E3 Series (train)

The is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train type built for '' Komachi'' services which commenced on 3 June 1997, coinciding with the opening of the new Akita Shinkansen "mini-shinkansen" line, a regular narrow-gauge line between and re-gauged to . Later versions of the E3 series were also introduced for use on Yamagata Shinkansen '' Tsubasa'' services. Both "mini-shinkansen" lines join the Tohoku Shinkansen, providing services to and from Tokyo.

Design

This shinkansen design was originally the Akita Shinkansen E3 series trains was overseen by industrial designer Kenji Ekuan. Like the 400 Series Shinkansen, these trains are built to a smaller loading gauge than mainline Shinkansen trains—the width and length of each car is reduced to fit on the narrower clearances of the "mini-shinkansen". Doorway steps fold out to bridge the gap between the narrow body and the platform at regular shinkansen stations.

File:E3kei_step.JPG, An extended doorway step on an E3 series ''Komachi'' set

Before the S8 set was converted to the R1 set, the bogies were bolsterless DT207 (motor car) and TR7005 (trailer car), and the basic structure was the same as that of the 400 series. The wheel diameter was 860 mm, the wheelbase was 2,250 mm, and the axle box support was a support plate type. From the mass-produced cars 2nd generation and onwards, the suffixes are DT207A (motor bogie) and TR7005A (trailer bogie). However, the motor bogies of the 0 (R sets) and 1000 series 5th to 7th series and the 2000 series are DT207B, and the trailer bogies of the 0 and 1000 series 5th to 7th series are TR7005B. The gear ratio is 3.04.

Variants

* E3 series "R" sets: 26 x 6-car (R1-16 5-cars at first) sets used on Akita Shinkansen ''Komachi'' services from 3 June 1997 following the opening of the Akita Shinkansen. Retired on 14 March 2014 following the Akita Shinkansen timetable revision and last runs.
* E3-1000 series "LR" sets: 3 x 7-car sets used on Yamagata Shinkansen ''Tsubasa'' services since 4 December 1999 following the extension to Shinjo. 2 sets (L51 and 52) retired in 2014 following the E3 Tsubasa relivering, while 2 new sets (L54 and 55, converted from E3-0 series sets (R23 to 26) added to replace them.
*
* E3-2000 series "LR" sets: 12 x 7-car sets used on Yamagata Shinkansen ''Tsubasa'' services since 20 December 2008. All sets reliveried from 2014-2016.
* E3-700 series ''Toreiyu'': 6-car excursion trainset used on Yamagata Shinkansen from July 2014 to March 2022.
* E3-700 series ''Genbi Shinkansen'': 6-car excursion trainset used on Joetsu Shinkansen from 29 April 2016 to December 2020.

Pre-series set

A pre-series 5-car set, numbered S8, was delivered from Kawasaki Heavy Industries to Sendai Depot in March 1995 for extensive testing. It was modified to full-production specifications in March 1997 ahead of the start of Akita Shinkansen services.

Until it was augmented to six cars in 1998, the pre-series was formed as follows, with scissors-type pantographs on cars 12, 13, and 14. Set R1 was withdrawn following its final revenue run on 20 July 2013.

Set R1 (set S8 before conversion) (first generation)

* The front shape of the leading car differs from that of mass-produced cars, being closer to that of the 400 series.
* There are headlights and rear marker lights above the cab window, and two auxiliary lights (high intensity discharge lamps) under the cab window. The auxiliary lights (HID lights) were adopted on a trial basis after drivers of the previous 400 series pointed out the need for improved illumination on conventional lines.
* At the time of completion, the cars were equipped with three cross-pantographs, with the E326-1 and E325-1 equipped with the PS9034 type for the Shinkansen section and the E329-1 equipped with the PS204X type for conventional lines. These were replaced with single-arm pantographs during the mass production conversion.
* On June 24, 1995, a prototype pantograph was installed on the E326-1 and test runs were conducted. At a Shinkansen event held in Sendai on July 23 of the same year, the E325-1's pantograph had been replaced with a PS206 single-arm pantograph.
* The pantograph covers of the E326-1 and E325-1 are equipped with air cylinders that move up and down. When running on conventional lines, the covers are lowered to avoid violating the vehicle clearance, and when running on Shinkansen lines, the covers are raised 200 mm. The E329-1 has a fixed cover because it is a pantograph for conventional lines.
* The toilets in the men's restrooms are installed at an angle.
* The logo at the time of completion was "Series E3" (later changed to the same logo as the production car).
* The size of the electrostatic antenna on car 11 (E311-1) is different from that of mass-produced cars.
* At the time of completion, the sections manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries were planned to be transported to Zushi as a special train and then delivered together with the sections manufactured by Tokyu Car Corporation. However, due to the effects of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, the sections manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries were delayed, so only the sections manufactured by Tokyu Car Corporation were delivered first.
* Prior to being converted for mass production, it underwent test runs on the Yamagata Shinkansen.
* With the introduction of the E6 series, this set ceased commercial operation on July 20, 2013 and was scrapped.

File:E3 R1-E5 Coupling in omiya 20130320.jpg, Pre-series set R1 in service, March 2013

E3 series "R" sets

The full-production trainsets built from 1996 for the Akita Shinkansen were 5-car sets, but sixth cars were added by the end of 1998. A total of 26 Akita Shinkansen sets were in service by the end of 2005. Sets R1 to R16 were leased by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) from the owning company, , a third-sector company jointly owned by JR East and Akita Prefecture. This lease ended on 21 March 2010 with the dissolution of Akita Shinkansen Sharyō Hoyū.

The E3 series sets were phased out following the introduction of new E6 series sets from March 2013, with 19 sets (114 vehicles) scheduled to be withdrawn during fiscal 2013. From the start of the 15 March 2014 timetable revision, E3 series trainsets were no longer used on Akita Shinkansen ''Komachi'' services. Two sets (R21 and R22) were used on ''Yamabiko'' and ''Nasuno'' services coupled to the E5/H5 series in their original "Komachi" colors before being retired on 31 October 2020. This is believed to have happened due to the decrease in passengers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sets R2 - R16 (2nd generation)

These mass-produced sets were completed before the opening of the line in March 1997. They were originally five-car sets, but were converted to a six-car set by coupling the E328 series (third generation) between October and December of the following year. Therefore, at the coupling between the E329 and E328 series (cars 13 and 14), there is a "gauge cover" (the name was changed from pantograph cover on mass-produced cars) without a pantograph (the same applies to set R1, as shown in the second picture above).

* The nose shape of the lead cars was changed to counter tunnel micro-pressure waves and reduce noise (as mentioned above).
* The headlights and rear marker lights were grouped together under the cab window. High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps were used on a trial basis on pre-production cars, but were adopted for production cars.
* The interior of the passenger compartment were almost identical to that of the pre-production car, except that the production car has Akita Kanto design woven into the side window curtains.
* The trash bins installed on each car were for three types of garbage: bottles and cans, newspapers and magazines, and general garbage. Because the Akita Shinkansen trains run for long periods of time, a trash compressor is installed to compress the general garbage every 15 minutes to prevent it from overflowing.
* The pre-production Green Car cars were equipped with spot air conditioning (individual air conditioning) above the seats, but this was omitted in the production cars.
* The cab had undergone significant changes to its equipment layout (see above).
* The pantograph used a newly developed low-noise type PS206 single-arm pantograph. Because the pantograph itself was able to be made quieter, the up-and-down movable pantograph cover of the pre-production model was eliminated, and a new sloped "insulator cover" was installed to protect the insulators and cable heads from air currents.
* The second batch of cars was completed before the Akita Shinkansen opened, so after completion JR East conducted test runs on the Yamagata Shinkansen.
* The E328 (T2) trailer car, which was added in 1998, is similar to the conventional E329 (T1) trailer car, but in order to compensate for the loss of axle weight caused by not having an auxiliary power unit, the floor plate was changed from aluminum honeycomb material to steel plate and additional deadweight was added.

Set R17 (3rd generation)

Additional set completed in 1998. It was added to increase transportation capacity following the timetable revision at the end of the same year. Sets completed after this have always been six-car formations.
* The insulator cover that was located at the coupling between the E329 and E328 series (cars 13 and 14) was omitted, and the number of insulator covers was changed to two.
* There are two wipers at the front of the driver's cab, including an auxiliary wiper.
* Up until this set, the VVVF inverter control device had been a GTO thyristor, and this was the only one among the sets from R17 onwards that had the above changes.
* During the summer holiday season in 2008, as part of a collaboration project with All Nippon Airways (ANA), the set was wrapped in a "Pokémon Pika-Rori Summer" design along with the set R21.

Sets R18 - R23 (5th generation)

* These additional sets were added between 2002 and 2003 to increase transportation capacity and replace the later-manufactured 200 series Shinkansen that had not been updated.
* The main differences from set R17 are listed below. In terms of specifications, the fourth generation (1000 series L51 and L52 sets) for the Yamagata Shinkansen was manufactured between the third and fifth generation, and the improvements made to the fourth generation (1000 series L51 and L52 sets) are also reflected.
* The dynamic dampers used in the trailer cars of the fourth series were abolished and replaced with underfloor deadweights and vibration-damping materials on the roof to improve ride comfort.
* The material of the connecting outer hood had been changed from polyurethane to synthetic rubber.
* Standard cars were also equipped with footrests in front of the seats.
* The seat design had been changed to one with a sliding seat function.
* The main converter element was changed from GTO thyristor to IGBT, as in the E2 series 1000 series.
* From their manufacture, the sets were equipped with DS-ATC and digital train radio.
* Cars 11 and 16 were equipped with full active suspension, while cars 12 through 15 were equipped with semi-active suspension.
* Grips were provided on the seat shoulders.
* A door chime was added.
* The toilet in car 11 had been changed to a heated toilet seat.
* The specifications of the men's restroom had been changed. (Only for sets R18-R23)

R24 - R26 train (6th generation)

These additional sets were completed in 2005 (Heisei 17) to increase transportation capacity and replace the 200 series H formations (the 12-car H4 and H5 formations) that had been reserved for peak passenger season special trains (along with the E2 series 1000 series J66-J68 formations and the 1000 series L53 formation for the Yamagata Shinkansen (described below) which were added at the same time).
* Some materials used had been changed to improve fire prevention measures.
* The support posts for the luggage racks located between every three seats were omitted.
* Baby cribs had been installed in public toilets.
* Braille stickers and tactile maps for the visually impaired were provided in cars and in the toilets.
* To accommodate VIP guests, preparations are being made for installing a police radio antenna on the roof of the E311-type locomotive.

Formation

Cars 12 and 15 were equipped with PS206 single-arm pantographs.

Fleet history

The build details are as shown below. , the last of the original 26 sets (R22) was scrapped.

Interior

File:E3 Green car 20070101.JPG, Green car interior
File:JReastE3 E326-26 inside.jpg, Interior of standard-class car 12
File:JReastE3 E322-17 inside.JPG, Interior of standard-class car 16

E3-1000 series

Three 7-car E3-1000 sets (numbered L51 – L53) were built between 1999 and 2005 for use on Yamagata Shinkansen '' Tsubasa'' services from 4 December 1999 to augment the 400 series fleet following with the extension of the line to Shinjo. From 2014, a further two sets (L54 and L55) were introduced, reformed from withdrawn Akita Shinkansen E3-0 series "R" sets, to replace the two older sets L51 and L52.

With effect of the timetable revision implemented in March 2024, following the introduction of the E8 Series Shinkansen, all remaining E3-1000 series trains were withdrawn from regular service.

Sets L51 and 52 (4th generation)

These sets were added for the Shinjo Line extension in 1999. The electrical equipment and windshield wipers are the same as those of set R17, but the interior is specially designed. The electric seat rotation device for the Yamagata Shinkansen was only preparatory work, and this set is not equipped with a garbage compactor.

Set L53 (7th generation)

Completed in 2005. The interior is almost the same as the 4th series (sets L51 and 52), but the 5th series (sets R18-R23) for the Akita Shinkansen was manufactured in the meantime, and the electrical equipment and interior facilities were changed to conform to the 6th series (R24-26) for the Akita Shinkansen manufactured at the same time. The green stripe of the 4th series was covered with film, but the 7th series was painted. This is the only newly built 1000 series train to have the new paint job. (Sets L51 and L52 trains were scrapped without being repainted.)

Formation

The sets were formed as shown below, with five motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars, and car 11 at the Tokyo end.

Cars 12 and 14 were equipped with PS206 single-arm pantographs.

Interior

File:JReastE3-1000 inside.jpg, Standard class car interior

Fleet history

The build details are as shown below.

L54/L55 conversion details

The former identities of the cars reformed into sets L54 and L55 are as shown below.

E3-2000 series

The first of a fleet of twelve new E3-2000 series 7-car sets entered service on Yamagata Shinkansen ''Tsubasa'' services on 20 December 2008. The new fleet totally replaced the older 400 series trains by summer 2009. The new trains incorporate design improvements, including active suspension, full-color LED destination indicators, and AC power outlets in all cars. Seating capacity in cars 16 and 17 has been reduced by 4 (one row of seats) compared with the E3-1000 series to provide uniform seating pitch in all cars (seat pitch was previously reduced in non-reserved cars).

Formation

Cars 12 and 14 are equipped with PS206 single-arm pantographs.

File:E311-2009.jpg, E311-2009 (car 11)
File:E326-2009.jpg, E326-2009 (car 12)
File:E329-2009.jpg, E329-2009 (car 13)
File:E326-2109.jpg, E326-2109 (car 14)
File:E328-2000.jpg, E328-2009 (car 15)
File:E325-2000.jpg, E325-2009 (car 16)
File:E322-2000.jpg, E322-2009 (car 17)

Fleet history

, the E3-2000 series fleet is as follows.

Interior

File:JReastE3-2000 inside.jpg, Standard class car interior

Repainting

Current livery

From spring 2014, the entire fleet of 15 E3-1000 and E3-2000 series ''Tsubasa'' sets were gradually repainted into a new livery designed by industrial designer Ken Okuyama. The new livery consists of white, evoking the snow of Mount Zaō, deep purple inspired by the Mandarin duck, the prefectural bird for Yamagata Prefecture, together with yellow and red for the safflower, the prefectural flower of Yamagata Prefecture. The first repainted set is appeared in late April. Three sets were repainted by June 2014, and the rest of the fleet of 15 sets was repainted by mid 2016.

File:E3 Logo Tsubasa-Omiya 20140517.jpg, Apple and rice motif
File:E3 Logo Tsubasa omiya 20140517.jpg, Cherry and safflower motif

Original livery (2023 revision)

On 11 February 2023, set L65 was repainted into the original silver and green livery used at the time of introduction to ''Tsubasa'' services last seen in 2016. According to JR East, the repainting was done to promote the Yamagata Shinkansen.

E3-700 series ''Toreiyu'' excursion set

This was a six-car set rebuilt from former Akita Shinkansen trainset R18 as an excursion train named for use on the Yamagata Shinkansen between Fukushima and Shinjo, which entered service from July 2014. The design work for the rebuilt train was overseen by industrial designer Ken Okuyama. The six-car set had a total seating capacity of 143 passengers. Car 11 was a standard-class car with reserved seating arranged 2+2 abreast, cars 12 to 14 featured Japanese-style ''tatami'' seating, car 15 was a lounge car with a bar counter, and car 16 was ''ashiyu'' foot baths. The name of the train is a portmanteau of the English word "train" and the French word "soleil" (sun). The train was normally used on special ''Toreiyu Tsubasa'' services running at weekends. The train was discontinued in March 2022.

Formation

The ''Toreiyu'' set was based at Yamagata Depot and formed as shown below, with car 11 at the Fukushima end.

File:E3-700 R18 Toreiyu car 11 20150307.JPG, Interior of car 11 with conventional seating
File:E3-700 R18 Toreiyu car 14 20150307.JPG, Interior of car 14 with Japanese-style ''tatami'' seating
File:E3-700 R18 Toreiyu car 15 20150307.JPG, The ''tatami'' lounge area in car 15
File:E3-700 R18 Toreiyu car 15 bar 20150307.JPG, The bar counter in car 15
File:E3-700 R18 Toreiyu car 16 entrance 20150307.JPG, The entrance to car 16
File:E3-700 R18 Toreiyu car 16 ashiyu 20150307.JPG, The ''ashiyu'' foot baths at the end of car 16

E3-700 series ''Genbi Shinkansen'' excursion set

The was a six-car set rebuilt from former Akita Shinkansen trainset R19 at Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Kobe as an excursion train for use on the Joetsu Shinkansen between and . The train began operations on 29 April 2016, mostly on weekends and holidays. It was withdrawn from service on 19 December 2020.

The exterior livery was designed by photographer Mika Ninagawa. The first car of the six car set featured the art of Nao Matsumoto; a golden yellow motif based on harvests, festivals and light was present in the car. Window shades displayed art using a special dye as the train passes through tunnels. The second car featured stainless steel mirrors on the walls, the work of Yusuke Komuta. They reflect the landscape outside the train. The third car featured a children's area and a cafe. The children's area featured blue and white representations of toy trains by Art Unit Paramodel. The cafe section of the car was designed by Kentaro Kobuke and served sweet items featuring local products. The fourth car featured an alpine photography exhibition by Naoki Ishikawa. The fifth car featured an abstract flower artpiece by Haruka Koujin that vibrated with the motion of the train. The final car featured a short film by Brian Alfred, depicting the scenery of Niigata. The trainset was shown off to the media on 12 January 2016.

Formation

The ''Genbi Shinkansen'' set was based at Niigata Depot and formed as shown below, with car 11 at the Tokyo end.

Cars 12 and 15 each had one single-arm pantograph.

File:Genbi Shinkansen car 11 interior 20180106.jpg, The interior of reserved-seating car 11 in January 2018
File:Genbi-car No.12.jpg, The interior of car 12 in January 2018 (mirror installation by Yusuke Komuta)
File:E3-700 Genbi Shinkansen car13 cafe.jpg, The cafeteria counter in Car 13 in June 2017
File:E3-700 Genbi Shinkansen car13 Children Playground.jpg, The children's play area in car 13 in June 2017
File:Genbi-interior.jpg, The interior of car 14 in January 2018 (photographs by Naoki Ishikawa)

Derivatives

The East-i series inspection Shinkansen is used for track and overhead wire diagnostic work on the Tōhoku, Jōetsu, Hokuriku, Hokkaido, Yamagata, and Akita Shinkansen lines.

File:TypeE926.jpg, A JR East Class E926 "East-i" train

See also

* List of high-speed trains

Notes

References

External links

E3 Series ''Tsubasa/Nasuno''

{{JR East EMU

Shinkansen train series
East Japan Railway Company
Kawasaki multiple units
Tokyu Car multiple units
Train-related introductions in 1997
Passenger trains running at least at 250 km/h in commercial operations
20 kV AC multiple units
25 kV AC multiple units