{{short description|Japanese train type}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}} {{Infobox train | name = E259 series | image = Series-E259 NE018.jpg | caption = A pair of E259 series sets on a ''Narita Express'' service in June 2021 | service = October 2009–present | manufacturer = [[Kinki Sharyo]], [[Japan Transport Engineering Company|Tokyu Car Corporation]] | factory = | family = N'EX | replaced = [[253 series]] (Narita Express), [[255 series]] (Shiosai) | yearconstruction = 2009–2010 | yearservice = | refurbishment = | yearscrapped = | numberconstruction = | numberbuilt = 132 vehicles (22 sets) | numberservice = 132 vehicles (22 sets) | numberpreserved = | numberscrapped = | formation = 6 cars per trainset | fleetnumbers = Ne001–Ne022 | capacity = 290 (262 standard + 28 Green) | operator = [[JR East]] | depots = Kamakura<ref name="railfan579"/> | lines = | carbody = Aluminium alloy<ref name="pictorial820">{{cite journal|title=JR東日本「成田エクスプレス」用E259系|trans-title=JR East E259 series for "Narita Express"|journal=The Railway Pictorial|volume=59|issue=820|page=116|date=July 2009}}</ref> | carlength = {{convert|21|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (end cars)<br />{{convert|20|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (intermediate cars)<ref name="dj304">{{cite journal|title=JR東日本E259系特急型直流電車：主要諸元表 |trans-title=JR East E259 series limited express DC EMU: Main specifications chart|journal=Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō|volume=38|issue=304|page=82|date=August 2009}}</ref> | width = {{convert|2946|mm|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|3655|mm|ftin|abbr=on}} | doors = 2 per side | maxspeed = {{convert|130|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}<ref name="railfan579"/> | weight = | acceleration = {{convert|0.56|m/s2|mph/s|abbr=on}}<ref name="dj304"/> | deceleration = {{convert|1.4|m/s2|mph/s|abbr=on}}<ref name="dj304"/> | traction = [[Hitachi]] SC90A 2-level [[Insulated-gate bipolar transistor|IGBT]]–[[Variable-frequency drive|VVVF]] | traction motors = 4 × {{convert|140|kW|hp|abbr=on}} MT75B 3-phase AC [[induction motor]] | poweroutput = | transmission = | aux = | powersupply = | hvac = | electricsystem = {{1,500 V DC}} [[overhead line]]s | collectionmethod = PS33D single-arm [[Pantograph (transport)|pantograph]]s | uicclass = 2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′ | bogies = DT77 (motored), TR262 (trailer) | brakes = | safety = ATS-P, ATS-SN<ref name="dj304"/> | coupling = | multipleworking = | gauge = {{track gauge|1067mm|lk=on}} | notes = {{Blue Ribbon Award (railway)|2010|53rd}} }}
The {{Nihongo|'''E259 series'''|E259系}} is a DC [[electric multiple unit]] (EMU) train type operated by [[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East) in Japan since October 2009 on ''[[Narita Express]]'' [[limited express]] services to and from [[Narita International Airport]].
==Design== The design of the trains was overseen by industrial designer [[Kenji Ekuan]].<ref name="gk_works">{{cite web |url=http://www.gk-design.co.jp/en/works.html |title=The Works of GK Design Group |publisher=GK Design Group Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217222247/http://www.gk-design.co.jp/en/works.html |archive-date=17 February 2015 |access-date=10 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Retracting gangway connections on the end cars allow two sets to be coupled together to form 12-car formations. Electrical and safety equipment is duplicated, as on the [[E233 series]] commuter trains, to improve safety and reliability. [[Active suspension]] on end cars and [[Yaw damper (railroad)|yaw dampers]] between all cars provide improved ride comfort.<ref name="railfan579">{{cite magazine |date=July 2009 |title="成田エクスプレス"用新形車両 E259系 |trans-title=New E259 series "Narita Express" trains |magazine=[[Japan Railfan Magazine]] |language=ja |location=Japan |publisher=Koyusha Co., Ltd. |volume=49 |issue=579 |pages=82–85}}</ref> The MoHa E259-500 car is equipped with two single-arm pantographs, but one is reserved for emergency use.<ref name="railfan580">{{cite magazine |date=August 2009 |title=N'EX 253系からE259系 |trans-title=N'EX – from 253 to E259 series |magazine=[[Japan Railfan Magazine]] |language=ja |location=Japan |publisher=Koyusha Co., Ltd. |volume=49 |issue=580 |pages=18–21}}</ref>
Unlike the previous 253 series trains, the E259 series trains are not equipped with [[Automatic Train Control]] (ATC).
==Operations== [[File:JR East E259 Series "Marine Express Odoriko".jpg|thumb|An E259 series set on a ''Marine Express Odoriko'' service in December 2012]] The E259 series trains are used almost exclusively on ''[[Narita Express]]'' [[limited express]] services linking [[Narita International Airport]] in [[Chiba Prefecture]] with {{STN|Tokyo|x}} and other stations in the Greater Tokyo area. E259 series trains were also used occasionally on seasonal ''[[Marine Express Odoriko]]'' services between Tokyo and {{STN|Izukyū-Shimoda|x}}. One set, Ne002, was assigned to these services, and carried a logo sticker on the front and sides.<ref>{{cite web |date=14 February 2014 |title=E259系Ne002編成が横須賀線で試運転 |trans-title=E259 series set Ne002 test run on Yokosuka Line |url=http://railf.jp/news/2014/02/14/110000.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203114549/https://railf.jp/news/2014/02/14/110000.html |archive-date=3 February 2020 |access-date=14 February 2014 |work=Japan Railfan Magazine |publisher=Koyusha Co., Ltd. |location=Japan |language=ja}}</ref>
==Formation== The fleet consists of 22 six-car sets, consisting of four motored (M) cars and two trailer (T) cars, as shown below, with car 1 at the Tokyo end.<ref name="dj303"/><ref name="railfan581">{{cite magazine|last = Kawabata| first= Akihito| title = E259系|trans-title=E259 series|magazine=[[Japan Railfan Magazine]]| volume = 49| issue = 581|pages=64–72| publisher = Koyusha Co., Ltd.| location = Japan |language= ja| date = September 2009}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Car No. ! 1/7 ! 2/8 ! 3/9 ! 4/10 ! 5/11 ! style="background: #E6FFE6"| 6/12 |- ! Designation | Tc' | M' | M | M' | M | style="background: #F5FFF5"| Tsc |- ! Numbering | KuHa E258 | MoHa E258 | MoHa E259 | MoHa E258-500 | MoHa E259-500 | style="background: #F5FFF5"| KuRo E259 |- ! Weight (t) | 38.4 | 38.0 | 36.5 | 38.0 | 37.0 | style="background: #F5FFF5"| 38.9 |- ! Seating capacity | 40 | colspan="3" | 56 | 54 | style="background: #F5FFF5"| 28 |}
The "Tsc" cars are green (first class) cars. Cars 3 and 5 are equipped with PS33D single-arm pantographs (two on car 5, one on car 3).<ref name="railfan581"/>
==Bogies== The DT77 (motored) and TR262 (trailer) bolsterless bogies are developed from the DT71 and TR255 bogies used on the [[E233 series]] EMUs.<ref name="nekobogie">{{cite web |date=24 July 2009 |title=DT77 TR262 ／ JR東日本E259系 |trans-title=DT77 TR262 / JR East E259 series |url=http://rail.hobidas.com/bogie/archives/2009/07/dt77tr262_jre25.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729183523/https://rail.hobidas.com/bogie/archives/2009/07/dt77tr262_jre25.html |archive-date=29 July 2021 |access-date=24 February 2012 |work=Bogie Closeup |publisher=Neko Publishing |location=Japan |language=ja}}</ref> The end bogies of the Tc driving cars are designated TR262, and the inner bogies of the Tc driving cars are designated TR262A.<ref name="nekobogie"/> All the bogies use tread brakes, and the trailer bogies additionally use disc brakes.<ref name="nekobogie"/> Wheel diameter is {{Cvt|860|mm|4=1}}, and the distance between wheel centers is {{Cvt|2100|mm|ftin}}.<ref name="nekobogie"/>
<gallery> File:JR-EastE259-DT77.jpg|DT77 motor bogie File:Truck TR262A TscE259.jpg|T262A trailer bogie </gallery>
==Interior accommodation== The passenger compartment floor construction has been improved for reduced interior noise, and the height difference between the coach and the platform has been reduced by {{Cvt|50|mm}} compared with the earlier [[253 series]] trains for ease of access.<ref name="dj303"/> Luggage storage areas feature lockable straps for security, and security cameras are installed in [[Vestibule (architecture)|vestibule]] and luggage areas.<ref name="pictorial820"/> Luggage space is also provided beneath the seats. Electric power outlets are provided at each seat.<ref name="railfan579"/>
Four ceiling-mounted passenger information display units are provided in each car. These feature two 17-inch screens on each side, displaying information in four languages (Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese).<ref name="railfan579"/>
===Ordinary class=== [[File:E259 interior 20091017.JPG|thumb|Ordinary-class car interior]] [[File:E259 standard seating 20110211.jpg|thumb|Ordinary-class seats]] Ordinary-class cars have 2+2 abreast seating with forward-facing rotating/reclining seats. Seat pitch is {{Convert|1030|mm|in|abbr=on}}, compared to {{Convert|980|mm|in|abbr=on}} on earlier trains.<ref name="railfan579"/>
===Green class=== [[File:E259 Narita Express Green car interior 20091024.JPG|thumb|Green-class car interior]] Green (first class) cars have leather-covered forward-facing rotating/reclining seats also arranged in 2+2 configuration. Seat pitch is {{Convert|1160|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name="railfan579"/>
==History== [[File:E259 NE002 Jimmuji 20090423.JPG|thumb|Sets Ne002 and Ne001 next to [[Jimmuji Station]], Zushi, on delivery from Tokyu Car Corporation, April 2009]] The first two sets, Ne001 and Ne002, were delivered to Kamakura Depot from [[Japan Transport Engineering Company|Tokyu Car Corporation]]'s Yokohama factory on 23 April 2009, with test running on the [[Sōbu Main Line]] commencing the same day.<ref name="hobidas20090424">{{Cite web |date=24 April 2009 |title=【JR東】N'EX用新車・E259系落成 |trans-title=[JR East] New car for N'EX, E259 series completed |url=http://rail.hobidas.com/rmn/archives/2009/04/jrnexe259.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303193240/http://rail.hobidas.com/rmn/archives/2009/04/jrnexe259.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=8 July 2022 |website=rail.hobidas.com}}</ref>
Nine E259 series sets entered revenue service on ''Narita Express'' services from 1 October 2009, with 10 out of 26 return workings daily operated by E259s.<ref name="dj305">{{cite journal |date=September 2009 |title=E259系「成田エクスプレス号」10月から10往復程度が運用開始 |trans-title=10 E259 series "Narita Express" workings to commence from October |journal=Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō |language=ja |volume=38 |issue=305 |page=74}}</ref> By June 2010, they had completely replaced the [[253 series]] EMUs formerly used on ''Narita Express'' services.<ref name="dj303">{{cite journal |date=July 2009 |title=JR東日本 E259系特急型直流電車 |trans-title=JR East E259 series limited express DC EMU |journal=Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō |language=ja |volume=38 |issue=303 |pages=70–71}}</ref>
In March 2023, JR East announced that it would introduce a new design to existing E259 series sets. The updated livery will retain the black and red color pallet but will feature silver accents at the front as well as the phrase ''"SERIES E259"'' being plastered along the exterior.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 March 2023 |title=JR東日本，E259系のデザインをリニューアル |trans-title=JR East announces a design renewal for the E259 Series |url=https://railf.jp/news/2023/03/24/143000.html |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=Japan Railfan Magazine Online |language=ja}}</ref> As of 17 March 2024, repainting for the entire E259 series fleet was completed with the last set, Ne022, having received the new livery.<ref>{{cite web |title=【これにて塗装変更完了】E259系クラNe022編成が塗装変更を終え大宮総合車両センター構内に出現 |trans-title=[Paint change completed] E259 series set Ne022 has completed paint change and appeared at Omiya General Vehicle Center premises |url=https://rail.hobidas.com/rmnews/495608/ |website=RM News |publisher=Neko Publishing |access-date=21 April 2024 |location=Japan |language=Japanese |date=20 March 2024}}</ref>
<gallery> File:JR E259 成田エクスプレス Narita Express 本八幡駅 (20240524) - cropped.jpg|An E259 series set in updated livery in May 2024 </gallery>
In December 2023, JR East announced that some E259 series sets will be used on most ''[[Shiosai]]'' limited express services from the start of the revised timetable on 16 March 2024, replacing the older [[255 series]] EMUs used on these services.<ref name="2024BosoExp">{{cite web |title=2023【ダイヤ改正日】 2024年3月16日（土） – JR東日本 |url=https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2023/chiba/20231215_c01.pdf |trans-title=2023 [Timetable revision date] Saturday, March 16, 2024 – JR East |publisher=JR East |access-date=22 December 2023 |date=15 December 2023}}</ref>
==Build details== The manufacturers and delivery dates for the fleet are as shown below.<ref name="railfan596">{{cite magazine| title = JR東日本 車両運用プロジェクト首都圏|trans-title=JR East Rolling Stock Usage Project (Tokyo Area)|magazine=[[Japan Railfan Magazine]]| volume = 50| issue = 596| page =79| publisher = Koyusha Co., Ltd.| location = Japan| date = December 2010}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Set No. ! Manufacturer ! Date delivered |- | Ne001 | rowspan="14" | [[Japan Transport Engineering Company|Tokyu Car]] | rowspan="2" | 23 April 2009 |- | Ne002 |- | Ne003 | rowspan="2" | 26 May 2009 |- | Ne004 |- | Ne005 | rowspan="2" | 2 July 2009 |- | Ne006 |- | Ne007 | rowspan="2" | 19 August 2009 |- | Ne008 |- | Ne009 | rowspan="2" | 17 September 2009 |- | Ne010 |- | Ne011 | rowspan="2" | 22 October 2009 |- | Ne012 |- | Ne013 | rowspan="2" | 18 March 2010 |- | Ne014 |- | Ne015 | [[Kinki Sharyo]] | 17 March 2010 |- | Ne016 | Tokyu Car | 30 March 2010 |- | Ne017 | rowspan="3" | Kinki Sharyo | 7 April 2010 |- | Ne018 | 21 April 2010 |- | Ne019 | 14 May 2010 |- | Ne020 | rowspan="2" | Tokyu Car | rowspan="2" | 18 May 2010 |- | Ne021 |- | Ne022 | Kinki Sharyo | 9 June 2010 |}
==See also== * [[Keisei AE series (2009)]], train operated by rival company Keisei * [[NS Intercity Materieel|NS Koploper]], trains featuring a similar walk-through design
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category|JR East E259|E259 series}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20100217110837/http://www.jreast.co.jp/train/express/e259.html JR East E259 series description] {{in lang|ja}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20121103181542/http://railf.jp/car/jr/east/e259.html JR East E259 series] (Japan Railfan Magazine Online) {{in lang|ja}}
{{JR East EMU}}
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