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E231s to end service on Yamanote Line very soon


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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 by Shinkansenrailfan
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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

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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.

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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.

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