283 series

283 series
Consist led by HB601 on a Kuroshio service in May 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo
Designer(s)	Kenji Minami
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1996
Number built	18 cars (4 sets)
Dimensions	821 – 839 in (20,850 – 21,300 mm) (end cars) × 112 in (2,850 mm) × 133 in (3,390 mm)
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system	Variable frequency (3-level IGBT)
Service information
In service	31 July 1996 – Present
Branding	Ocean Arrow
Formation	3 or 6 cars per set
Number in service	18 cars (4 sets)
Fleet numbers	HB601 – HB602, HB631 – HB632
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The 283 series, branded Ocean Arrow, is a tilting Japanese limited express electric multiple unit operated by the West Japan Railway Company since July 1996.

History

Branded the Ocean Arrow, the 283 series has been used as a dedicated train on Ocean Arrow services on the Kisei Main Line starting from 31 July 1996; the Ocean Arrow service was discontinued in 17 March 2012 with the introduction of the revised timetable, with the Ocean Arrow service being integrated with the Kuroshio service from that date.

All 18 cars are in service, all of which ply the Kuroshio service and are based at Hineno Depot. Fleet number stickers were added to the sets in 2020.

Design

The 283 series uses a somewhat streamlined design with a white body and "ocean green" accents to emulate the color of the sea in the Nanki area, while the white is used to emulate the color of the sand on the beaches in the area. The design language conveyed into the 283 series showcases elements of speed, with the colors supposed to evoke thoughts of the resorts in the Nanki area.

Specifications

Construction is of both steel and stainless steel. Panoramic end cars are 21.3 meters long, gangwayed cars are 20.85 meters long while intermediate cars are 20.8 meters long. Traction motors are three-level insulated gate bipolar transistor variable frequency drives manufactured by Hitachi or Mitsubishi; the Hitachi variable frequency drives make a melodic whine when accelerating from idle and the Mitsubishi variable frequency drives making wooshing sounds when accelerating from idle.

The trains are equipped with a bearing-guide tilting system that allows them to tilt around corners for increased ride comfort while maintaining the high speeds required; the tilting system is controlled by a computer. With the system active, the train can tilt up to five degrees around curves.

The 283 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

Gangwayed cab end

References

• Wikipedia.org