Kintetsu 80000 series

Kintetsu 80000 series
Hinotori
An 80000 series train in September 2023
In service2020–present
ManufacturerKinki Sharyo
Replaced12200 series
Constructed2019–2021
Entered service14 March 2020
Number built72 vehicles (11 sets)
Formation6 & 8 cars per trainset
Fleet numbersHV01 – HV04, HV11 – HV13, HV51 – HV52
OperatorsKintetsu Railway
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)[1]
Traction system2-level PWM variable-frequency (using IGBT/SiC hybrid module)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC, overhead line
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
Notes/references
This train won the 64th Blue Ribbon Award in 2021.

The Kintetsu 80000 series (近鉄80000系) is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by Kintetsu Railway for use on limited express/intercity services in Japan. The trains, branded Hinotori, entered service on March 14, 2020.

Specifications

Consist

The fleet consists of eight six-car sets and three eight-car sets.[2]

The metallic black and red exterior was chosen to complement each of Japan's seasons, with a "sleek, futuristic design [that] suggests speed". The name Hinotori means phoenix or firebird.[3]

Technical specifications

The end cars are equipped with active suspension.[4]

Interior

The premium cars have 1+2 seating, and the regular cars have a 2+2 seating layout.[5] Seat pitch for the premium cars is 1,300 mm (51 in), and 1,160 mm (46 in) for the regular cars.[2] The trains also have a wheelchair space and smoking compartment.[1]

  • Premium car interior
    Premium car interior
  • Regular car interior
    Regular car interior

Design

At Osaka-Namba Station in April 2022

Car interiors and exteriors were designed by GK Design Group of Tokyo. Given the service life of an average train in the country from 30-50 years, the firm tried to avoid design trends and create something that would still be stylish over this extended period with "dignity and elegance". The slanted nose is to suggest that the train is pushing forward, with the underside slanting back to emphasize this. Car interiors were designed with a sense of "upgraded relaxation" and excitement, as one would feel going to a resort. The deep metallic red car exteriors were the result of much discussion with the paint manufacturer.[3]

History

A total of 72 cars are to be introduced in fiscal 2020.[5] Delivery by road began in October 2019.[6]

Three six-car sets entered service on March 14, 2020.[2]

The train type was awarded the Blue Ribbon Award by the Japan Railfan Club on May 26, 2021,[7] representing the best new train in Japan from the previous year. 3508 votes were cast, with the train receiving 1056 votes from the Club's members to win the award.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Kintetsu prepares to launch luxury Hinotori EMUs". railwaygazette.com. DVV Media International. February 18, 2020. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "近鉄80000系「ひのとり」が報道公開される" [Kintetsu 80000 series "Hinotori" is released to the press]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. November 20, 2019. Archived from the original on December 23, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c Japan Railway Journal (July 15, 2021). Japan's Top New Trains: Awarded for Excellence. NHK. Event occurs at 07:31.
  4. ^ Fukuoka, Makoto (November 19, 2019). "近鉄新型名阪特急「ひのとり」お披露目" [Kintetsu new Meihan limited express "Hinotori" unveiled]. Tetsudo Shimbun (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  5. ^ a b Ueshin, Daisuke (November 19, 2019). "近鉄80000系「ひのとり」名阪特急の新型車両を報道公開、写真113枚" [Kintetsu 80000 series "Hinotori" new model for Meihan limited express released, 113 photos]. news.mynavi.jp (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. Archived from the original on December 20, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  6. ^ "近鉄 新形名阪特急「ひのとり」が陸送される" [Kintetsu new train Meihan limited express "Hinotori" is transported by land]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. October 25, 2019. Archived from the original on October 25, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  7. ^ "最優秀鉄道車両に近鉄80000系『ひのとり』…ブルーリボン賞＆ローレル賞選定 2021年" [Kintetsu 80000 series "Hinotori" deemed best railway car ... 2021 Blue Ribbon Award & Laurel Prize selections]. Response Automotive Media (in Japanese). IID, Inc. May 26, 2021. Archived from the original on June 7, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
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