Tobu 200 series

Summary

The Tobu 200 series and 250 series (東武200系・250系, Tōbu 200/250-kei) are electric multiple unit (EMU) train types operated in Japan on limited express services by the private railway operator Tobu Railway since 1991.[2] The trains are used on Ryōmō services from Asakusa in Tokyo to Akagi and Kuzū.[3]

Tobu 200 series
A 200 series in October 2021
In service1991–present
ManufacturerAlna Kōki, Tokyu Car Corporation
Replaced1800 series
Constructed1990–1998
Number built60 vehicles (10 sets)
Number in service60 vehicles (10 sets)
Formation6 cars per trainset
OperatorsTobu Railway
DepotsTatebayashi
Lines servedTobu Skytree Line, Tobu Isesaki Line
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length20 m (65 ft 7+38 in)
DoorsOne per side
Maximum speed110 km/h (68 mph)[1]
Traction system200 series: Resistor control + field system superimposed field excitation control
250 series: Variable frequency (IGBT, PMSM)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC
Current collector(s)Overhead line
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Formations edit

As of 1 April 2012, the fleet consists of nine 6-car 200 series sets and one 6-car 250 series set.[4]

200 series sets 201 to 209 edit

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Designation Mc2 M4 M3 M2 M1 Mc1
Numbering 200-6 200-5 200-4 200-3 200-2 200-1

Cars 2, 4, and 5 are each fitted with a pantograph (scissors type on sets 201 to 206, and single-arm type on sets 207 to 209.[4]

250 series set 251 edit

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Designation Tc2 M3 T M2 M1 Tc1
Numbering 251-6 251-5 251-4 251-3 251-2 251-1

Car 2 is fitted with one single-arm pantograph, and car 4 is fitted with two single-arm pantographs.[4]

Interior edit

Passenger accommodation is monoclass with unidirectional reclining seats arranged with a seat pitch of 985 mm (38.8 in).[1] Seats in the 200 series sets were reused from former 1700 and 1720 series trainsets, with new seat cover moquette.[2] Vending machines selling drinks are provided onboard.[1]

History edit

The first seven 200 series sets were built between 1991 and 1996 utilizing the bogies and traction motors from former 1700/1720 series "DRC" EMUs displaced by the arrival of new Spacia 100 series EMUs. The trains entered service from 1 February 1991.[5] Sets 208 and 209 built in fiscal 1997 featured HID headlights, LED destination indicators, and single-arm pantographs. 250 series set 251, was an entirely new build, delivered in March 1998. This featured the same 190 kW traction motors and bogies as the 30000 series, with VVVF control. Only three of the six cars in this set are motored.[5]

In December 2014, set 206 was overhauled and returned to traffic with new seats, replacing the original 1700/1720 series seating.[6]

Livery variations edit

Puyuma Express edit

In June 2016, 200 series set 208 was repainted in a special livery based on that of the Puyuma Express trains operated in Taiwan by the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA).[7] This follows the signing of a friendship agreement between Tobu and TRA in December 2015.[8]

1800 series livery edit

On 5 August 2021, 200 series set 205 was repainted in a livery based on that of the 1800 series trainsets. In addition, its seat covers were changed to resemble those of the 1800 series.[9] Set 209 returned to service in the same livery on 8 February 2022.[10]


References edit

  1. ^ a b c 日本と世界の鉄道カタログ [Japan and World Railway Catalogue]. Japan: Seibido Publishing. August 1991. pp. 40–41. ISBN 978-4-415-03383-9.
  2. ^ a b 私鉄車両年鑑 2013: 大手15社営業用車両完全網羅 私鉄車両年鑑2013 [Japan Private Railways Annual 2013]. Tokyo, Japan: Ikaros Publications Ltd. 20 March 2013. p. 166. ISBN 978-4-86320-693-9.
  3. ^ 日本と世界の鉄道カタログ [Japan and World Railway Catalogue]. Japan: Seibido Publishing. July 1992. ISBN 978-4-415-03262-7.
  4. ^ a b c 私鉄車両編成表 2012 [Private Railway Rolling Stock Formations - 2012]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. July 2012. p. 45. ISBN 978-4-330-29911-2.
  5. ^ a b 2006東武鉄道優等車両カタログ [2006 Tobu Railway Express Rolling Stock Catalogue]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine. Vol. 35, no. 264. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. April 2006. pp. 22–24.
  6. ^ 東武鉄道200系206編成の座席が交換される [Seats replaced on Tobu 200 series set 206]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 14 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
  7. ^ 東武鉄道200系208編成が台鐵自強号「普悠瑪」デザインとなって出場 [Tobu 200 series set 208 out-shopped in Taiwan "Puyuma Express" style livery]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 14 June 2016. Archived from the original on 14 June 2016. Retrieved 14 June 2016.
  8. ^ 東武特急〈りょうもう〉号を台鉄自強号〈普悠瑪〉デザインに変更 [Tobu Ryomo limited express train to be changed to Taiwan Puyuma Express livery]. Tetsudo Hobidas (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing Co., Ltd. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  9. ^ "東武200型205編成が1800系のカラーリングに" [Tobu 200 series set 205 repainted in 1800 series livery]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 6 August 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  10. ^ "東武200系209編成がリバイバルカラーとなり出場" [Tobu 200 series set 209 enters service with revival livery]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.

External links edit

  • Tobu 200 series information (in Japanese)