| E259 series | |
|---|---|
 A pair of E259 series sets on aNarita Express service in June 2021 | |
| In service | October 2009–present |
| Manufacturer | Kinki Sharyo,Tokyu Car Corporation |
| Family name | N'EX |
| Replaced | 253 series (Narita Express),255 series (Shiosai) |
| Constructed | 2009–2010 |
| Number built | 132 vehicles (22 sets) |
| Number in service | 132 vehicles (22 sets) |
| Formation | 6 cars per trainset |
| Fleet numbers | Ne001–Ne022 |
| Capacity | 290 (262 standard + 28 Green) |
| Operators | JR East |
| Depots | Kamakura[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium alloy[2] |
| Car length | 21 m (68 ft 11 in) (end cars) 20 m (65 ft 7 in) (intermediate cars)[3] |
| Width | 2,946 mm (9 ft 8.0 in) |
| Height | 3,655 mm (11 ft 11.9 in) |
| Doors | 2 per side |
| Maximum speed | 130 km/h (81 mph)[1] |
| Traction system | Hitachi SC90A 2-levelIGBT–VVVF |
| Traction motors | 4 × 140 kW (190 hp) MT75B 3-phase ACinduction motor |
| Acceleration | 0.56 m/s2 (1.3 mph/s)[3] |
| Deceleration | 1.4 m/s2 (3.1 mph/s)[3] |
| Electric system(s) | 1,500 V DCoverhead lines |
| Current collection | PS33D single-armpantographs |
| UIC classification | 2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′ |
| Bogies | DT77 (motored), TR262 (trailer) |
| Safety system(s) | ATS-P, ATS-SN[3] |
| Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
| Notes/references | |
 | |
TheE259 series (E259系) is a DCelectric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated byEast Japan Railway Company (JR East) in Japan since October 2009 onNarita Expresslimited express services to and fromNarita International Airport.
The design of the trains was overseen by industrial designerKenji Ekuan.[4] Retracting gangway connections on the end cars allow two sets to be coupled together to form 12-car formations. Electrical and safety equipment is duplicated, as on theE233 series commuter trains, to improve safety and reliability.Active suspension on end cars andyaw dampers between all cars provide improved ride comfort.[1] The MoHa E259-500 car is equipped with two single-arm pantographs, but one is reserved for emergency use.[5]
Unlike the previous 253 series trains, the E259 series trains are not equipped withAutomatic Train Control (ATC).
The E259 series trains are used almost exclusively onNarita Expresslimited express services linkingNarita International Airport inChiba Prefecture withTokyo and other stations in the Greater Tokyo area. E259 series trains were also used occasionally on seasonalMarine Express Odoriko services between Tokyo andIzukyū-Shimoda. One set, Ne002, was assigned to these services, and carried a logo sticker on the front and sides.[6]
The fleet consists of 22 six-car sets, consisting of four motored (M) cars and two trailer (T) cars, as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo end.[7][8]
| Car No. | 1/7 | 2/8 | 3/9 | 4/10 | 5/11 | 6/12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designation | Tc' | M' | M | M' | M | Tsc |
| Numbering | KuHa E258 | MoHa E258 | MoHa E259 | MoHa E258-500 | MoHa E259-500 | KuRo E259 |
| Weight (t) | 38.4 | 38.0 | 36.5 | 38.0 | 37.0 | 38.9 |
| Seating capacity | 40 | 56 | 54 | 28 | ||
The "Tsc" cars are green (first class) cars. Cars 3 and 5 are equipped with PS33D single-arm pantographs (two on car 5, one on car 3).[8]
The DT77 (motored) and TR262 (trailer) bolsterless bogies are developed from the DT71 and TR255 bogies used on theE233 series EMUs.[9] The end bogies of the Tc driving cars are designated TR262, and the inner bogies of the Tc driving cars are designated TR262A.[9] All the bogies use tread brakes, and the trailer bogies additionally use disc brakes.[9] Wheel diameter is 860 mm (33.9 in), and the distance between wheel centers is 2,100 mm (6 ft 11 in).[9]
The passenger compartment floor construction has been improved for reduced interior noise, and the height difference between the coach and the platform has been reduced by 50 mm (2.0 in) compared with the earlier253 series trains for ease of access.[7] Luggage storage areas feature lockable straps for security, and security cameras are installed investibule and luggage areas.[2] Luggage space is also provided beneath the seats. Electric power outlets are provided at each seat.[1]
Four ceiling-mounted passenger information display units are provided in each car. These feature two 17-inch screens on each side, displaying information in four languages (Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese).[1]
Ordinary-class cars have 2+2 abreast seating with forward-facing rotating/reclining seats. Seat pitch is 1,030 mm (41 in), compared to 980 mm (39 in) on earlier trains.[1]
Green (first class) cars have leather-covered forward-facing rotating/reclining seats also arranged in 2+2 configuration. Seat pitch is 1,160 mm (46 in).[1]
The first two sets, Ne001 and Ne002, were delivered to Kamakura Depot fromTokyu Car Corporation's Yokohama factory on 23 April 2009, with test running on theSōbu Main Line commencing the same day.[10]
Nine E259 series sets entered revenue service onNarita Express services from 1 October 2009, with 10 out of 26 return workings daily operated by E259s.[11] By June 2010, they had completely replaced the253 series EMUs formerly used onNarita Express services.[7]
In March 2023, JR East announced that it would introduce a new design to existing E259 series sets. The updated livery will retain the black and red color pallet but will feature silver accents at the front as well as the phrase"SERIES E259" being plastered along the exterior.[12] As of 17 March 2024, repainting for the entire E259 series fleet was completed with the last set, Ne022, having received the new livery.[13]
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In December 2023, JR East announced that some E259 series sets will be used on mostShiosai limited express services from the start of the revised timetable on 16 March 2024, replacing the older255 series EMUs used on these services.[14]
The manufacturers and delivery dates for the fleet are as shown below.[15]
| Set No. | Manufacturer | Date delivered |
|---|---|---|
| Ne001 | Tokyu Car | 23 April 2009 |
| Ne002 | ||
| Ne003 | 26 May 2009 | |
| Ne004 | ||
| Ne005 | 2 July 2009 | |
| Ne006 | ||
| Ne007 | 19 August 2009 | |
| Ne008 | ||
| Ne009 | 17 September 2009 | |
| Ne010 | ||
| Ne011 | 22 October 2009 | |
| Ne012 | ||
| Ne013 | 18 March 2010 | |
| Ne014 | ||
| Ne015 | Kinki Sharyo | 17 March 2010 |
| Ne016 | Tokyu Car | 30 March 2010 |
| Ne017 | Kinki Sharyo | 7 April 2010 |
| Ne018 | 21 April 2010 | |
| Ne019 | 14 May 2010 | |
| Ne020 | Tokyu Car | 18 May 2010 |
| Ne021 | ||
| Ne022 | Kinki Sharyo | 9 June 2010 |
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