52 series

52 series
KuMoHa 52001 in May 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Kawasaki Sharyō, Nippon Sharyo
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1936 – 1937
Number built	20 cars
Dimensions	Unknown
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system	Resistor control
Service information
In service	13 May 1936 – August 1983
Formation	4 cars per set
Number in service	None
Fleet numbers	Various
Scrapped	1976 – 1983
Preservation information
Preserved	2 cars
Number scrapped	18 cars

The 52 series is a Japanese express commuter multiple unit operated by the Japanese National Railways from May 1936 to August 1983. These sets were the first and only fully-streamlined express electric railcars on the Japan National Railways network.

History

The 52 series were intended mainly for use on the Keihanshin Lines and other related lines in the region. A total of five four-car sets were built as part of three batches. The first set of cars was manufactured by Kawasaki Sharyō in March 1936; it entered service on 13 May 1936. Two more sets were built in March 1937, entering service on 25 June and 22 August 1937; two further sets were later completed in August 1937. These four sets were jointly manufactured by Kawasaki and Nippon Sharyo.

The sets featured a streamlined design taking advantage of the streamliner boom sweeping the industrial sector, with many countries streamlining their trains and other vehicles; due to this they were nicknamed Ryūden (lit. "flowing train"). During the war the sets were not given extensive modifications apart from changing the internal seating arrangements and by the end of the war disrepair was evident, although repair works for the sets quickly picked up in pace. A high-speed test was conducted on 23 April 1949 with MoHa 52002 and MoHa 52005 used for the test with a wooden test car, KuYa 16001, coupled in between; it recorded a speed of 119 km/h (74 mph), with these results used to develop the 80 series trains which would be used on long-distance suburban express trains.

To cope with increasing passenger numbers, some of the cars were modified with an additional set of doors. 18 of the cars remained in active service until around 1975, with withdrawals commencing in 1976. All 52 series cars were withdrawn from service by August 1983, these being the last old-style JNR electric railcars to operate in service.

Design

The 52 series, when manufactured, featured a streamlined design taking advantage of the streamliner boom where numerous countries were streamlining their trains. Its design followed in the veins of the EF55 electric locomotives and the KiHa 43000 series diesel railcars.

Its design was strongly influenced by the design of the DRG Class SVT 877, nicknamed the Fliegender Hamburger (lit. "flying hamburger").

Specifications

Underfloor mechanicals were heavily based on that of the older 42 series cars. In comparison to the riveted 42 series design, the 52 series cars were all welded.

Preservation

The following 52 series cars have been preserved:

Car number	Manufacturer	Date manufactured	Date retired	Previous sets	Location	Notes
KuMoHa 52001	Kawasaki Sharyō	March 1936	1978	N/A	Suita Works, Osaka, Japan	Ex-first set; open for viewing on depot open days
KuMoHa 52004		March 1937			SCMaglev and Railway Park, Nagoya, Japan	Formerly located at Sakuma Rail Park until 2009

Gallery