MUE Train

MUE Train
Mue in January 2022
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Kawasaki Heavy Industries Nagano Works (rebuilder)
Designer(s)	Kenji Ekuan
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1993 2008 (rebuilt)
Number built	7 cars (1 set)
Dimensions	20,000 mm × 2,966 mm × 3,650 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system	Variable frequency (IGBT)
Traction system model	Hitachi (model number unknown) Mitsubishi (model number unknown)
Service information
In service	8 October 2008 – Present
Formation	6 cars per set
Number in service	6 cars (1 set)
Fleet numbers	Mue
Scrapped	2010
Preservation information
Number scrapped	1 car

The MUE Train (MUltipurpose Experimental Train) is a non-revenue electric multiple unit operated by the East Japan Railway Company since October 2008 for research and development purposes.

History

The MUE Train is one of a number of non-revenue electric multiple units operated by JR East for research and development purposes. The set was created by converting seven cars from Keihin-Tōhoku Line 209 series set Ura2, originally built in 1993, with work done to rebuild and refit the set performed at Nagano Works. The set was given the fleet number of Mue; no major changes were made to the cars' numbers apart from the changing of the prefixes from "Ha" to "Ya" (i.e. KuHa to KuYa) to signify its use as a train intended for testing.

Mue entered service on 8 October 2008 and has since then been used to research and develop implements to improve train performance as well as INTEROS, JR's next-generation multi-purpose train command and control system, which would be implemented into the E235 series sets introduced in 2015. Initially in service as a seven-car set, one of the cars, SaYa 209-8, was removed from the set in October 2010 and scrapped; since then the set has operated in a six-car formation. Despite the introduction of the E235 series with the INTEROS system Mue still remains in service for occasional testing runs. When not operational Mue is located at Kawagoe Depot.

Design

Main article: 209 series

Being converted from 209-0 series cars, Mue features the same basic design as the 209-0 series cars. Mue however features a starkly different livery which mainly uses white to signify "future and hope". A block pattern is seen on the sides of the cars to bring about "an image of brilliant new technologies from many fields coming together to build a new railway system.

Specifications

Main article: 209 series

Being converted from 209-0 series cars, Mue features the same basic specifications as the 209-0 series cars. Mue however is fitted with numerous experimental implements such as a pneumatic suspension system, enhanced brakes and numerous security systems; Mue is however not fitted with the ATACS system and as such it cannot run on lines which use ATACS as the safety protocol, such as the section of the Saikyō Line between Ikebukuro and Ōmiya Stations. The trains are fitted with IGBT traction systems as opposed to the older GTO traction system used by the 209-0 series sets.