E257 SERIES

The 'E257 series' is a DC electric multiple unit operated by 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.

Contents

Chūō Main Line E257-0 series

"Bōsō Express" E257-500 series

External links

References

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) 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.

"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).

External links

★ E257, Tokyu Car Corp

★ E257-500, Kinki Sharyo

★ E257, Hitachi Rail

★ JR E257 Azusa/Kaiji (Japanese)

★ JR E257-500 Wakashio/Sazanami (Japanese)

References

★ 2006 JR Rolling Stock Handbook - Neko Publishing

★ JR EMU Formations (Winter 2007) - JRR Publishing