JAPAN: Sotetsu Holdings’ Yokohama commuter train operator Sagami Railway (Sotetsu) has unveiled its Series 13000 electric multiple-unit, which has front ends inspired by sea creatures moving powerfully forward through water.
The 1 067 mm gauge Series 13000 EMU from manufacturer J-TREC’s Sustina family has been developed with a view to replacing ageing Series 8000 and 9000 EMUs and supporting future driver-only operation.
The design concept is based on ‘safety, security, elegance and future’, with the operator wanting to produce a train that will be loved by people living along its route. Bolts are designed be less visible than on previous trains, and the headlights representing ‘eyes gazing into the future’ are equipped with multiple small LEDs to increase performance and extend the service life.
The EMU has eight cars, down from the 10-car formations of previous fleets, reflecting the fall in the working age population and a possible future decline in ridership, though there is provision for lengthening the sets if required.
The car bodies are made of stainless steel, with seamless laser welding. The intermediate cars are 20 m long and the end cars 20·8 m, and the vehicles are 2 950 mm wide. Technical equipment is similar to other types of EMU including the operator’s Series 12000 trains to reduce design and maintenance costs.
The interior makes use of glass for the luggage racks, partitions and connecting doors, and this is designed to create a harmonious atmosphere with lighting that changes colour according to the time of day. The end cars have six more seats than existing EMUs, and the seats are designed to be more comfortable.
Handrails and hanging handholds have antibacterial coatings, and there are dedicated spaces for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
The 1·5 kV DC EMU has a maximum speed of 120 km/h with acceleration of 3·0 km/h/sec and deceleration of 5·0 km/h/sec. It is designed to reduce energy consumption by up to 39% compared to older EMUs.
So far one train has been ordered, with entry into service planned for later this year.
