311 series

311 series
G14 and G5 in August 2023
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
Dimensions	791 in (20,100 mm) (end cars) × 117 in (2,966 mm) × 156 in (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
Service information
In service	9 July 1989 – Present
Formation	4 cars per set
Number in service	60 cars
Fleet numbers	G1 – G15
Preservation information
Preserved	0
Number scrapped	0

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

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. All sets are currently in service and are based at Ōgaki Depot.

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.

References

• Wikipedia.org