147 series

147 series
KuMoYuNi 147-2 in April 1986
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Hatabu Works, Hiroshima Works, Nagano Works, Suita Works
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1983
Number built	5 cars
Dimensions	20,000 mm × 2,800 mm × 3,960 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system	Resistor control
Service information
In service	April 1983 – March 1987
Formation	Single car
Number in service	None
Fleet numbers	KuMoYuNi 147-1 – KuMoYuNi 147-5
Preservation information
Preserved	None
Number scrapped	N/A

The 147 series was an electric tractor unit operated by the Japanese National Railways from April 1983 to March 1987.

History

The various 147 series cars were rebuilt from 101 series cars which were deemed to have been made surplus at various JNR factories, much like the similar 143 series; five cars were converted from March to June 1983. These were intended as a combined baggage and mail train intended for operation on the Iida Line, in conjunction with the 119 and 165 series sets.

Mail and baggage transportation on the Iida Line was discontinued from 1985, so the cars were moved to Ōgaki Rolling Stock Depot to replace older baggage and mail tractor units on the line. Mail and baggage transportation would be discontinued entirely on the JNR on 1 November 1986; the cars would be transferred to the Shizuoka Rolling Stock Depot as a result, operating on the Minobu Line.

From January to March 1987, all five 147 series cars would be converted to become 123-40 series electric multiple units, weeks before the JNR was privatized and split into seven successor companies. After conversion, the five cars, now numbered KuMoHa 123-41 through 45, were assigned under ownership of JR Central. All five cars from this series would be scrapped by June 2007.

Design

The 147 series cars resembled the older 145 series tractor units. They were painted in sky blue with a white band, much like the 119 series cars operating on the Iida Line.

Specifications

Construction is of steel. In comparison to the 145 series cars the 147 series cars feature enhanced braking abilities to cope with the Iida Line's numerous sloped sections.