787 series

787 series
BM11 in August 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo
Designer(s)	Eiji Mitooka, Seiichi Enoki
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1992 – 2002
Number built	140 cars
Dimensions	21,600 mm (end cars) × 2,944 mm × 3,670 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	20 kV AC (60 Hz)
Traction system	Thyristor drive
Traction system model	Hitachi CS404K
Service information
In service	15 July 1992 – Present
Formation	4, 6 or 7 cars per set
Number in service	140 cars
Fleet numbers	BM1 – BM8, BM10 – BM13, BM363, BO102 – BO103, BO105, BO107 – BO111, BO6101, BO6104, BO6106

The 787 series is a Japanese limited express electric multiple unit operated by the Kyushu Railway Company since March 1992.

History

The 787 series was designed based on the older 811 series sets. A total of 140 cars were built from 1992 to 2002, with the first sets entering service on 15 July 1992 on the Tsubame service.

The sets are based at either Ōita or Minami-Fukuoka Depots. While the sets are no longer used on the Tsubame services, they serve on the Kirameki, Kaiō and most famously the Ariake service.

BM15 was converted to an excursion trainset named 36+3 in 2020 and renumbered BM363.

Design

The 787 series adopted a modern design language for limited express trains; however, this design language would not be carried on onto more modern limited express trains built for JR Kyushu. Its design was inspired by European high-speed trains such as the TGV.

The sets are painted in either a light or dark gray depending on which service they run on; light gray sets are used on Ariake services while dark gray sets are used for everything else. The overall design of the 787 series was overseen by design firm Don Design Associates, with Eiji Mitooka, managing director of said company, being the main designer behind the sets.

Specifications

Construction is of stainless steel. End cars are 21.6 meters long while intermediate cars are 20.5 meters long. The 787 series sets use a thyristor-based traction system which was originally used on the 811 and 783 series sets.

References

• Wikipedia.org