Tobu 300 series

The Tobu 300 series and 350 series (東武300系・350系, Tōbu 300/350-kei) were limited express electric multiple unit (EMU) train types operated by the private railway operator Tobu Railway in Japan from July 1991 until March 2022. Rebuilt from former 1800 series express sets, the trains were used on limited express and charter services on the Tobu Skytree Line and Tobu Nikko Line.[1]

Tobu 300 series
A 300 series set on a Kirifuri service in October 2007
In serviceJuly 1991 – March 2022
Constructed1990–1991
Scrapped2017–
Number built
  • 24 vehicles
    • 2 × 300 series (6-car)
    • 3 × 350 series (4-car)
Number in serviceNone
Number scrapped12 vehicles (2 sets)
SuccessorTobu 500 series
Formation4/6 cars per trainset
OperatorsTobu Railway
DepotsKasukabe
Lines servedTobu Skytree Line, Tobu Nikko Line, Tobu Utsunomiya Line
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length20 m (65 ft 7 in)
DoorsOne per side
Maximum speed110 km/h (68 mph)
Acceleration2.23 km/(h⋅s) (1.39 mph/s)
Deceleration3.7 km/(h⋅s) (2.3 mph/s) (service)
5.0 km/(h⋅s) (3.1 mph/s) (emergency)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC
Current collector(s)Overhead line
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Operations

As of 21 April 2017, the fleet consisted of three four-car 350 series sets (sets 351 to 353).[2] The 350 series sets were normally used on Shimotsuke limited express services, while the 300 series was used on Kirifuri limited express services.[2]

Formations

The six-car 300 series and four-car 350 series sets were formed as shown below.[2]

300 series sets 301 to 302

Car No.123456
DesignationTc2M3M4M1M2Tc1
Numbering300-6300-5300-4300-3300-2300-1

Car 2 was fitted with a scissors-type pantograph, and car 4 was fitted with two.[2]

350 series sets 351 to 353

A 350 series set on a Kirifuri service in July 2008
Car No.1234
DesignationTc2M1M2Tc1
Numbering350-4350-3350-2350-1

Car 2 was fitted with two scissors-type pantographs.[2]

Interior

Passenger accommodation was monoclass with unidirectional rotating/reclining seats arranged with a seat pitch of 960 mm (38 in).[3]

History

Two 300 series six-car sets were built in 1990 from former 1800 series express EMUs displaced by the arrival of new 200 series EMUs.[1] Three 350 series four-car sets were similarly rebuilt in 1991, with the trains entering service from the start of the revised timetable on 21 July 1991.[1]The 300 series six-car sets were withdrawn on 20 April 2017, following the introduction of the Tobu 500 series.[4] On 6 March 2022, the 350 series four-car sets were also withdrawn from service, alongside the discontinuation of Kirifuri limited express services.[5]

References