Echizen Railway 7000 series

The 7000 series (7000形) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated in Japan by the third sector railway operator Echizen Railway since February 2013. Converted from former 119 series EMUs operated by JR Central until 2012, a total of six 2-car sets are scheduled to be introduced between fiscal 2012 and 2013, replacing the older 1101 series, 2101 series, and 2201 series trains.[1]

7000 series
The first set in service, February 2013
In serviceFebruary 2013 –
Constructed1982–1983
Number under construction6 vehicles (3 sets)
Number built6 vehicles (3 sets)
Number in service6 vehicles (3 sets)
Formation2 cars per trainset
OperatorsEchizen Railway
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)
Width2,832 mm (9 ft 3.5 in)
Height3,935 mm (12 ft 10.9 in)
Doors3 pairs per side
Traction systemVariable frequency
Electric system(s)600 V DC
Current collector(s)Overhead catenary
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Design edit

The 7000 series trains were converted from former 119 series 2-car EMUs operated by JR Central on the Iida Line until they were withdrawn from service in March 2012. Modifications included the following changes:[1]

  • Removal of front-end gangway connections
  • Addition of new headlights above the cab-end centre doors
  • Addition of front-end skirts
  • Addition of single-arm pantographs
  • Removal of toilets
  • Repainting into the standard Echizen Railway livery

Formations edit

As of 1 April 2013, three two-car sets are in service, formed as follows, with one motored driving (Mc) car and one non-powered driving trailer (Tc) car.[2]

Designation Mc Tc
Numbering MoHa 7000 KuHa 7000

The MoHa 7000 cars are fitted with two single-arm pantographs.[2]

Interior edit

Passenger accommodation retains the original mixture of longitudinal bench seating and transverse 4-seat bays used in the 119 series.[1] The toilet originally fitted to the KuHa car has been removed.[1]

History edit

The first set, 7001 + 7002 entered service on 4 February 2013, the second set, 7003 + 7004, entered service on 3 March 2013, and the third set, 7005 + 7006, entered service on 18 March 2013.[3] Three more two-car sets are scheduled to be introduced during fiscal 2013.[3]

Build details edit

 
A JR Central 119-5300 series set, March 2008
Set No. Car No. Original JR number Entry into service
1 MoHa 7001 KuMoHa 119-5318 4 February 2013
KuHa 7002 KuHa 118-5311
2 MoHa 7003 KuMoHa 119-5330 3 March 2013
KuHa 7004 KuHa 118-5322
3 MoHa 7005 18 March 2013
KuHa 7006
4 MoHa 7007
KuHa 7008
5 MoHa 7009
KuHa 7010
6 MoHa 7011
KuHa 7012

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d "えちぜん鉄道7000形" [Echizen Railway 7000 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 53, no. 625. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. May 2013. pp. 58–59.
  2. ^ a b 私鉄車両編成表 2013 [Private Railway Rolling Stock Formations – 2013]. Japan: JRR. 30 July 2013. p. 119. ISBN 978-4-330-39313-1.
  3. ^ a b "私鉄・三セクの国鉄形" [Former JNR trains used by private & 3rd sector railways]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 54, no. 634. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. February 2014. pp. 42–43.