The Tobu 500 series is a limited express electric multiple unit operated by Tobu Railway since April 2017.
History[]
The 500 series sets were manufactured for direct express trains on the Tobu Nikkō, Kinogawa, Isesaki and Noda Lines, the Yagan Railway Aizu-Kinugawa Line and the Aizu Railway Aizu Line. These were the first new limited express train introduced on the Tobu network in 26 years, following the introduction of the 200 series in 1991 (although the 250 series was introduced in 1998, it is technically considered as part of a sub-series of the 200 series sets). The trains were designed to replace the 6050 and 300 series sets as well as some 200 series sets.
The trains are given the branding of Revaty; this word is said to be a combination of "variety", referring to its use on a number of lines with its coupling and uncoupling functions, and "liberty", referring also to its "freedom" and ability to run on said lines with no issues. The sets entered service on 21 April 2017; they are typically operated with two sets coupled back to back but can also be operated solo.
Considered to have outstanding design features, the 500 series was the recipient of the 2018 Laurel Prize, the first Tobu train to be so awarded.
Design[]
The 500 series sets' basic design intended to convey that the train is "limited express train with speed and comfort that can be used in various modes of operation". Their cabs are streamlined to give the impression of speed and to signify that the train is intended to be pulling fast express services. The trains are painted in Champagne Beige with Forest Green and Future Blue accents; this paintscheme is intended to convey to passengers the train's modernity, with the Tokyo Skytree used as inspiration for the design.
The train's interior also draws inspiration from the Tokyo Skytree. Woodgrain patterning is used throughout the cars to evoke the image of the land and trees while a wave-like design is present on the roof the evoke the Sumida and Kinugawa rivers. The seats are done in Edo purple moquette, with some seats having patterns similar to inden, a traditional type of Japanese leather craft. The pillars and seats between the windows feature kōmon designs, a style of pattern typically used on kimonos; these pillars also feature a dragonfly motif, creating a concept of "weaving together the charms of the areas along the line".
The design was overseen by automotive designer Ken Okuyama.
Specifications[]
Cars are constructed of a double-skinned aluminum alloy to save weight. Each set is fitted with Toshiba IGBT variable frequency drives, as well as permanent magnetic synchronous motors; the motors were said to have been adopted using test results from testing the now-scrapped 250 series set with the same type of motor system.
When operating on the Aizu or Yagan Railway, the train has a function to reduce peak electricity usage.
| Tobu rolling stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Limited express | 100 (gen 2) • 200 (gen 2) • 500 • N100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Express | 634 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commuter | 800 • 850 • 8000 • 9000 • 9050 • 10000 • 10030 • 10050 • 20000 • 20050 • 20400 • 30000 • 50000 • 50050 • 50070 • 50090 • 60000 • 70000 • 70090 • 80000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Withdrawn | Limited express | 250 • 300 • 350 • 1700 • 1720 • 1800 • 5300 • 5700 • 6000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commuter | Original: DeHa 1 • 32 • 54 • KuHa 450 • 2000 • 2080 • 3000 • 3050 • 3070 • 5000 • 5050 • 5070 • 6050 • 7300 • 7800 • 10080 • 20070 Transferred to Tobu: MoHa 1600 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Streetcars | Single car: De 1 • De 10 • 100 (gen 1) Articulated: 200 (gen 1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| DMUs | KiHa 1 (from various railways) • KiHa 2 (from various railways) • KiHa 3 • KiHa 4 • KiHa 10 • KiHa 20 • KiHa 2000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Planned | Commuter | 90000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||