187 series

187 series
Artist's impression
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	N/A
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1985
Number built	None
Dimensions	20,500 mm × 2,940 mm × 3,960 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	N/A
Service information
In service	N/A
Formation	4 cars per set (according to design drawings)
Number in service	N/A
Fleet numbers	N/A
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The 187 series was a proposed Japanese limited express electric multiple unit designed and conceived around 1985 for the Japanese National Railways. It was intended to complement the 183 and 189 series trains on runs up the Usui Pass, located on the Shin'etsu Main Line.

History

The 187 series was initially conceived by the JNR in 1985 to be a train that could cope with the 66.7‰ (1 in 15) gradients of the Usui Pass unassisted, in addition to reducing traveling times. Plans for production were shelved when the JNR noted that the same effect could be achieved by speeding up the 189 series trains, themselves already capable of coping with the grades of the Usui Pass unassisted.

No further development on trains designed specifically to cope with the grades of the Usui Pass took place before that section was closed on 30 September 1997 due to the planned opening of the Nagano Shinkansen (now the Hokuriku Shinkansen) which detoured the pass the next day.

Design

The 187 series features a boxy design akin to the 185 series sets introduced around the time although it featured a gangway allowing for multiple unit workings. The sets were intended to use underbody equipment such as bogies and electronics from 113 series sets.

Any specifications mentioned are taken from design drawings.