800 Series Shinkansen

800 Series Shinkansen
Set U003 in May 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Hitachi
Designer(s)	Eiji Mitooka
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	2003, 2005, 2009 – 2010
Number built	54 cars (9 sets)
Dimensions	984 in (25,000 mm) (end cars) × 133 in (3,380 mm) × 144 in (3,650 mm)
Gauge	4 ft 8½ in (1,435 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	25 kV AC (60 Hz)
Traction system	Variable frequency (IGBT)
Service information
In service	12 March 2004 – Present
Formation	6 cars per set
Number in service	48 cars (8 sets)
Fleet numbers	U001 – U004, U006 – U009
Preservation information
Preserved	0
Number scrapped	6 cars (1 set)

The 800 Series Shinkansen is a Japanese high-speed electric multiple unit operated by the Kyushu Railway Company since March 2004.

Design

Rather departing from either the "bullet-shaped" nose of early Shinkansen sets like the 0 Series or latter "sharklike-shaped" nose of the 500 Series, the 800 Series has a much rounder, yet aerodynamic, nose. All 800 Series sets are six cars long and have a 160 mph (260 km/h) service speed.

800 Series (2003-present)

These are the first batch of the series. Numbered U001 to U006; U001 was delivered by Hitachi on the 30th of August 2003, through to U006 which was delivered on the 18th of July 2005. Cars 2 and 5 are the pantograph cars.

Set U005 was damaged as a result of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes and was taken out of service; it was eventually written off and scrapped in March 2018.

800-1000/2000 Series (2009-present)

These three sets, numbered U007 to U009, are nicknamed the "New 800 Series Shinkansen". Sets U007 and U009 were delivered in 2009 and U008 was delivered in 2010. Externally, the three sets can be differentiated from the 800 Series Shinkansen by the more contoured headlights and a minor difference with regards to the red stripe lining the side; internally, the sets have different seat covers compared to the older 800 Series sets.

However, in terms of electronics, the New 800 Series sets have a world of differences; not only do the New 800 Series sets act as normal revenue-earning Shinkansen sets, they also feature track inspection equipment to help monitor a variety of equipment on the tracks. Sets U007 and U009 are classified as 800-1000 Series sets and include track monitoring equipment, while set U008 is classified as an 800-2000 Series set and features overhead wire and signal monitoring equipment.

Specifications

• Built: 2003-2010
• Builder: Hitachi
• Number built: 9 sets
• Formation: 6-car sets
• Car body construction: Aluminum
• Car length: 82 ft (25,000 mm) (middle cars), 89 ft 9 in (27,350 mm) (head/tail cars)
• Width: 11 ft 1 in (3,380 mm)
• Height: 12 ft (3,650 mm)
• Maximum speed: 160 mph (260 km/h) (service max), 177 mph (285 km/h) (designed)
• Electrical system: 25 kV AC, 60 Hz overhead wires
• Collection method: Pantograph
• Gauge: 4 ft 8½ in (1,435 mm)

Gallery

New 800 Series set U009 in December 2022

References

• Wikipedia.org