E926 Series Shinkansen

E926 Series Shinkansen
Set S51 in July 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Tokyu Car Corporation
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Family name	Doctor Yellow Mini-Shinkansen
Constructed	2001
Number built	6 cars (1 set)
Dimensions	894.6 in (22,725 mm) (end cars) × 116 in (2,945 mm) × 168.9 in (4,290 mm) (including pantographs)
Gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	25 kV AC (50 Hz)
Traction system	Variable frequency (GTO)
Service information
In service	October 2001 – Present
Branding	East i
Formation	6 cars per set
Number in service	6 cars (1 set)
Fleet numbers	S51
Scrapped	2015
Preservation information
Preserved	0
Number scrapped	1 car

The E926 Series Shinkansen, branded East i, is a Japanese non-revenue earning high-speed electric multiple unit operated by the East Japan Railway Company since October 2001.

History

Set S51, the only set built, was based on the E3 Series Shinkansen and was delivered in 2001. Due to it being based on the E3 Series Shinkansen, it was built to mini-Shinkansen standards.

The set carries out its inspections at full speed (275 km/h, 171 mph). Operation schedules of S51 are not made public, often exciting railfans when sighted.

Design

As mentioned above, the E926 Series Shinkansen is based on the E3 Series Shinkansen, and as such, looks identical to it with the exception of the prominent cavities beside its headlights. The set is painted white with red accents, similar to that of an ambulance.

Specifications

The end cars are 22.725 meters long and the intermediate cars are 20.5 meters long. The set uses a GTO thyristor variable frequency drive manufactured by Hitachi, which makes a melodic wail when the set accelerates from idle; this is the last remaining set on the JR East Shinkansen network which uses a GTO drive. S51 does not feature the same coupling system as other JR East Shinkansen sets and only runs on its own.

The set has two very noticeable black cavities in their noses located besides the headlights; one appears to hold a surveillance camera. Car 11 is used to measure overhead lines and other electrical equipment. Car 12 holds the power supply for the inspection equipment on the trains. Car 13 is used solely for track inspection. Car 14 has a specialized pantograph which can collect current and monitor the current as well. Car 15 is used to inspect electrical signals. Car 16 is practically identical to car 15, except car 16 is used to inspect overhead lines.

At times, car E926-3 (or car 13) would be inserted between cars 1 and 2 of E2 Series Shinkansen set N21; this does not happen any more due to the withdrawal of set N21. When coupled to set N21, the difference in width of the cars built to standard gauge and mini-Shinkansen standards becomes obvious. With N21's retirement E926-3 was no longer needed and was scrapped in 2017.

Its speed of 275 km/h allows it to be certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest inspection vehicle in the world.

Gallery

Car E926-3 coupled between E2 Series set N21; note the width difference

References

• Wikipedia.org