The 221 series (221系, 221-kei) is a suburban electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) in the Kansai Region of Japan since March 1989.[1][2]

221 series
A 221 series formation in March 2008
Manufacturer
Built atKobe, Yonago, Kudamatsu, Higashiōsaka
Family nameAmenity Liner
Replaced113 series, 117 series, 201 series
Constructed1989–1992
Entered serviceMarch 1989
Refurbished2012–2020
Number built474 vehicles
Number in service474 vehicles
Formation2/4/6/8 cars per trainset
OperatorsJR-West
DepotsAboshi, Nara, Kyoto
Lines served
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)
Width2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors3 pairs per side
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Traction systemResistor control + field system superimposed field excitation control
Traction motorsWMT61S
WMT64S
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead line
Current collector(s)WPS27 scissors-type pantograph
Braking system(s)Regenerative brake, electronically controlled pneumatic brakes, snow-resistant brake
Safety system(s)ATS-P, ATS-SW
Coupling systemShibata-Type
Multiple working223/225 series
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Operations

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Formations

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As of 1 October 2012, the fleet consisted of 474 vehicles, formed as 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-car sets, based at Kyoto, Nara, and Aboshi depots.[4]

Aboshi Depot

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8-car sets (A prefix)

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Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Designation Tc T' M1 T' M1 T M' Mc
Numbering KuHa 221 SaHa 220 MoHa 220 SaHa 220 MoHa 220 SaHa 221 MoHa 221 KuMoHa 221

6-car sets (B prefix)

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Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Designation Tc T' M1 T M' Mc
Numbering KuHa 221 SaHa 220 MoHa 220 SaHa 221 MoHa 221 KuMoHa 221

4-car sets (C prefix)

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Car No. 1 2 3 4
Designation Tc T M' Mc
Numbering KuHa 221 SaHa 221 MoHa 221 KuMoHa 221

Nara Depot

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8-car sets (NB prefix)

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Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Designation Tc T' M1 T' M1 T M' Mc
Numbering KuHa 221 SaHa 220 MoHa 220 SaHa 220 MoHa 220 SaHa 221 MoHa 221 KuMoHa 221

6-car sets (NC prefix)

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Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Designation Tc T' M1 T M' Mc
Numbering KuHa 221 SaHa 220 MoHa 220 SaHa 221 MoHa 221 KuMoHa 221

4-car sets (NA prefix)

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Car No. 1 2 3 4
Designation Tc T M' Mc
Numbering KuHa 221 SaHa 221 MoHa 221 KuMoHa 221
Designation Tc' M1 T Mc1
Numbering KuHa 220 MoHa 220 SaHa 220 KuMoHa 220

2-car sets

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Car No. 1 2
Designation Tc' Mc1
Numbering KuHa 220 KuMoHa 220

Kyoto Depot

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4-car sets (K prefix)

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Car No. 1 2 3 4
Designation Tc T M' Mc
Numbering KuHa 221 SaHa 221 MoHa 221 KuMoHa 221

The KuMoHa 221 cars in some formations are equipped with a second de-icing pantograph.

Interior

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Seating is arranged as 2+2 abreast transverse flip-over seats.

History

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The first 221 series trains were introduced from the start of the revised timetable in March 1989.[2]

The 221 series received the Laurel Prize in 1990.[5]

Refurbishment

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The first refurbished set, K12, on a test run in December 2012

From December 2012, a programme of refurbishment started, which will ultimately cover the entire fleet of 474 vehicles.[6] Interior improvements include new universal access toilets, provision of wheelchair spaces, and flip-up seating next to the doorways.[6] The first refurbished set, 4-car set K12, was returned to revenue service on 11 January 2013.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Haraguchi, Takayuki (2009). Jr全車両: ビジュアル決定版 Encyclopedia of JR's Railway Cars: JR全車輌. Japan: Sekai Bunka. p. 79. ISBN 978-4-418-09905-4.
  2. ^ a b Jēāru zensharyō handobukku: Rail Magazine 2009 JR全車輌ハンドブック2009 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2009]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2009. pp. 271–272. ISBN 978-4-7770-0836-0.
  3. ^ "おおさか東線で221系の運用開始" [221 series starts operation on the Osaka Higashi Line]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 12 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  4. ^ Jr電車編成表 2013冬 JR電車編成表 2013冬 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2013]. Japan: JRR. November 2012. p. 406. ISBN 978-4-330-33112-6.
  5. ^ ブルーリボン賞・ローレル賞 選定車両一覧 [Blue Ribbon & Laurel Prize Winners List]. jrc.gr.jp (in Japanese). Japan: Japan Railfan Club. 29 May 2012. Archived from the original on 26 October 2010. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  6. ^ a b 221系近郊型電車のリニューアルについて [221 series outer-suburban EMU refurbishment] (Press release) (in Japanese). West Japan Railway Company. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  7. ^ 221系リニューアル車が営業運転を開始 [Refurbished 221 series in revenue service]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013.