Fujikyu 8000 series

Fujikyu 8000 series
The 8000 series train in January 2018
In serviceJuly 2014 – present
Replaced2000 series
Entered service12 July 2014
Refurbished2013-2014
Number built3 cars (1 set)
Number in service3 cars (1 set)
Formation3 cars per set
Capacity160
OperatorsFujikyu
Lines servedFujikyuko Line
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length20,650 mm (67 ft 9 in) (end cars)
19,500 mm (64 ft 0 in) (intermediate car)
Width2,900 mm (9 ft 6 in)
Height4,050 mm (13 ft 3 in)
Doors1 per side
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead wire
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The Fujikyu 8000 series (富士急行8000系, Fuji Kyūkō 8000-kei) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by the private railway operator Fuji Kyuko (Fujikyu) on Fujisan Limited Express (フジサン特急, Fujisan Tokkyū) limited-stop services on the Fujikyuko Line in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, since July 2014.[1]

Design

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The three-car train was converted from a former Odakyu 20000 series RSE 7-car "Romancecar" EMU built in 1991, withdrawn in March 2012, and purchased by Fujikyu in November 2013.[1][2] Like the 2000 series trains it supersedes, the exterior of the train is covered in "Mount Fuji" caricatures.[1] The train has a maximum operating speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), but is limited to 60 km/h (37 mph) on the Fujikyuko Line.[3]

Operations

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The 8000 series train operates on Fujisan Limited Express limited-stop services on the 26.6 km (16.5 mi) Fujikyuko Line in Yamanashi Prefecture, which runs between Ōtsuki and Kawaguchiko.[1] The train replaced one of the operator's 2000 series sets, which were both rebuilt from the former JR East 165 series Panorama Express Alps Joyful Train excursion EMU sets.[1]

Formation

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The sole three-car set is formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Fujisan end.[3]

Car No. 1 2 3
Designation Msc1 Ts Msc2
Numbering KuMoRo 8001 SaRo 8101 KuMoRo 8051
Weight (t) 44.1 37.3 45.2
Seating capacity 45 55 60
  • KuMoRo 8001 was converted from former Odakyu car DeHa 20002, SaRo 8101 was converted from former SaHa 200052, and KuMoRo 8051 was converted from former DeHa 20302.[3]
  • Car 1 is designated as an observation car requiring payment of a supplementary fare, while cars 2 and 3 are designated as non-reserved seating.[3]
  • Cars 1 and 3 are each fitted with an FPS33F single-arm pantograph.[3]

Interior

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Car 1 has an observation lounge area with sofa seating immediately behind the driver's position. The main part of the saloon has rotating unidirectional reclining seating arranged 2+1 abreast with a seat pitch of 1,000 mm (39 in).[3] Fixed 4-person facing seating bays with tables are situated at the end of the car.[3] Cars 2 and 3 have rotating unidirectional reclining seating arranged 2+2 abreast with a seat pitch of 1,000 mm (39 in).[3] Car 2 has a wheelchair-accessible seating area and a universal access toilet.[3]

History

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An Odakyu 20000 series "RSE" train in October 2009

Fujikyu first announced in January 2012 that it intended to purchase a former Odakyu 20000 series RSE EMU set following its retirement in March of that year.[2] All seven cars of the former set 20002 were moved to the Nippon Sharyo factory in Toyokawa, Aichi, in November 2013 for conversion work.[4] Following conversion, the reformed 3-car train was moved to Fujikyu in April 2014.[5]

Between April and May 2014, Fujikyu held a public vote for the Mount Fuji caricatures to be used on the exterior of the new train, with 44 different designs selected together with 14 new designs submitted by the general public.[1]

Test running of the train still in plain all-over white livery commenced in June 2014.[6] The 8000 series set entered revenue service from 12 July 2014.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g 富士急、新型『フジサン特急』8000系を公開 [Fujikyu unveils new 8000 series "Fujisan Limited Express"]. Response (in Japanese). Japan: IID Inc. 8 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  2. ^ a b 富士急、小田急の人気車両取得へ 観光客呼び込みで [Fujikyu to purchase popular train from Odakyu to attract sightseers]. 47 News (in Japanese). Japan: Press Net Japan Co., Ltd. 21 January 2012. Archived from the original on 12 October 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i 富士急行8000系 [Fujikyu 8000 series]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 54, no. 641. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. September 2014. pp. 68–69.
  4. ^ 小田急電鉄20000形が甲種輸送される [Odakyu 20000 series moved]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 13 November 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  5. ^ もと小田急20000形3両が富士急行へ [Three former Odakyu 20000 series cars moved to Fujikyu]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  6. ^ 富士急8000系が試運転 [Fujikyu 8000 series undergoes test running]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 20 June 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
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