace the E351 series EMUs used on Super Azusa limited express services on the Chuo Main Line between Shinjuku in Tokyo and Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture.
Design
The exterior styling was overseen by the industrial design firm Ken Okuyama Design. Like the E351 series trains which they are scheduled to replace, the new E353 series trains incorporate tilting technology to allow faster speeds around curves. The trains use a pneumatic tilt system (instead of the pendulum system used in the older trains) and an active suspension to reduce tilt times and help reduce motion sickness in passengers. The train features a database of curves along the line, allowing the train to begin tilting before reaching the curve. There are also dampers installed between the cars to reduce vibrations. Maximum operating speed will be 130 km/h (80 mph). To reduce any step up from station platforms, the train floor height is 1,130 mm (3 ft 8 in), 10 mm lower than on E259 series and E657 series trains.
Bogies
The trains use bolsterless bogies developed from those used on earlier E259 series and E657 series trains. Motored bogies with capability for retrofitting anti-oscillation equipment (rear bogies on car 1 and 3) are designated DT81, motored bogies equipped anti-roll devices (cars 2, 5, 7, and 10) are designated DT82, and motor bogies not equipped with either (cars 6 and 11) are designated DT81A. Non-powered (trailer) bogies are designated TR265, and are equipped with a parking brake and capability for retrofitting anti-oscillation equipment, but those not equipped with a parking brake (rear bogies on cars 4 and 14, and both bogies on car 9) are designated TR265A, and those on car 8, which not equipped with either are designated TR265B.
Formation
Trains consist of a nine-car main set (with five cars motored), numbered S101 onward, and a three-car add-on set, numbered S201 onward, with car 1 at the southern (Shinjuku) end.
Cars 2 and 5 each have two single-arm pantographs (only one is normally used), and cars 7 and 10 each have one. Cars 1 and 3 each have only one motored bogie (at the inner ends).
Interior
Green car (first class) accommodation is in 2+2 abreast configuration with a seat pitch of 1,160 mm (46 in). The wine red seat covers are intended to create subdued atmosphere. Standard class is also arranged 2+2 with a seat pitch of 960 mm (38 in), compared to 970 mm (38 in) for Super Azusa E351 series trains. The pale blue seat covers are intended to evoke images of the Azusa River, after which the train service was named. AC power outlets are provided at each seat. The trains include universal access toilets and security cameras. LED lighting is used on these trains, for the first time on JR East limited express rolling stock.
Inside, the floors feature rubber coverings to reduce the noise of footsteps. Individual seat numbers are written in braille and every seat features an individual air diffuser for passenger comfort. The cars also feature air purifiers using ozone to reduce unpleasant odors.
Toilets
Cars 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11 have toilet facilities as follows.
History
Details of the new trains on order were first officially announced by JR East in February 2014.
The first trainset, consisting of one 9-car and one 3-car set, was delivered from the Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-TREC) factory in Yokohama to Matsumoto Depot in July 2015. Mainline test running started on 29 July 2015. The pre-series train was formally shown off to the media on 2 August 2015.
As of July 2016, the train is still undergoing test running.