JR Freight M250 series

JR Freight M250 series
Mc250-2 in December 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Nippon Sharyo
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	2002 – 2003
Number built	42 cars
Dimensions	20,300 mm × 2,931 mm × 3,980 mm (M250) 20,500 mm × 2,660 mm × 1,041 – 2,017 mm (M250)
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Current collector	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system	Variable frequency (3-level IGBT)
Service information
In service	13 March 2004 – Present
Branding	Super Rail Cargo
Formation	16 cars per set
Number in service	42 cars (2 sets + spare cars)
Fleet numbers	Mc250-1 – Mc250-6, M251-1 – M251-6, T260-1 – T260-15, T261-1 – T261-15

The JR Freight M250 series is a DC electric multiple unit operated by the Japan Freight Railway Company since March 2004.

History

The M250 series is a heavy freight-hauling electric multiple unit operated by JR Freight, intended to haul long freight trains on major lines.

The first set was manufactured in October 2002 and entered service in March 2004. A total of forty-two cars were manufactured by 2003, making up two sets and various spare cars. Each set is sixteen cars long, comprising of two M250s and their powered trailer cars as well as six additional sets of two trailer cars inserted in between. The locomotives and their trailer cars were manufactured by Kawasaki while the other trailer cars were manufactured by Nippon Sharyo.

As with most JR Freight locomotives these are given a nickname, the M250's being Super Rail Cargo due to their haulage capabilities. The locomotives are operated by Sagawa Express.

Specifications

The locomotives use Toshiba 3-level IGBT variable frequency drives and a WN parallel Cardan shaft drive system. The locomotives use FMT130 squirrel cage three-phase induction traction motors.