311 series

311 series
G11 in June 2025
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1989 – 1990
Number built	60 cars (15 sets)
Dimensions	20,100 mm (end cars) × 2,966 mm × 3,970 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system	Field system superimposed field excitation resistor control
Traction system model	C-CS57A
Service information
In service	9 July 1989 – 12 July 2025
Formation	4 cars per set
Number in service	None
Fleet numbers	G1 – G15
Scrapped	2022 – 2025
Preservation information
Preserved	1 car
Number scrapped	59 cars

The 311 series is a Japanese suburban electric multiple unit operated by the Central Japan Railway Company from July 1989 to July 2025.

History

Developed to replace the 113 and 115 series sets, the 311 series was introduced on 9 July 1989 as a new type of Rapid train to supplement the 211-5000 and 213 series sets, and the company's first new train to be dedicated to Rapid services. The 311 series sets were JR Central's third train type and the first to be introduced by JR Central after the JNR's privatization.

Fifteen four-car sets were built, numbered G1 to G15, totaling sixty cars; the sets are based at Ōgaki Depot. Withdrawals commenced in 2022. The 311 series sets were withdrawn from regular service on 30 June 2025 and fully withdrawn on 12 July 2025.

Design

The 311 series' body style is similar to the earlier 211-5000 series sets, so some design language carries over; however, there are a variety of differences in the actual designs of both sets. The sets have unpainted stainless steel bodies with fiber-reinforced plastic cabs painted in white.

Specifications

Construction is of stainless steel. End cars are 20.1 meters long, 2.966 meters wide and 3.97 meters high. Traction motors are resistor controlled, which was somewhat non-standard for the time due to the advent of the variable frequency drive.

Preservation

The following 311 series cars have been preserved:

Car number	Manufacturer	Date manufactured	Date retired	Previous sets	Location	Notes
KuMoHa 311-1	Hitachi	July 1989	July 2025	G1	Nishi-Hamamatsu Station, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan	First car built; stored on siding

References

• Wikipedia.org