Kintetsu 8A series

Kintetsu 8A series
Set 8A02 in October 2024
In service7 October 2024 – present
ManufacturerKinki Sharyo
Number under construction72 vehicles (18 sets) on order
Number built12 vehicles (3 sets)
Formation4 cars per trainset
OperatorsThe logo of the Kintetsu Railway Company. Kintetsu Railway
Lines served
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium alloy
Car length20,720 mm (68 ft 0 in)
Width2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in)
Height4,150 mm (13 ft 7 in)
DoorsSliding, 4 per side
Maximum speed110 km/h (68 mph)
Traction systemHybrid SiC–VVVF
Traction motorsMB-5183A2 three-phase induction motor
Power output240 kW (320 hp) × 4 per motored car
Acceleration3.0 km/(h⋅s) (1.9 mph/s)
Deceleration4.0 km/(h⋅s) (2.5 mph/s)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC (overhead catenary)
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Bogies
  • KD-327 (motored)
  • KD-327A (trailer)
Braking system(s)Electronically controlled pneumatic brakes with regenerative braking
Multiple working
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
Notes/references
Specifications:[2][3] (unless otherwise specified)

The Kintetsu 8A series (Japanese: 近鉄8A系, romanized: Kintetsu 8A-kei) is a commuter electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by the private railway operator Kintetsu Railway in Japan since 7 October 2024. Twenty-one 4-car sets are to be built.

Overview

The 8A series is the first of a new rolling stock generation developed to replace approximately 450 vehicles manufactured in the 1960s,[4] over which they offer 45% energy savings.[5] It is also Kintetsu's first new commuter rolling stock design since the Series 21 trains' introduction in 2000.[6]

The "8A" designation was chosen to reflect the 8A series being the first model of its generation for its operational range.[7] As such, subsequent train types scheduled for introduction on the Osaka, Nagoya, and Minami Osaka lines in fiscal 2025 will not carry the 8A series designation.[7][8]

Design

The exterior design of the 8A series was created by the Kinkisharyo Industrial design office. The front end has a unique octagonal shape. The octagon is accentuated by two diagonal led headlights. It has a two-tone red-and-white livery designed by GK Industrial Design, inspired by that of older Kintetsu commuter rolling stock.[8][7] The type also features passenger-operable door switches, a first for Kintetsu (excluding cable cars).[5] LED lighting is used throughout.[8] The door height has also been lowered.[6]

Internally, the trains are primarily equipped with rotating transverse seating with a seat width of 460 mm (18 in). Priority seating is provided at the ends of each car, consisting of fixed longitudinal seating in the intermediate cars.[7][2] Two Yasashiba (やさしば, lit. 'kindness') spaces are provided near the centremost doors of each car, designed for passengers with large luggage – such as strollers and suitcases – to use without worrying about other occupants. These spaces are fitted with stoppers to prevent the luggage from moving.[9] Large LCD passenger information displays are provided above the doors. The interior was designed by Yasuyuki Kawanishi [ja], CEO of the architectural firm Ichibansen.[6][7]

  • Interior
    Interior
  • Yasashiba space
    Yasashiba space
  • LCD information display
    LCD information display
  • Door buttons
    Door buttons

Formation

The sets are formed as follows:[6]: 2 [10][2]

← Nara
Designation Ku 8A1
(Tc)		 Mo 8A2
(M)		 Sa 8A3
(T)		 Mo 8A4
(Mc)
Weight (t) 35.0 36.0 29.0 38.5
Capacity (max) 120 130 130 120
Numbering 8A100 8A200 8A300 8A400

The "M" and "Mc" cars are each equipped with one single-arm pantograph.[2]

History

Details of the 8A series were first announced by Kintetsu Railway in May 2024. Twelve 4-car sets are planned to be introduced in fiscal 2024,[8] with a further nine being introduced in fiscal 2025.[9]

The first set was delivered from the Kinki Sharyo factory from 31 May 2024.[11] On 18 July, this set underwent daytime test runs.[10] By 28 September 2024, at least three sets had been built.[12]

The 8A series entered service on the Nara, Kyoto, Kashihara, and Tenri lines from 7 October 2024.[13]

References

  1. ^ a b c 近鉄8A系，一般車との併結試運転を開始 [Kintetsu commissions 8A series coupled with other trains]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. Archived from the original on 31 July 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d 近鉄、新型車両8A系の主要諸元は? 運転台は2ハンドル、最高120km/h [What are the main specifications of Kintetsu's new 8A series trains? Two-handle cab, maximum speed of 120km/h]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 26 September 2024. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  3. ^ "【近鉄】24年ぶりの新型一般車両「8A系」、10月7日営業運転開始！" [[Kintetsu] The first new general-use train in 24 years, the "8A Series", to begin commercial operation on 7 October!]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 21 September 2024. Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  4. ^ 近鉄、新型一般車両を2024年秋導入へ - 外観は赤、車内はL/Cシート [Kintetsu to introduce new standard train cars in autumn 2024 - red exterior, rotating seats inside]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 17 May 2022. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  5. ^ a b 近鉄の新型一般車両、詳細あきらかに 形式にアルファベット!? 新機軸搭載で10月運行開始 [Details of Kintetsu's next-generation commuter train revealed: Will the model have letters!? New trains to start operation in October]. Traffic News (in Japanese). 10 May 2024. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d 近鉄、新型車両8A系を公開 - L/Cシートに「やさしば」も! 写真88枚 [Kintetsu unveils new 8A series - "Yashashiba" on L/C seat! 88 photos]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 20 September 2024. Archived from the original on 20 September 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e Nitta, Hiroyuki (23 September 2024). 近鉄の新型車両なぜ「8A系」に? 「やさしば」の意味は? 魅力に迫る [Why is Kintetsu's new train model the "8A Series"? What does "Yasashiba" mean? Find out its appeal]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 23 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d 近鉄、新型一般車両「8A系」奈良線・京都線など10月から運行開始へ [Kintetsu to start operating new "8A series" commuter trains on Nara Line, Kyoto Line, etc. from October]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 10 May 2024. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  9. ^ a b 近鉄，奈良線・京都線系統で新形一般車両「8A系」の運転を10月から開始 〜2025年度には大阪線・名古屋線・南大阪線にも新形一般車両を導入〜 [Kintetsu to introduce new "8A series" commuter trains for the Nara and Kyoto lines in October]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). 10 May 2024. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  10. ^ a b 近鉄8A系が日中時間帯に試運転 [Kintetsu 8A series undergoes daytime test running]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. 19 July 2024. Archived from the original on 20 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  11. ^ Nitta, Hiroyuki (31 May 2024). 近鉄、新型車両8A系が登場! 先頭車「8A101」、赤色が目立つ車体に [Kintetsu introduces new 8A series trains! Leading car "8A101" features eye-catching red body]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  12. ^ 近鉄8A系3編成の撮影会開催 [Photo session held for three Kintetsu 8A series trains]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. 29 September 2024. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  13. ^ 近鉄8A系が営業運転を開始 [Kintetsu 8A series enters revenue service]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha. 7 October 2024. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
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