70 series

70 series
An 70 series set in March 1977
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Hitachi, Kawasaki Sharyō, Kinki Sharyo, Kisha Seizō, Niigata Tekkō, Ōi Works, Nippon Sharyo, Teikoku Sharyō, Tokyu Sharyō, Utsunomiya Sharyō
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1951 – 1958
Number built	282 cars
Dimensions	20,000 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	CS10
Service information
In service	February 1951 – 1 March 1981
Formation	2, 4, 5 or 6 cars per set
Number in service	None
Fleet numbers	Various
Scrapped	1964, 1967, 1976 – 1981
Preservation information
Preserved	None
Number scrapped	282 cars

The 70 series was a Japanese commuter electric multiple unit operated by the Japanese National Railways from February 1951 to March 1981.

History

The 70 series sets were designed as a train which could be used on medium distance routes, featuring three doors and abreast seating throughout the trains. 70 series cars were originally introduced on such lines which required such services, such as the Kansai Urban Network and the Yokosuka Line, where they were used to pull medium distance services. Although they were similar in appearance to the 80 series sets manufactured around the same time, the 70 series cars were designed to operate in mixed formations with 32, 42 and 72 series cars and would typically not operate on their own.

A total of 282 cars were manufactured between February 1951 and February 1958, with the cars beginning service on the Kansai Urban Network in February 1951, followed by the Yokosuka Line in March the same year. The cars were painted in a number of different liveries depending on the line on which they served. As more modern rolling stock was introduced the 70 series cars were relegated to suburban lines for service; the last line to use 70 series cars was the Hanwa Line, retiring their 70 series cars on 1 March 1981 following a number of special farewell runs. No 70 series cars have been preserved.

Design

The 70 series cars feature a design similar to that of the 80 series cars.

Specifications

The sets featured a 20 meter long body, an idea which had been long proposed to the Japanese Government Railways. The cars used a CS10 traction system.