The 111 series is a Japanese suburban electric multiple unit. Built from 1962 to 1963 for JNR, the 111 series served as a prototype of sorts for the 113 series sets that were to soon as follows. Based on the earlier 421 series, the 111 series was built in an attempt to combat the overcrowding of platforms with the use of three-door cars as opposed to two-door cars. Production of the 111 series was stopped in 1963 once production was shifted to the 113 series cars; only thirty 111 series cars were produced. After the privatization of the JNR, the sets' ownership was taken over by JR Shikoku, which used the sets until March 2001, after which they were retired. Four cars are currently preserved; KuHa 111-1 at the SCMaglev and Railway Park in Nagoya, Japan, KuHa 111-3002 stored in JR Shikoku's Tadotsu Works and MoHa 110-1 and MoHa 111-1 stored at JR Central's Hamamatsu Works. The sectioned front ends of KuHa 111-1072 and KuHa 111-2152 are also preserved at the Poppo-no-oka farm shop in Isumi, Chiba.
113-0 series
These sets were the first of the 113 series, and were put to use on the Sobu and Yokosuka Lines. They had the same body structure as the 111 series, only the driver's cab had been extended. In 1970, AU73X, AU74X, AU75X type air conditioning was fitted experimentally to sets operated in the Kansai area. The test was successful, and hence was fitted into the majority of the cars. Production of the -0 series ceased in 1973, and most sets have now been withdrawn.
113-0 series (JR Shikoku)
Three 113-0 sets were transferred to JR Shikoku from JR East for refurbishment. Following refurbishment, they differed externally from most 113 series trainsets because they have lower front destination signs and rectangular headlights. Each set also came in a different color scheme; set 1 in a coat of lime green surrounding the windows with light blue; set 2 in red and pink; and set 3 in orange and yellow. All had a ribbon of silver on the top and bottom, and the colors were arranged in the same pattern. The last set was withdrawn in 2019.
Former numbering
Set 1
Set 2
Set 3
Current
Set 1
Set 2
Set 3
Car 1
KuHa 111-223
KuHa 111-198
KuHa 111-222
→
KuHa 113-1
KuHa 113-2
KuHa 113-3
Car 2
MoHa 113-257
MoHa 113-270
MoHa 113-272
→
MoHa 113-1
MoHa 113-2
MoHa 113-3
Car 3
MoHa 112-257
MoHa 112-270
MoHa 112-272
→
MoHa 112-1
MoHa 112-2
MoHa 112-3
Car 4
KuHa 111-532
KuHa 111-529
KuHa 111-528
→
KuHa 112-1
KuHa 112-2
KuHa 112-3
113-700 series
These sets were built for use on the Kosei Line, due to the heavy amounts of snowfall in the region. They feature semi automatic doors, snowploughs and improved brakes. Some trains were also transferred to the Sagano Line.
113-1000 series
These sets were introduced from 1972, and were an improved version of the 113-0 series, for use on the Sobu and Yokosuka Lines. They incorporated fire resistant materials, sealed beam headlights and air conditioning. These trains were used around the Boso area, on the Narita Line, Kashima Line, Sotobo Line, and Uchibo Line. However, due to minor modifications of the ATC and air conditioning in some trains in April 1972, some of the trains from the Boso area were transferred for use on the Tokaido Line.
113-1500 series
These sets were an improvement on the 113-1000 series and these sets were all located at Ofuna. They ran on the Sobu and Yokosuka Lines and on the Tokaido Line. All 113-1500 series trains were fitted with ATC-5 and ATS-P/SN.
113-2000 series
These sets are an improvement on the 113-0 series. The seat pitch was extended to 1490 millimeters, which was a 70 millimeter increase compared to its predecessor. Also, the width of the seat was widened from 880 millimeters to 965 millimeters. Some of them remain in service at Kosei Line and Kusatsu Line.
113-3800 series
These are JR-West 2-car sets which were converted in 2001 by building new cabs at one end of former MoHa cars.
