E257 series


The E257 series is a DC electric multiple unit train type operated in Japan for limited express services by East Japan Railway Company and built jointly by Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo, and Tokyu Car Corporation.

Variants

Three variants exist: the original E257-0 series for use on Chuo Main Line Azusa and Kaiji limited-express services until 16 March 2019, the E257-500 series for use on Chiba area limited express services, and the E257-2000/-2500 used for Odoriko services modified from former E257-0 series trains.

E257-0 series

This sub-series was introduced on 1 December 2001 to replace the aging 183 and 189 series rolling stock on Chuo Main Line Azusa and Kaiji services. Based at Matsumoto depot, the fleet consisted of sixteen 9-car sets with a full cab at the Matsumoto end and a gangwayed cab at the Tokyo end, and five 2-car "add-on" sets with a full cab at the Tokyo end and a shunting cab at the Matsumoto end.
The type was the recipient of the 45th Blue Ribbon Award of the Japan Railfan Club.
From 2018, the E257 series trains were replaced by E353 series EMUs on Chuo Line Azusa and Kaiji limited express services. On 16 March 2019, all E257 series trains stopped operating on regular Chuo Line limited expresses. The trains were modified into E257-2000s and redeployed on Tokaido Main Line Odoriko services from 14 March 2020. Several sets are still under refurbishment and three sets will be retained as E257-0 to be used on charter and extra services.

Operations

Former operations

Matsumoto-based E257 series trains were also used on the Ohayo Liner Shinjuku and Home Liner Odawara commuter services running on the Tokaido Main Line until 14 March 2008.

Formations

The nine-car sets were formed as follows.
Car No.34567891011
DesignationTcMM'MTTsMM'Tc'
NumberingKuHa E257-100MoHa E257MoHa E256MoHa E257-1000SaHa E257SaRoHa E257MoHa E257-100MoHa E256-100KuHa E256

The two-car sets were formed as follows.
Car No.12
DesignationTcTMc
NumberingKuHa E257KuMoHa E257

E257-500 series

The E257-500 sub-series version was delivered between July 2004 and October 2005, with the first sets entering service from 16 October 2004 on Uchibo Line Sazanami and Sotobo Line Wakashio limited-express services, replacing older 183 series rolling stock. Based at Makuhari depot in Chiba Prefecture, the fleet consists of 19 5-car sets. Unlike the Chūō Line variant, these sets have gangways at both ends.
Due to the reduction of the Chiba area limited express services, several trains are being used for the Chuo and Fujikyuko Line Fuji Excursion services and other charter and extra services. In addition to these, 4 sets are planned for conversion into E257-2500 to be used on Tōkaidō Main Line Odoriko limited express services.

Formation

The five-car E257-500 series sets are formed as follows.
Car No.12345
DesignationTc'MM'MTc
NumberingKuHa E256-500MoHa E257-1500MoHa E256-500MoHa E257-500KuHa E257-500

Cars 2 and 4 are each fitted with one PS37 single-arm pantograph.

Services operated

The E257-500 series sets are monoclass, with standard-class accommodation only.

E257-2000/2500 series

The E257-2000 and -2500 series are refurbished versions of the E257-0 and -500 series respectively. A total of 13 9-car E257-2000 sets and 4 5-car E257-2500 sets are due to be introduced for the Odoriko Limited Express services on the Tōkaidō Main Line. The first E257-2000 set, converted from E257-0 set M112 at Nagano General Rolling Stock Centre, appeared in March 2019. On 14 March 2020, two round-trips of the formerly 185 series-operated Odoriko services were replaced by E257-2000s.