E8 Series Shinkansen Explained

E8 series
Service:2024–present
Designer:Ken Okuyama
Replaced:E3 series
Family:Mini-shinkansen
Yearconstruction:2022-2026
Yearservice:16 March 2024
Numberconstruction:98 vehicles (14 sets)
Numberbuilt:7 vehicles (1 set)
Formation:7 cars per trainset
Fleetnumbers:G1–
Capacity:355 (26 Green + 329 standard)
Operator:JR East
Depots:Yamagata
Lines:Tohoku Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen
Doors:1 per side
Electricsystem:20/25 kV AC, 50 Hz overhead catenary
Collectionmethod:Pantograph

The is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train type on order for Tsubasa services announced on 3 March 2020. It will progressively replace the E3 series from 2024 onwards, raising the top speed of the service from 275to. It is designed by Ken Okuyama, in cooperation with Kawasaki Heavy Industries.[1]

The train type entered service on 16 March 2024, the start date of the revised timetable for the year.[2] Though 17 sets were originally planned to be built, this was reduced to 15 sets due to reduced travel demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] These sets are to be built by Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing and Hitachi.

The first set, numbered G1, was delivered to Sendai Shinkansen Depot on 30 January 2023.[4]

Design

The train was designed to invoke the richness of the landscape of the Yamagata region, and the "weaving together of nature and people". The exterior coloring is unchanged from the re-liveried E3 series, also designed by Ken Okuyama: white, evoking the snow of Mount Zaō; deep purple inspired by the Mandarin duck, the prefectural bird for Yamagata Prefecture; and yellow and red for the safflower, the prefectural flower of Yamagata Prefecture.[5]

All cars are equipped with full active suspension.

The increased top speed from 275to is possible due to its 9m (30feet) nose, 3m (10feet) longer than the current E3 series.[6]

Formation

The E8 uses the same 5M2T-formation as the E3 and E6 series mini-shinkansen, meaning that it consists of 5 powered (motor), and 2 non-powered (trailer) cars.[7]

Interior

The 7-car trains have two service classes: ordinary cars and Green cars, with a seating capacity of 355. This is 39 fewer seats than the E3 series trains it replaces. Both seating configurations are 2+2 abreast, as is the case for all other mini-Shinkansen trains. AC power outlets are available in both classes. Both the cabins and vestibules are equipped with security cameras. The green car has room for one wheelchair user, while each ordinary car has room for two. All seven cars are equipped to handle large baggage.[8]

The color scheme of the Green car seating is inspired by the blue waters of the Mogami River, combined with the lush greenery covering Mount Gassan. The ordinary car seating draws inspiration from the traditional process of extracting the color of the safflower, which is why the color gradually becomes less saturated moving from the seat cushion to the headrest. The center aisle carpet was designed based on the image of the safflower, represented by the seats, reflecting on the waters of the Mogami River as it flows between them.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 3 March 2020 . 山形新幹線をより便利に快適にします . Make the Yamagata Shinkansen more convenient and comfortable . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200303131353/https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2019/20200303_ho01.pdf . 3 March 2020 . 3 March 2020 . jreast.co.jp . 東日本旅客鉄道株式会社.
  2. Web site: 16 March 2024 . 山形新幹線 25年ぶりの新型車両「E8系」営業運転開始 . "E8 series", begins revenue service, the first new vehicle on the Yamagata Shinkansen in 25 years . 16 March 2024 . NHK.
  3. Web site: 18 May 2022 . 山形新幹線の新型車両削減 . Reduction in new Yamagata Shinkansen train sets . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220517205037/https://nordot.app/899398749705584640 . 17 May 2022 . 18 May 2022 . Kyodo News Online . ja.
  4. Web site: 30 January 2023 . New E8 bullet train . https://web.archive.org/web/20230130105355/https://japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/new-e8-bullet-train-1 . 30 January 2023 . 30 January 2023 . Japan Today . en.
  5. Web site: 4 March 2014 . 山形新幹線E3系のエクステリアデザインを変更 . Exterior design change for Yamagata Shinkansen E3 series . 4 March 2014 . Japan Railfan Magazine Online . Koyusha Co., Ltd. . ja . Japan.
  6. Web site: Hosozawa . Ayateru . 23 March 2020 . Ahead by a nose: Faster bullet trains coming to Yamagata in ’24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221008150414/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13195517 . 8 October 2022 . 31 July 2022 . The Asahi Shimbun . en.
  7. Web site: 24 February 2023 . ja:JR東日本「E8系」山形新幹線の新型車両公開、撮影会も - 写真60枚 . JR East unveils new "E8 series" train for the Yamagata Shinkansen - 60 photos . 28 February 2023 . Mynavi News . ja.
  8. 13 June 2024. NHK World. Japan Railway Journal. New Regional Yamagata Shinkansen Series E8. 10. en. 4.