821 series

821 series
UT009 in August 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Hitachi
Designer(s)	Eiji Mitooka
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Family name	A-Train
Constructed	2018 – 2020
Number built	30 cars (10 sets)
Dimensions	20,000 mm × 3,024 mm × 4,087 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	20 kV AC (60 Hz)
Traction system	Variable frequency (pure SiC)
Service information
In service	16 March 2019 – Present
Branding	Commuter Train 821
Formation	3 cars per set
Number in service	30 cars (10 sets)
Fleet numbers	UT001 – UT010
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The 821 series, branded Commuter Train 821, is a Japanese commuter electric multiple unit operated by the Kyushu Railway Company since March 2019.

History

Details of the 821 series were unveiled on 26 January 2018 as part of a press release by JR Kyushu. Two three-car sets were delivered in February 2018 for testing and preparation for service from Hitachi's Kudamatsu and Yamaguchi Factories. The two sets were test run on JR Kyushu lines before entering service on 16 March 2019 on the Kagoshima Main Line.

The sets were originally based at Minami-Fukuoka Depot before being moved to Kumamoto Depot in 2022.

Design

Design-wise, the 821 series takes design language cues from the older 815, 817 and BEC819 series cars. A notable change from older trains however was the 821 series sets' headlights; the headlights and taillights are a combined fixture. The headlights are a small, circular fixture in the middle of the lamp cluster, with the taillights being big rings around the headlights. This lighting system is extremely similar to what is seen on the YC1 series sets announced at the same time. A rather unique feature of these and the YC1 series sets is a cluster of LED lamps surrounding the cab; these also serve as indicators for which end of the train it is (i.e. red for the end car).

Specifications

Construction is either of stainless steel or a double-skinned aluminum alloy based on the Hitachi A-Train concept. The sets use pure-silicon carbide MOSFET variable frequency drives manufactured by Mitsubishi which produce a hissing sound.

References

• Wikipedia.org