The 157 series (157系) was a Japanese DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated on limited express services by Japanese National Railways (JNR) from 1959 until 1980.

157 series
A 157 series EMU on an imperial train working, June 1978
In serviceSeptember 1959–1980
ManufacturerKawasaki Sharyo, Kisha Seizo, Nippon Sharyo
Constructed1959–1963
Number built32 vehicles
Number in serviceNone
Number preserved1 vehicle
Number scrapped31 vehicles
OperatorsJNR
DepotsTamachi
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Traction systemResistor control
Traction motorsMT46
Power output100kW
TransmissionGear Ratio: 1:4.21 (19:80)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC
Current collector(s)Overhead wire
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Operations

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The 157 series EMUs were first introduced by JNR on Nikkō semi express services between Tokyo and Nikkō on 22 September 1959 to counter competition from the private company Tobu Railway, which also operated trains to Nikkō.[1] They were also used on Chusenji services between Shinjuku and Nikkō, and Nasuno services between Ueno and Kuroiso.[2]

157 series EMUs were also introduced on seasonal Hibiki services on the Tokaido Main Line from 21 November 1959, and were later used on Amagi and Soyokaze services.[1]

Fleet details

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  • KuMoHa 157-1 – 10: Driving motor cars[3]
  • MoHa 156-1 – 10: Intermediate motor cars, with one pantograph[3]
  • SaHa 157-1 – 5: Intermediate trailer cars[3]
  • SaRo 157-1 – 6: Intermediate "Green" (first class) trailer cars[3]
  • KuRo 157-1: Imperial train car (see below)[3]

External livery

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Initially painted in the JNR livery of beige ("Cream No. 4") and crimson ("Red No. 11"), the red colour was later changed to a slightly darker shade ("Red No. 2") when the sets were modified with the addition of air-conditioning.[2]

KuRo 157-1 imperial train car

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The 157 series fleet included a dedicated imperial train car, built by Kawasaki Sharyo (present-day Kawasaki Heavy Industries) and delivered in June 1960.[4] Numbered KuRo 157-1, the car could be inserted into 157 series formations for use on imperial train workings.[5] One end had a gangwayed driving cab based on the 153 series EMU design, although the car was normally sandwiched in the middle of a 157 series formation, and was only very rarely used with the driving cab leading.[4] In 1979, the car was modified for use in conjunction with 183 series EMUs, with the first official working on 2 July 1980.[4] From March 1985, it was repainted in cream with a green stripe for use in conjunction with 185 series EMUs.[4]

The last official operation of the car was on 8 September 1993.[4]

Following retirement, the KuRo 157-1 car remained in storage at Tamachi Depot for many years, but was moved to Tokyo General Rolling Stock Centre in the early hours of 2 December 2012.[6]

History

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The first 157 series set was delivered in August 1959, and entered service on Nikkō semi express services between Tokyo and Nikkō from 22 September 1959.[2] Air-conditioning was added to the trains from 1962.[7]

With the exception of the special imperial train car KuRo 157-1, the entire fleet of 157 series trains was withdrawn by 1980.[2]

Fleet details

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The individual car histories are as follows.[8]

 
KuMoHa 157-2 in March 1980
 
MoHa 156-2 in March 1980
Car No. Manufacturer Delivery date Withdrawal date
KuMoHa 157
KuMoHa 157-1 Kisha 26 August 1959 28 November 1980
KuMoHa 157-2 Kisha 26 August 1959 28 November 1980
KuMoHa 157-3 Kisha 26 August 1959 15 October 1976
KuMoHa 157-4 Nippon Sharyo 15 August 1959 28 June 1976
KuMoHa 157-5 Nippon Sharyo 15 August 1959 15 October 1976
KuMoHa 157-6 Nippon Sharyo 12 December 1959 20 July 1976
KuMoHa 157-7 Nippon Sharyo 15 December 1960 20 July 1976
KuMoHa 157-8 Nippon Sharyo 15 December 1960 28 June 1976
KuMoHa 157-9 Kawasaki Sharyo 12 December 1960 28 June 1976
KuMoHa 157-10 Kawasaki Sharyo 12 December 1960 15 October 1976
MoHa 156
MoHa 156-1 Kisha 26 August 1959 28 November 1980
MoHa 156-2 Kisha 26 August 1959 28 November 1980
MoHa 156-3 Kisha 26 August 1959 15 October 1976
MoHa 156-4 Nippon Sharyo 15 August 1959 28 June 1976
MoHa 156-5 Nippon Sharyo 15 August 1959 15 October 1976
MoHa 156-6 Nippon Sharyo 12 December 1959 20 July 1976
MoHa 156-7 Nippon Sharyo 15 December 1960 20 July 1976
MoHa 156-8 Nippon Sharyo 15 December 1960 28 June 1976
MoHa 156-9 Kawasaki Sharyo 12 December 1960 28 June 1976
MoHa 156-10 Kawasaki Sharyo 12 December 1960 15 October 1976
SaHa 157
SaHa 157-1 Kisha 26 August 1959 20 July 1976
SaHa 157-2 Nippon Sharyo 15 August 1959 15 October 1976
SaHa 157-3 Nippon Sharyo 15 December 1959 20 July 1976
SaHa 157-4 Kawasaki Sharyo 12 December 1960 15 October 1976
SaHa 157-5 Kawasaki Sharyo 12 December 1960 15 October 1976
SaRo 157
SaRo 157-1 Kisha 26 August 1959 20 July 1976
SaRo 157-2 Nippon Sharyo 15 August 1959 28 June 1976
SaRo 157-3 Nippon Sharyo 15 December 1959 20 July 1976
SaRo 157-4 Kawasaki Sharyo 12 December 1960 20 July 1976
SaRo 157-5 Kawasaki Sharyo 12 December 1960 28 June 1976
SaRo 157-6 Nippon Sharyo 18 March 1963 28 June 1976
KuRo 157
KuRo 157-1 Kawasaki Sharyo 8 July 1960  

References

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  1. ^ a b Ogano, Minoru (March 2011). 新幹線・特急大図鑑2011 [Shinkansen & Limited Express Directory 2011]. Japan: JTB Publishing. p. 132. ISBN 978-4-533-08193-4.
  2. ^ a b c d Fukuhara, Shunichi (March 2013). "国鉄157系を振り返る" [Looking back at the JNR 157 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). 53 (623): 97–101.
  3. ^ a b c d e 写真とイラストで見る国鉄急行型電車のすべて [JNR Express EMUs in pictures]. Japan: Neko Publishing Ltd. 29 November 2013. pp. 36–39. ISBN 978-4-7770-1532-0.
  4. ^ a b c d e Okada, Seiichi (January 2007). "1号御料車とクロ157" [Imperial Carriage No. 1 and KuRo 157]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). 47 (549): 9–31.
  5. ^ JR全車輌ハンドブック2009 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2009]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2009. p. 140. ISBN 978-4-7770-0836-0.
  6. ^ "12/2, クロ157-1・クモヤ145-114が東京総合車両センターへ" [KuRo 157-1 and KuMoYa 145-114 moved to Tokyo General Rolling Stock Centre]. Japan Railfan Magazine. 53 (622): 162. February 2013.
  7. ^ Teramoto, Mitsuteru (July 2001). 国鉄・JR列車名大辞典 [JNR & JR Train Name Encyclopedia]. Tokyo, Japan: Chuoshoin Publishing Co., Ltd. pp. 424–425. ISBN 978-4-88732-093-2.
  8. ^ JR電車編成表 2016冬 [JR EMU Formations – Winter 2016] (in Japanese). Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. 18 November 2015. pp. 385–386. ISBN 978-4-330-62315-3.