The 713 series (713系) is a Japanese AC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type first introduced by Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1984 and later operated on local services by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu).[1][2] As of 1 October 2012, all four of the 2-car sets are still in active service.[3]

713 series
Reliveried set LK901
In serviceFebruary 1984 – present
ManufacturerHitachi, Tokyu Car
Constructed1983
Refurbished1996, 2008–2010
Number built8 vehicles (4 sets)
Number in service8 vehicles (4 sets)
Formation2 cars per trainset
Fleet numbersLK1–4
OperatorsJR Kyushu
DepotsKagoshima
Lines servedNippo Main Line
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)
Width2,946 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Doors2 pairs per side
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph)
Traction systemThyristor drive
Electric system(s)20 kV 60 Hz AC (overhead catenary)
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Operations

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Based at Kagoshima Depot, the fleet of four 2-car 713 series trains are used on Nippo Main Line services.[3]

Formations

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The 2-car sets, numbered LK1 to LK4, are formed as follows.[3]

Designation Mc T'c
Numbering KuMoHa 713 KuHa 712

The KuMoHa 713 car is fitted with one PS101D lozenge-type pantograph.[3]

External livery

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When delivered, the trains were originally painted in cream ("Cream No. 1") with green ("Green No. 14") bodyside bands, matching the 715 series EMUs.[4] Between 1986 and 1987, the sets were repainted in the standard Kyushu livery of white with blue bodyside bands.[2]

In 1996, the fleet underwent refurbishment and was repainted in a bright red "Sunshine" livery with blue doors.[2]

History

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The 713 series sets were delivered from July 1983, built by Hitachi and Tokyu Car Corporation, and becoming the first AC-only EMUs to operate in Kyushu.[2] They entered service from the start of the February 1984 timetable revision, operating on the Nagasaki Main Line and Sasebo Line, and based at Minami-Fukuoka Depot.[2][4] Because of their somewhat experimental nature, the cars were originally numbered in the KuMoHa 713-900 and KuHa 712-900 series.[4]

 
Interior of set LK904 in 2007

Coinciding with the opening of the Miyazaki Airport Line on 18 July 1996, the fleet underwent extensive refurbishment and were transferred from Minami-Fukuoka Depot to Kagoshima.[2] Internally, the fixed transverse seating bays were replaced with pairs of new reclining seats which could be rotated to face the direction of travel.[2] Externally, sets received a new bright red "Sunshine" livery with blue doors.[2]

The fleet underwent further modifications to allow the sets to work on wanman driver-only operation services commencing from October 2003.[2]

Between 2008 and 2010, the fleet underwent a second life-extension refurbishment programme, primarily designed to standardize the electrical equipment built by different manufacturers. At the same time, the individual cars were renumbered from the -900 subseries to the -0 subseries, and the sets were renumbered LK1 to LK4.[2]

References

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  1. ^ JR全車輌ハンドブック2009 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2009]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2009. p. 309. ISBN 978-4-7770-0836-0.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Saka, Masahiro (February 2013). "JR九州近郊型電車の現況" [The current state of JR Kyushu outer-suburban EMUs]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine (in Japanese). 42 (346): 14–31.
  3. ^ a b c d JR電車編成表 2013冬 [JR EMU Formations – Winter 2013]. Japan: JRR. November 2012. p. 230. ISBN 978-4-330-33112-6.
  4. ^ a b c 国鉄電車編成表1985年版 [JNR EMU Formations – 1985]. Japan: JRR. October 2010. p. 83. ISBN 978-4-330-17610-9.