Nankai 12000 series
The Nankai 12000 series is an electric multiple unit train type operated by the private railway operator Nankai Electric Railway in Japan on Southern Premium limited express services between and since September 2011. Two 4-car trainsets were delivered, replacing the older 10000 series sets.
The Semboku 12000 series is a very similar train type, introduced by the private railway operator Semboku Rapid Railway, a former Nankai subsidiary, for use on Semboku Liner limited express services in Osaka Prefecture. One 4-car trainset was delivered in 2016 and entered revenue service on 27 January 2017.
Design
The new trains feature "Plasmacluster" air-purification technology developed by Sharp Corporation, representing the first use in a private operator train in Japan.Passenger seats are wide, wider than in previous trains, and AC power outlets are provided.
The Semboku 12000 series is similar, but sports a gold livery and has different coloured seat covers in each of the four cars.
Operations
The Nankai 12000 series is primarily used on Southern limited express services operating between on the Nankai Main Line and or on the. Its introduction allowed for all Southern services to offer reserved seating.The Semboku 12000 series was developed for use on Semboku Liner limited express services operating between Namba and, via the Nankai Main Line,, and .
The two train types are also able to operate interchangeably when needed.
Formation
, the fleet consists of two four-car sets, formed as follows, with two motored cars and two non-powered intermediate trailer cars, and car 1 at the Wakayamashi end.| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Designation | Mc2 | T2 | T1 | Mc1 |
| Numbering | MoHa 1210x | SaHa 1285x | SaHa 1280x | MoHa 1200x |
| Weight | 40.5 | 32.0 | 30.5 | 41.5 |
| Seating capacity | 50 | 64 | 68 | 60 |
The two end cars are each fitted with one PT7144-B single-arm pantograph.
The sole Semboku 12000 series set is formed similarly, with car 1 at the Izumi-Chuo end.
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Designation | Mc2 | T2 | T1 | Mc1 |
| Numbering | MoHa 12121 | SaHa 12871 | SaHa 12821 | MoHa 12021 |
| Weight | 40.5 | 32.0 | 30.5 | 41.5 |
| Seating capacity | 50 | 64 | 68 | 60 |
Cars 1 and 4 each have one PT7144-B2 single-arm pantograph.
Interior
Passenger accommodation consists of 2+2-abreast unidirectional seating with blue seat covers. Car 1 has a wheelchair space and also toilet facilities, including a urinal, a women-only toilet, a universal access toilet, and a washing area. Fluorescent lighting is used.For the Semboku 12000 series, each car has different colour seats, with red, green, purple, and yellow seat covers. LED lighting is used, and passenger information displays provide information in four languages.
History
Two four-car sets were delivered from the Tokyu Car Corporation factory in Yokohama in February 2011. The trains entered service on 1 September 2011.Semboku Rapid Railway
Initial details of a new train on order for the Semboku Rapid Railway were announced in October 2016. The four-car trainset, 12021, was delivered from the J-TREC factory in Yokohama to Wakayamashi in October 2016.On 21 January 2017, set 12021 was used on an invitation-only preview run between and. The trainset entered revenue service on 27 January 2017, following an official send-off ceremony at Izumi-Chūō Station.
On 10 May 2024, Semboku announced that the 12000 series would receive a redesigned livery. It returned to service in the new livery on 30 May.
Following the merger of the Semboku Rapid Railway into its parent company on 1 April 2025, the set became property of Nankai Electric Railway.