E257 series

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E257 series
An E257 series train on a Chūō Line Azusa service

In service	2001 - Present
Manufacturer	Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corp
Number built	249 vehicles
Formation	2/5/9 cars per trainset
Operator	JR East
Depots	Matsumoto, Makuhari
Lines served	Chūō Main Line, Uchibō Line, Sotobō Line
Specifications
Car length	21,000 mm (end cars), 20,500 mm (intermediate cars)
Maximum speed	130 km/h
Gauge	1,067 mm
Voltage	1,500 V DC overhead
Braking system	Regenerative brake, Electric commanding brake, Snow-resistant brake
Safety systems	ATS-SN, ATS-P

The E257 series is a DC electric multiple unit operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), built jointly by Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo and Tokyu Car Corp. Two variants exist: the original E257-0 series for use on Chūō Main Line Azusa and Kaiji limited-express services, and the E257-500 series for use on Uchibō Line and Sotobō Line limited-express services.

1 Chūō Main Line E257-0 series
- 1.1 Services operated
  - 1.1.1 Chūō Main Line
  - 1.1.2 Shinonoi Line
2 Bōsō Express E257-500 series
- 2.1 Services operated
3 External links
4 References

[edit] Chūō Main Line E257-0 series

This sub-series version was introduced in December 1, 2001 to replace the aging 183 and 189 series rolling stock on Chūō Main Line Azusa and Kaiji services. Based at Matsumoto depot, the fleet consists of sixteen 9-car sets (M101 to M116) with a full cab at the Matsumoto end and a gangwayed cab at the Tokyo end, and five 2-car "add-on" sets (M201 to M205) with a full cab at the Tokyo end and a shunting cab only at the Matsumoto end.

The type was the recipient of the 45th Blue Ribbon Award (2002) of the Japan Railfan Club.

[edit] Services operated

[edit] Chūō Main Line

Azusa (train): Chiba - Tokyo - Shinjuku - Matsumoto - Minamiotari
Kaiji (train): Tokyo - Shinjuku - Kōfu - Ryūō
Chūō Liner: Tokyo - Shinjuku - Hachiōji - Takao
Ōme Liner: Tokyo - Shinjuku - Tachikawa - Ōme

[edit] Shinonoi Line

Rapid: Matsumoto - Nagano

Matsumoto-based E257 series trains were also used on the Ohayō Liner Shinjuku and Home Liner Odawara commuter services running on the Tōkaidō Main Line until March 14, 2008.

[edit] Bōsō Express E257-500 series

The E257-500 sub-series version was introduced from October 2004 on Uchibō Line Sazanami and Sotobō Line Wakashio limited-express services, replacing older 183 series rolling stock. Based at Makuhari depot in Chiba Prefecture, the fleet consists of 19 5-car sets (NB01 to NB19). Unlike the Chūō Line variant, these sets have gangways at both ends.