E261 series

The E261 series (Japanese: E261系, Hepburn: E261-kei) is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in Japan on Saphir Odoriko limited express services between Tokyo and Izukyū-Shimoda. It was designed to replace the older 251 series trains that were used on Super View Odoriko limited express services from April 28, 1990, until March 13, 2020.

For the diesel multiple unit developed by JR Hokkaido, see KiHa 261 series.
E261 series
E261 series running on the Izu Kyūkō Line, September 2021
ManufacturerKawasaki Heavy Industries, Hitachi
DesignerKen Okuyama Design
Built atHyogo (Kawasaki)
Kudamatsu (Hitachi)
Family nameSaphir Odoriko
Replaced251 series
Constructed2019
Entered serviceMarch 14, 2020
Number built16 vehicles (2 sets)
Formation8 cars per trainset
Fleet numbersRS1 – RS2
Capacity164 seated
Operator(s)JR East
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminum
Car length21.4 m (70 ft 3 in) (end cars)[1]
20.5 m (67 ft 3 in) (intermediate cars)[1]
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Traction systemSiC-MOSFET–VVVF (Hitachi)
Traction motors4 × Hitachi 140 kW (190 hp) MT79 3-phase AC induction motor
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead lines
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

History

The trains are designed by Ken Okuyama Design,[2] with exterior painted with sapphire blue to match with the blue sky of the Izu Peninsula. Two eight car sets were manufactured, by Kawasaki Heavy Industries' Hyogo factory (cars 1 to 3)[3][4] and Hitachi's Kasado factory (cars 4 to 8).[5]

Set RS1 operated a trial run on November 21, 2019,[2] and the trains entered service on March 14, 2020,[6] the day after the 251 series Super View Odoriko sets were retired.

Technical specifications

The car bodies are made of aluminum, and the trains use three phase motors and VVVF inverters.[1] Each car has one door per side; cars 3, 5, and 7 are fitted with pantographs, with the one on car 5 being for emergency use.

Formation

The trains are formed as eight-car sets, with five motored and three trailer cars. Car 1 faces towards Izukyū-Shimoda and car 8 towards Tokyo.[1]

Interior

[7]

Premium Green Car (Car 1)

Car 1 is designated as a "premium green car" with a 1+1 private seating layout. The fully power-reclining seats, made of leather and equipped with leg rest and luggage space under each seat, can be swiveled towards the window side for the view of Izu's seaside.

Green car private compartments (Cars 2 and 3)

Cars 2 to 3 are designated as "green cars" with private compartment seating for groups of 4 to 6 people, and are priced higher than the "premium green car". Seats are arranged in transverse seating for the 4 person compartments and individual seatings for the 6 person compartments. All private compartments have the electrical power outlets.

Cafeteria (Car 4)

Car 4 is designated as the cafeteria, with an open-style kitchen, counter seats, and table seats.

Green car (Cars 5 to 8)

Cars 5 to 8 are designated as regular "green cars"; passenger accommodation consists of 2+1 seating throughout. Each seat are equipped with power outlets and can be reclined. Two single seats on car 5 are equipped with belts for wheelchairs.[8]

Features

All cars, except cars 2 to 4, have a luggage area at the end sections and overhead, and restrooms are available in cars 2, 3, and 7, with multi-accessible toilet located at car 5. All seats except private compartments are equipped with personal reading lights, and all cars feature WiFi connection.

  • Premium green car
    Premium green car
  • Green car compartments
    Green car compartments
  • Cafeteria
    Cafeteria
  • Green car
    Green car
  • Ramen noodles and onigiri served in the cafeteria
    Ramen noodles and onigiri served in the cafeteria

See also
  • 251 series, the limited express EMU type used on Super View Odoriko services prior to the introduction of the E261 series
  • Odoriko, the regular express service beside the limited express service

References
  1. "JR East tests Saphir Odoriko luxury EMUs". railwaygazette.com. DVV Media International. December 18, 2019. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  2. "JR東日本E261系「サフィール踊り子」新型車両が試運転、都内を走行" [JR East E261 series "Saphir Odoriko" new vehicle trial run, traveling in metropolitan area]. news.mynavi.jp (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. November 21, 2019. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  3. "【JR貨】 【JR東】 JR東日本E261系（日立製作所製作分）が甲種輸送される" [(JR freight) (JR East) JR East E261 series (built by Hitachi) delivered]. rail.hobidas.com (in Japanese). Neko Publishing. November 7, 2019. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  4. "E261系6両が甲種輸送される" [Six E261 series cars delivered]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. November 6, 2019. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  5. Osaka, Naoki (December 17, 2019). "全席グリーン以上､新｢踊り子｣はここがスゴい 青く輝く｢サフィール｣2020年春デビュー" [All seats above green, the new "Odoriko" is amazing - Blue shining "Saphir" debuts in spring 2020]. toyokeizai.net (in Japanese). Toyo Keizai Inc. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  6. "特急"サフィール踊り子"が運転を開始" [Limited express "Saphir Odoriko" starts operation]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. March 15, 2020. Archived from the original on March 15, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  7. "The SAPHIR ODORIKO｜SAPHIR ODORIKO｜JR-EAST". www.jreast.co.jp. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  8. "JR東日本E261系「サフィール踊り子」新型車両が登場「サシE261」も" [JR East E261 series "Saphir Odoriko" new vehicle appeared "Sashi E261"]. news.mynavi.jp (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. November 7, 2019. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
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