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.
| Kintetsu 8A series | |
|---|---|
 Set 8A02 in October 2024 | |
| In service | 7 October 2024 – present |
| Manufacturer | Kinki Sharyo |
| Number under construction | 72 vehicles (18 sets) on order |
| Number built | 12 vehicles (3 sets) |
| Formation | 4 cars per trainset |
| Operators |  Kintetsu Railway |
| Lines served | |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium alloy |
| Car length | 20,720 mm (68 ft 0 in) |
| Width | 2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in) |
| Height | 4,150 mm (13 ft 7 in) |
| Doors | Sliding, 4 per side |
| Maximum speed | 110 km/h (68 mph) |
| Traction system | Hybrid SiC–VVVF |
| Traction motors | MB-5183A2 three-phase induction motor |
| Power output | 240 kW (320 hp) × 4 per motored car |
| Acceleration | 3.0 km/(h⋅s) (1.9 mph/s) |
| Deceleration | 4.0 km/(h⋅s) (2.5 mph/s) |
| Electric system(s) | 1,500 V DC (overhead catenary) |
| Current collector(s) | Pantograph |
| Bogies |
|
| Braking system(s) | Electronically controlled pneumatic brakes with regenerative braking |
| Multiple working | |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
| Notes/references | |
| Specifications:[2][3] (unless otherwise specified) | |
Overview
editThe 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
editThe 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, CEO of the architectural firm Ichibansen.[6][7]
-
Interior -
Yasashiba space -
LCD information display -
Door buttons
Formation
editThe 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
editDetails 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
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ "【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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
External links
edit
- Press release (in Japanese)