281 series

281 series
HA608 on a Haruka service in May 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo
Designer(s)	Masaki Omori, Kenji Minami, Kazuo Kimura
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1994 – 1995
Number built	63 cars (12 sets)
Dimensions	817 in (20,740 mm) × 115 in (2,920 mm) × 140 in (3,550 mm)
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system model	Toshiba WPC4
Service information
In service	4 September 1994 – Present
Formation	3 or 6 cars per set
Number in service	63 cars (12 sets)
Fleet numbers	HA601 – HA609, HA631 – HA633
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The 281 series, branded Haruka, is a Japanese limited express electric multiple unit operated by the West Japan Railway Company since September 1994.

History

Branded the Haruka, the 281 series has been used as a dedicated train on Haruka services, a dedicated airport rail link service to and from Kansai International Airport.

The sets are exclusively used on the Haruka service and are based at Hineno Depot. The sets are normally used in a nine-car formation with a six- and three-car set coupled together. Fleet number stickers were added to the sets in 2020. Most trains since 2020 have been operating using Hello Kitty wraps; HA604 had the wrap removed in 2024.

Design

The 281 series uses a somewhat streamlined design with a white body and blue accents emulating the sky. Large "JR" logos adorn the top of the cars.

Specifications

Construction is of steel. End cars are 20.74 meters long while intermediate cars are 20 meters long. Traction motors are three-level gate turn-off thyristor variable frequency drives manufactured by Toshiba, which give off a melodic wail when the train accelerates from idle.

The 281 series is equipped with a musical horn that plays a simple do-mi-so-do tune. This musical horn is standard on most of JR West's limited express fleet.

Gallery

"JR" logo on roofs

References

• Wikipedia.org