U@tech Train

U@tech Train
The set in 2015
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	JR West's Suita Works (rebuilder) Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KuMoHa 223-9001) Kinki Sharyo (KuYa 212-1, SaYa 213-1)
Designer(s)	Masaki Omori, Kenji Minami
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1987 (SaYa 213-1) 1988 (KuYa 212-1) 1998 (KuMoHa 223-9001)
Number built	3 cars (1 set)
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system	Variable frequency (IGBT)
Service information
In service	22 October 2004 – 31 March 2019
Formation	3 cars per set
Number in service	None
Fleet numbers	U@tech
Preservation information
Preserved	None
Number scrapped	3 cars (1 set)

The U@tech Train was a Japanese experimental electric multiple unit operated by the West Japan Railway Company from October 2004 to March 2019.

History

The U@tech Train was a three-car experimental electric multiple unit consisting of two different types of railcars in a three-car formation, comprising one experimental 223 series car, KuMoHa 223-9001 and two 213 series cars, KuYa 212-1 and SaYa 213-1.

KuMoHa 223-9001 was a prototype car for the 223-2000 series cars, built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 1998; it was only used by Kawasaki for testing in that form and never owned by JR West. The other two cars are former 213 series cars used by JR West for Marine Liner services; KuYa 212-1 and SaYa 213-1 began their lives as KuRo 212-1 and SaHa 212-1, manufactured in 1988 and 1987 respectively by Kinki Sharyo. These cars were taken out of service with the introduction of the 5000 series cars for use the Marine Liner service in 2004.

JR West would purchase KuMoHa 223-9001 in 2004, with work commencing to convert all cars into an experimental trainset in August 2004. Rebuilt at Suita Works, the set was completed in October 2004 as the U@tech train and would formally be added to JR West's fleet roster on 31 March 2007. The U@tech Train aimed to develop and achieve four aspects: stable transportation, "business innovation", comfortable interior and energy conservation; it was later used to test on-board train control systems. The set was mostly tested on the Kyoto Main Line and at Suita General Rolling Stock Depot.

The set was scrapped in March 2019.

Specifications

The U@tech Train brought with it a number of experimental technologies, such as a "wayside wireless Wide Area Network", newly-developed Toshiba fully-enclosed PMSM motors, data-collecting single-arm pantographs and a full glass driver's cabin.