The E657 series is an AC/DC dual-voltage electric multiple unit train type operated by East Japan Railway Company in Japan on limited express services between in Tokyo and on the Joban Line since March 2012. The trains replaced the 651 series and E653 series EMUs previously used on Super Hitachi and Fresh Hitachi limited express services on the Joban Line. The first train in revenue service ran on 3 March 2012, in the form of a special return Super Hitachi limited express service between Ueno and Iwaki, with regular scheduled services starting from the revised timetable on 17 March 2012. The initial order of sixteen 10-car sets was in service by the start of the revised timetable on 16 March 2013.
Design
The front end design is derived from the earlier Super Hitachi 651 series trains, and the pale pink body colour with red lining is intended to evoke an image of the ume plums for which the area served by the trains is famous. The end cars and Green cars feature full active suspension for improved ride quality, and yaw dampers are fitted between cars.
Bogies
The DT78 and TR263 bolsterless bogies are developed from the DT77 and TR262 bogies used on the E259 series EMUs, with improvements to cope with the increased vehicle weight and provide increased snow and cold weather resistance. The end bogies of the Tc driving cars are designated TR263, the inner bogies of the Tc driving cars and the Ts car are designated TR263A, and the bogies on the T1 car are designated TR262B. All the bogies use tread brakes, and the trailer bogies additionally use two disc brakes per axle. Wheel diameter is 860 mm, and the distance between wheel centres is 2,100 mm.
Formation
Each unit consists of ten cars, formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Ueno end. The six "M" cars are motored.
Car No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Designation
Tc'
M1
M2
T1
Ts
M1
M2
M1
M2
Tc
Numbering
KuHa E656
MoHa E657-200
MoHa E656-200
SaHa E657
SaRo E657-200
MoHa E657-100
MoHa E656-100
MoHa E657
MoHa E656
KuHa E657
Weight
36.1
41.4
40.0
31.1
34.1
41.4
40.0
41.4
40.0
34.8
Seating capacity
44
68
64
72
30
66
64
68
64
60
Cars 2, 6, and 8 each have one PS37A single-arm pantograph.
Interior
Internally, Green car accommodation is in 2+2 abreast configuration with a seat pitch of. Standard class is arranged 2+2 with a seat pitch of, compared to 970 mm for Super Hitachi 651 series trains and 910 mm for Fresh Hitachi E653 series trains. AC power outlets are provided at each seat, and WiMAXwireless broadband internet access is available. The trains include universal access toilets and security cameras. Between October 2013 and around March 2015, the fleet was scheduled to be retro-fitted with LED seat reservation status indicators above each seat.
History
In March 2011, the first completed five cars were delivered from Kinki Sharyo's Osaka factory and moved to Hitachi's factory in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The first 10-car set was then scheduled to be moved from Hitachi's factory to JR East's Katsuta Depot on the Jōban Line in April, but this was postponed until May 2011 due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Test running on the Jōban Line commenced on 27 May 2011. Seven sets were delivered for the start of the revised timetable from 17 March 2012. The first E657 series set built by Japan Transport Engineering Company in Yokohama, K-9, was delivered in August 2012. This was also the first train to be built for JR East by the company following its renaming from Tokyu Car Corporation.
Fleet/build details
The manufacturers and delivery dates for the fleet are as shown below.
