32 series

32 series
Consist led by KuHa 47001 in July 1981
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Kawasaki Sharyō, Kisha Seizō, Nippon Sharyo, Tanaka Sharyō
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1929 – 1931
Number built	111 cars
Dimensions	17,000 mm × Unknown × Unknown
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system	Resistor control
Traction system model	CS9
Service information
In service	1 April 1931 – 30 June 1983
Formation	Single car, 3 or 4 cars per set
Number in service	None
Fleet numbers	Various
Scrapped	1965 – 1983
Preservation information
Preserved	None
Number scrapped	111 cars

The 32 series was a Japanese commuter electric multiple unit operated by the Japanese National Railways from April 1931 to June 1983.

Description

The 32 series was an early electric multiple unit used in Japan. The class was essentially an improved version of the 31 series cars but intended for fast express services due to increasing passenger densities in metropolitan areas. A total of 111 cars were manufactured by four companies from 1926 to 1928; they were classified the MoHa 32, SaRo 45, SaRoHa 46, KuHa 47, SaHa 48 and KuRo 49 series respectively.

Intended for use in metropolitan regions, the cars were mainly deployed on the Yokosuka Line when they entered service and were used on many faster express services, mainly between Tokyo and Yokosuka typically in seven-car formations consisting of a three and four-car set coupled together, being used to great effect to aid Japan's war efforts. They were mainly stationed at the now-inactive Tamachi Depot. Many cars were destroyed during World War II, while numerous other modifications were conducted on the cars.

Many cars were renumbered following naming regulations introduced on 1 June 1959, being renumbered in the KuMoHa 14 and KuHa 47 series among others. The last remaining 32 series cars were withdrawn in June 1983, they seeing out their final years of service on the Iida Line. No 32 series cars or derivatives are known to have been preserved.

Specifications

The 32 series cars followed the same basic design as the preceding 31 series. It used a CS9 traction system controller manufactured by Hitachi or Shibaura Seisakushō.

There were a number of significant design changes made to the rolling stock over its production run.