Tobu 30000 series

The Tobu 30000 series (東武30000系, Tōbu 30000-kei) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter train type operated by the private railway operator Tobu Railway in Japan since 1997.[3] Initially formed as six-car and four-car sets, sets are mostly formed as permanently coupled ten-car formations since 2011.

Tobu 30000 series
30000 series set 31604 in October 2021
ManufacturerAlna Kōki, Tokyu Car Corporation, Fuji Heavy Industries
Constructed1996–2003
Entered service1997
Number built150 vehicles (30 sets)
Number in service150 vehicles (16 sets; as of 24 January 2020)
Formation10/6/4 cars per trainset
OperatorsTobu Railway
Depots
  • Kasukabe
  • Minami-Kurihashi
  • Shinrinkōen
Lines served
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Car length20 m (65 ft 7 in)
Doors4 pairs per side
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Traction systemVariable frequency (IGBT)
Traction motorsTM-95 three-phase induction motor
Power output190 kW (250 hp) per motor
Acceleration3.3 km/(h⋅s) (2.1 mph/s)[a]
Deceleration
  • 3.5 km/(h⋅s) (2.2 mph/s) (service)
  • 4.5 km/(h⋅s) (2.8 mph/s) (emergency)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead line
Current collector(s)Single-arm pantograph
Bogies
  • SS138 (motored)
  • SS038 (trailer)
Braking system(s)Electronically controlled pneumatic brakes with regenerative braking
Multiple working10000 series
Headlight typeHigh-intensity discharge
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Notes/references
Specification sources:[1][2]

Formations

As of 24 January 2020,[4] the fleet consists of one six-car and one four-car set based at Minami-Kurihashi and Kasukabe depots for Tobu Skytree Line and Tobu Nikko Line services, and 14 permanently coupled 6+4-car sets based at Shinrinkoen Depot for Tobu Tojo Line services.[5]

10-car Tobu Tojo Line sets

Car No.12345678910
DesignationTc2M2AM1ATTM3T1M2M1Tc1
Numbering34400334003240031400366003560034600336003260031600
  • The M1 and M1A cars are each fitted with two single-arm pantographs, and the M3 cars are fitted with one.[5]
  • Cars 2, 3, 6, and 9 have wheelchair spaces.[5]

6-car sets

Six-car set 31613 on a Nikko Line service in May 2012
DesignationTc1M1M2T1M3Tc2
Numbering316003260033600346003560036600

The M1 cars are fitted with two single-arm pantographs, and the M3 cars are fitted with one.[5]

4-car sets

Four-car set 31407 on a Nikko Line service in November 2013
DesignationTc1M1AM2ATc2
Numbering31400324003340034400

The M1A cars are fitted with two single-arm pantographs.[5]

Bogies

Interior

Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal seating throughout.[1]: 43 

The first three sets delivered, sets 31601, 31401, and 31402, had flat panels on the seat ends and no centre stanchions. Set 31403 was fitted with contoured seats, and these were fitted on all subsequent sets delivered. Sets 31607 and 31407 onward had higher light blue panels on the seat ends.[3]

History

A six-car set being delivered in July 2001

The first set, 31601, was delivered in November 1996, with the first trains entering service on 25 March 1997.[3] Initially used primarily on Tobu Isesaki Line services, they were introduced on through-running services to and from the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line via the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line from March 2003,[3] operating in 6+4-car formations.[6] However, as the driving cabs between the two sets led to reduced capacity, which hampered the fleet's ability to cope with the congestion rates of the Hanzomon and Den-en-toshi lines, the 30000 series' usage on these services was reduced in late 2005.[6] They were largely superseded by new 50050 series fixed 10-car sets from 18 March 2006.[7]: 70–71  Sets withdrawn from Hanzomon Line through services were reallocated to services on the Isesaki, Nikko, and Utsunomiya lines.[6]

Transfer to Tojo Line

From January 2011, pairs of four- and six-car sets were transferred to the Tobu Tojo Line, commencing with sets 31601 and 31401.[8] These sets entered revenue service from 13 June 2011 following modifications at Shinrinkōen Depot to form a permanently coupled 10-car set with control equipment and skirts removed from the two intermediate driving cabs.[9] In addition, the electrical couplers from the end cars were removed.[7]: 71 

Fixed 10-car set conversion dates

Set No.Official modification date
31601+3140123 March 2011[10]
31602+3140214 January 2015[5]
31603+314033 December 2012[11]
31604+3140422 March 2013[11]
31605+314055 July 2012[11]
31606+3140623 January 2020[4]
31607+3140723 October 2014[5]
31608+3140826 June 2013[12]
31609+31409
31610+314103 October 2012[11]
31611+3141118 November 2011[10]
31612+314128 July 2014[5]
31613+3141327 January 2014[12]
31614+314142 September 2014[5]
31615+314158 October 2013[12]

Notes

References

Further reading

  • 東武鉄道30000系 [Tobu 30000 series]. Railway Journal (364). March 1997.