ET122 explained

ET122
Manufacturer:Niigata Transys
Yearconstruction:2014–2016
Yearservice:14 March 2015
Numberbuilt:10 vehicles
Numberservice:8 vehicles
Formation:1/2 cars per unit
Operator:Echigo Tokimeki Railway
Depots:Naoetsu
Lines:Nihonkai Hisui Line
Carbody:Stainless steel
Steel (ET122-1000)
Carlength:20800mm
Width:2900mm
Height:4040mm
Floorheight:1170mm
Doors:Two pairs per side
Maxspeed:100abbr=onNaNabbr=on
Engine:SA6D140HE-2

The ET122 is a diesel multiple unit (DMU) train type operated by the third-sector railway operator Echigo Tokimeki Railway (ETR) on the Nihonkai Hisui Line between and in Niigata Prefecture since operations on the line were transferred from West Japan Railway Company (JR West) on 14 March 2015.[1] Built by Niigata Transys and based on the JR West KiHa 122 series DMU design, the fleet consists of a total of eight single-car units.[1]

Variants

The fleet consists of six standard cars, numbered ET122-1 to ET122-6, and two special-event cars, numbered ET122-7 to ET122-8. The former have reversible transverse seating arranged 2+1 abreast with longitudinal bench seating at one end (total seating capacity 33), and the latter have fixed 4-person seating bays with tables (total seating capacity 40).[1] Both types have a wheelchair space at one end and a universal access toilet.[1]

A two-car resort train classified ET122-1000 (cars ET122-1001 + ET122-1002) and branded was built by Niigata Transys and delivered in March 2016.[2] This trainset entered service on 23 April 2016, operating mainly at weekends.[3]

Operations

The trains normally operate on the ETR's Nihonkai Hisui Line between and in Niigata Prefecture, with through-running to and from on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway Line in Toyama Prefecture.

Special liveries

The two special-event cars, ET122-7 and ET122-8, are finished in liveries designed by students at the Nagaoka Institute of Design. One is branded "Nihonkai Stream" and the other is branded "3 Cities Flowers".[4]

History

Test running began on the Hokuriku Main Line in December 2014.[5] In May 2017, the ET122-1000 was awarded the 2017 Laurel Prize, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.[6]

Fleet details

The individual build histories are as follows.[7]

Car No. Delivery date Livery
ET122-1 20 October 2014 Standard livery
ET122-2
ET122-3 3 March 2015
ET122-4 19 January 2015
ET122-5
ET122-6
ET122-7 "Nihonkai Stream" livery
ET122-8 "3 Cities Flowers" livery
ET122-1001 March 2016 Setsugekka resort train
ET122-1002

External links

Notes and References

  1. ja: えちごトキめき鉄道ET122形. Echigo Tokimeki Railway ET122. . 55. 645 . 69–71 . Koyusha Co., Ltd. . Japan . Japanese . January 2015.
  2. Web site: http://railf.jp/news/2016/03/25/150000.html. ja: ET122形1000番台「雪月花」が甲種輸送される. ET122-1000 series "Setsugekka" delivered. 25 March 2016. Japan Railfan Magazine Online. Koyusha Co., Ltd.. Japan. Japanese. 25 March 2016.
  3. Web site: http://railf.jp/news/2016/04/24/202000.html. ja: 「えちごトキめきリゾート雪月花」が営業運転を開始. "Echigo Tokimeki Resort Setsugekka" enters service. 24 April 2016. Japan Railfan Magazine Online. Koyusha Co., Ltd.. Japan. Japanese. 25 April 2016.
  4. Web site: Special-event car liveries. 11 November 2014. Echigo Tokimeki Railway Company. Japan. Japanese. https://web.archive.org/web/20141129051014/http://www.echigo-tokimeki.co.jp/PDF/141111_ET122.pdf. 29 November 2014. 25 March 2016.
  5. Web site: http://railf.jp/news/2014/12/04/180000.html . ja: えちごトキめき鉄道ET122形が北陸本線で試運転 . Echigo Tokimeki Railway ET122 test run on Hokuriku Main Line. 4 December 2014. Japan Railfan Magazine Online. Koyusha Co., Ltd.. Japan. Japanese. 4 December 2014.
  6. Web site: 2017's Blue Ribbon Prize and Laurel Prize. May 2017. Japan Railfan Club. Japan. 26 May 2017.
  7. Book: ja: 私鉄車両編成表 2015 . Private Railway Rolling Stock Formations - 2015 . Kotsu Shimbunsha . 23 July 2015 . Japan . Japanese . 106. 978-4-330-58415-7. 私鉄車両編成表 .