115 series


The 115 series is a DC electric multiple unit train type developed by Japanese National Railways and now operated by East Japan Railway Company, West Japan Railway Company, and the Shinano Railway.

Operations

JR East

Currently used on the Shinetsu Main Line, Yahiko Line, and the Echigo Line. 115 series trains were also previously used on the Shōnan-Shinjuku Line, Takasaki Line, and Utsunomiya Line, Chuo Main Line, Shinonoi Line,
Oito Line, Agatsuma Line, Ryomo Line, Joetsu Line.

JR-West

Currently used on the Hakubi Line, Maizuru Line, Sagano Line, Sanin Main Line and the Sanyō Main Line

JR Central

Formerly used on the Minobu Line, Gotemba Line and the Tōkaidō Main Line. Sets owned by JR East currently operate on the JR Central Iida Line and Chūō Main Line.

Shinano Railway

Currently used on the Shinano Railway Line. Start of retirement in July 2020 with the debut of the new SR1 series on the 4th July 2020.

Variants

115-0 series

This is a cold-weather and mountainous line version of the earlier 113 series. The first examples were introduced from 1963 on the Takasaki Line out of.

115-300 series

Air-conditioned version introduced from 1973.

115-1000 series

Introduced from 1978 with increased seat pitch and improved cold-weather performance.

115-2000 series

Hiroshima, Shimonoseki and Shizuoka area version introduced in 1978. Specifications based on 115-1000 series.

115-3000 series

Two-door version introduced from November 1982 to replace 153 series EMUs on "Rapid" services in the Shimonoseki area.

115-3500 series

Former 117 series MoHa 117 and MoHa 116 two-door cars converted from May 1992 for use in the Okayama and Hiroshima areas.

115-6000 series

JR-West 2-car sets converted in 1999 by building new cabs at one end of former MoHa cars.

Livery variations

Special liveries

In January 2017, Niigata-based set N3 was repainted into the original "Niigata Livery" of red and yellow formerly carried by JNR 70 series EMU trains.
In April 2017, Shinano Railway three-car set S7 was repainted into the original Nagano livery of cream and green as part of the Shinshu area promotional campaign to be held from July to September 2017.
In September 2017, Niigata-based set N37 was repainted in the first "Niigata area" livery.

Preserved examples

Former JR East end car KuMoHa 115 1061 is scheduled to be displayed at the Niigata City Niitsu Railway Museum in Niitsu, Niigata between July and September 2017.