E231s to end service on Yamanote Line very soon

[bill937ca]

An  article  on the  Tetsudo Channel notes that very soon Yamanote Line will be operated exclusively by E235s.  Better get the last ride or last picture while you can.

 

https://tetsudo-ch.com/9984286.html

Edited January 13, 2020 by railsquid
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[Yavianice]

Happy I caught it last week, then. I was a bit surprised it was still running, I thought they were all replaced by now.

[railsquid]

And as of last Friday, all gone: https://railf.jp/news/2020/01/11/201500.html

 

Seems like only yesterday the 205s were being replaced... Though no doubt this last batch of E235s entering service will indirectly push the last of the 205s off the Musashino line.

[Shinkansenrailfan]

Pardon my tardiness! 
 

Today is the last day of E231-500 regular operations on the Yamanote Line! So do catch it while you still can... (if you’re in Tokyo that is) 

 

A farewell ceremony will be held at Osaki Station from 11.30am to 2.30pm tomorrow (18/01/2020). Not sure if there’s a real last run but these 2 days are your final chances to catch the last E231 on the Yamanote, haha.

 

Edit: It’s running now, on 37G (ends at Osaki at 0018h)

Edited January 19, 2020 by Shinkansenrailfan
Update

[HankyuDentetsu]

Very sad to see them go. Defined my first visit to Tokyo... and the multitude of visits there-after. A fine piece of kit, sorely missed!

[Shinkansenrailfan]

Sorry for my tardiness again....

 

Set 506 actually ran its’ last on the 20th... arriving at Osaki at 0031h on 21st.... last ran on Inner Loop under 00G schedule. Goodbye E231-500s... 

 

Most likely if not, Set 506 will be moved for refurbishment tomorrow

[Welshbloke]

What's interesting is that the basic design hasn't changed since the 103 Series. Yes, the control systems, lighting, HVAC and traction motors are all more powerful and efficient, and since the 205s they've been eleven car sets. But it's still a set of four door coaches with longitudinal bench seats and Tsurikawas dangling from the ceiling. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if the door spacing on an E235 is the same as that of a 103, the cars in both units being 20m long.

[railsquid]

The basic 20m / 4 doors / bench seating pattern emerged with the 72/73 series, albeit the doors were only single-leaf.

 

The 101 series established the "classic" pattern with double doors.

 

The 205 saw the introduction of 6-door cars, though those have now largely fallen out of favour, and on the Yamanote Line fallen foul of platform doors.

 

The 209-500/E231 series saw the introduction of wider bodies.

 

The post-6 door number 10 cars on Yamanote Line sets have a slightly different spacing at one end due to the need to align with the door spacing on Keihin-Tohoku Line E233 series for platform door compatibility.

 

But yes, overall the 20m / 4 door pattern seems to have established itself as most practical for urban commuter lines.