223 series
Template:Infobox Japanese EMU The 223 series is a DC electric multiple unit that forms the backbone fleet of JR West's suburban services. Multiple batches of the train have been built with varying difference (in particular to its motor output control), though the overall general appearances remain similar.
Design of the rolling stock was an improved adaptation of the 221 series, with three doors per side per car and a traverse seating layout. Production of the train first began in 1993.
Variations
232-0, 232-2500 Model
The first model (223-0) was delivered earlier than expected, and saw introduction into service in April 1 1994 on the Hanwa Line. Later in the same year, on September 4 it began serving the Kansai Airport Line Rapid Service as Kansai International Airport opened. The train was initially fitted with luggage racks, for passengers travelling to/from the airport. A 1 + 2 seating has been adopted to allow passengers to place bulky luggage on the floor where nessecary.
Between 1996 and 1998, baggage cars were put into service, but due to lack of use it was reverted. Unable to cope with the increasing passenger traffic, new cars were produced and designated as the 223-2500, based on the 223-2000 model. The introduction of the cars took place in 1999.
The 223-0/223-2500 sees regular service on the Osaka Loop Line, Kansai Main Line (and its airport line), and the Kisei Main Line. They are typically in 2 or 6 cars formation.
232-1000 Model
This model was manfactured between 1994 and 1995, and were quickly pressed into service in the summer of 1995 to curb dwindling passenger travel in the aftermath of the Great Hanshin earthquake. The trains sport a higher top service speed of 130 km/h, and were manfactured jointly between Kinki Sharyo, Hitachi, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Foldable seats replace some of the regular ones, in order to increase standing capacity during peak hours. To lower the center of gravity, air-conditioning units have been shifted to the bottom of the carriages.
The 223-1000 services several routes : Hokuriku Main Line, Tōkaidō Main Line, Sanyō Main Line, Kosei Line, Kusatsu Line, and Sagano Line. A total of 92 cars were prodcued, and they are typically in 4 or 8 cars formation.
232-2000 Model
In 1999, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kinki Sharyo received a further order of 236 cars. This model was built with substansial improvements; for instance disabled-friendly toilets have been provided, and windows are now heat absorbant. Its formation and assignment of routes are similar to the 232-1000 model.
232-5000 Model
This model was built in 2003 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, intended to replace the aging 213 series serving the Marine Liner on the Seto-Ōhashi line. It can be coupled to the bilevel Shikoku Railway Company 5000 series as a trailer, and ATS-P is not utilised. It was subsequently introduced on October 1 of the same year.
JR West classifies its formation as the 232-5000, while JR Shikoku classifies its formation under the 5000 series.
See also
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External links
