E353 series


The E353 series is a DC tilting electric multiple unit train operated by the East Japan Railway Company in Japan on limited express services on the Chūō Main Line since December 2017.
A pre-series train, consisting of one nine-car set and one three-car set, was delivered in July 2015 for performance testing. These trains replaced the older E351 series EMUs used on Super Azusa limited express services on the Chūō Main Line between in Tokyo and in Nagano Prefecture. Originally intended to enter revenue service in spring 2016, the first trains entered service on 23 December 2017.

Design

The exterior styling was overseen by the industrial design firm Ken Okuyama Design. Like the E351 series trains they replaced, the new E353 series trains incorporate tilting technology to allow faster speeds around curves. The trains use a pneumatic tilt system and an active suspension to reduce tilt times and help reduce motion sickness in passengers.
The train features a database of curves along the line, allowing the train to begin tilting before reaching the curve. The pre-series train also had dampers installed between the cars to reduce vibrations, but this feature was discontinued on the subsequent production trainsets. Maximum operating speed is. To reduce any step up from station platforms, the train floor height is, lower than on E259 series and E657 series trains.

Bogies

The trains use bolsterless bogies developed from those used on earlier E259 series and E657 series trains. Motored bogies with capability for retrofitting anti-oscillation equipment are designated DT81, motored bogies equipped anti-roll devices are designated DT82, and motor bogies not equipped with either are designated DT81A. Non-powered bogies are designated TR265, and are equipped with a parking brake and capability for retrofitting anti-oscillation equipment, but those not equipped with a parking brake are designated TR265A, and those on car 8, which not equipped with either are designated TR265B.

Formations

Trains consist of a nine-car main set, numbered S101 onward, and a three-car add-on set, numbered S201 onward, with car 1 at the southern end as follows.
Car No.123456789101112
DesignationMcM1-1000Mc'TcM-500M'-500M2-2000TTsMM'Tc'
NumberingKuMoHa E353MoHa E353-1000KuMoHa E352KuHa E353MoHa E353-500MoHa E352-500MoHa E353-2000SaHa E353SaRo E353MoHa E353MoHa E352KuHa E352
Weight38.840.339.938.939.538.337.735.733.139.138.336.1
Capacity464658486664666430646458

Cars 2 and 5 each have two single-arm pantographs, and cars 7 and 10 each have one. Cars 1 and 3 each have only one motored bogie.

Interior

Green car accommodation is in 2+2 abreast configuration with a seat pitch of. The wine red seat covers are intended to create subdued atmosphere. Standard class is also arranged 2+2 with a seat pitch of, compared to for Super Azusa E351 series trains. The pale blue seat covers are intended to evoke images of the Azusa River, after which the train service was named. AC power outlets are provided at each seat. The trains include universal access toilets and security cameras. LED lighting is used on these trains, for the first time on JR East limited express rolling stock.
While not initially included in the pre-series train, luggage racks are installed in cars 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, and 12.
Inside, the floors feature rubber coverings to reduce the noise of footsteps. Individual seat numbers are written in braille and each seat has an individual air diffuser for passenger comfort. The cars also feature air purifiers using ozone to reduce unpleasant odors.

Toilets

Cars 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11 have toilet facilities as follows.
Car No.UrinalWestern-style WCUniversal-access WCWashroom
1◌◌ ◌
2 ◌◌
4◌◌ ◌
6◌◌ ◌
8◌◌ ◌
9◌ ◌◌
11◌◌ ◌

History

Details of the new trains on order were first officially announced by JR East in February 2014.
The first trainset, consisting of one nine-car and one three-car set, was delivered from the Japan Transport Engineering Company factory in Yokohama to Matsumoto Depot in July 2015. Mainline test running started on 29 July 2015. The pre-series train was formally shown off to the media on 2 August 2015.
, the train was still undergoing test running.
In October 2017, JR East announced that the first trains would enter revenue service on Super Azusa services from 23 December 2017, by which date three pairs of trainsets would be available.
The trains were awarded the 2018 Laurel Prize by the Japan Railfan Club.
From the start of the revised timetable on 17 March 2018, all Super Azusa services were operated by E353 series trains.
Beginning on 1 July 2018, E353 series trains began replacing the E257 series trainsets used on Azusa and Kaiji services. With the start of the 16 March 2019 timetable revision, all Azusa and Kaiji services were operated with E353 series trains. In addition, three-car E353 series trainsets were deployed on Fuji Excursion services, which operate between and on the Fujikyuko Line. These services are coupled with nine-car Kaiji services between Shinjuku and.

Build details

The manufacturer and delivery dates for the fleet are as shown below.
Set No.Date delivered
S10129 July 2015
S10215 October 2017
S1038 November 2017
S10420 December 2017
S20129 July 2015
S20215 October 2017
S2038 November 2017
S20420 December 2017