E3 Series Shinkansen

The E3 series (Japanese: E3系) is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train type built for Komachi services introduced on 3 June 1997, coinciding with the opening of the new Akita Shinkansen, a so-called "mini-Shinkansen" line formed by regauging the 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) narrow-gauge line between Morioka and Akita to 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge. Later variants of the E3 series were introduced for Tsubasa services on the Yamagata Shinkansen. Both mini-Shinkansen routes connect with the Tōhoku Shinkansen, providing through services to and from Tokyo.

The design of the E3 series was overseen by industrial designer Kenji Ekuan.^[3]

Like the earlier 400 series, the E3 series was built to a smaller loading gauge than standard Shinkansen trains. Although the track gauge on the mini-Shinkansen routes was converted to standard gauge, platform positions were not altered, resulting in tighter clearances that restrict the width and length of each car. To compensate for the narrower car bodies, the trains are fitted with retractable gap fillers that flip up at standard Shinkansen stations to bridge the gap between the train and the platform.

Before the S8 set was converted to the R1 set, the bogies were bolsterless DT207 (motor car) and TR7005 (trailer car), and the basic structure was the same as that of the 400 series.^[4] The wheel diameter was 860 mm, the wheelbase was 2,250 mm, and the axle box support was a support plate type.^[4][5] From the mass-produced cars 2nd generation and onwards, the suffixes are DT207A (motor bogie) and TR7005A (trailer bogie).^[6][7] However, the motor bogies of the 0 (R sets) and 1000 series 5th to 7th series and the 2000 series are DT207B, and the trailer bogies of the 0 and 1000 series 5th to 7th series are TR7005B.^[8][9] The gear ratio is 3.04.^[10]

From spring 2014 to mid 2016 the remaining fleet of 15 E3-1000 and E3-2000 series sets used on Tsubasa services were gradually repainted into a new livery designed by industrial designer and Yamagata native Ken Okuyama, intended to reflect the landscape and cultural identity of Yamagata Prefecture.^[11][12] The body is finished in white, symbolising the snow of Mount Zaō; deep purple, inspired by the Mandarin duck, the prefectural bird of Yamagata; and accents of red and yellow derived from the safflower, the prefectural flower.^[11] This same livery was applied to the later E8 series which is slated to replace the E3.^[13] On 11 February 2023, as the E3 series neared retirement, one set was repainted as a heritage unit in the original silver and green livery.^[14]

• E3-0 series "R" sets: 26 × 6-car sets (R1–R16 initially delivered as 5-car sets) used on Akita Shinkansen Komachi services from 3 June 1997 to 14 March 2014.
• E3-1000 series "LR" sets: 3 × 7-car sets used on Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa services from 4 December 1999. Two E3-1000 sets L51 and L52 were withdrawn in 2014 and E3-0 sets R23–R26 were converted into L54 and L55 and entered service as replacements.
• E3-2000 series "LR" sets: 12 × 7-car sets used on Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa services since 20 December 2008. All sets were repainted between 2014 and 2016.
• E3-700 series Toreiyu: 6-car excursion set used on the Yamagata Shinkansen from July 2014 to March 2022.
• E3-700 series Genbi Shinkansen: 6-car excursion set used on the Jōetsu Shinkansen from 29 April 2016 to December 2020.^[15]

A pre-series 5-car set, numbered S8, was delivered from Kawasaki Heavy Industries to Sendai Depot in March 1995 for extensive testing. It was modified to full-production specifications in March 1997 ahead of the start of Akita Shinkansen services.^[16]

Until it was augmented to six cars in 1998, the pre-series was formed as follows, with scissors-type pantographs on cars 12, 13, and 14.^[16] Set R1 was withdrawn following its final revenue run on 20 July 2013.^[17]

• The front shape of the leading car differs from that of mass-produced cars, being closer to that of the 400 series.^{[Note 1]}
• There are headlights and rear marker lights above the cab window, and two auxiliary lights (high intensity discharge lamps) under the cab window. The auxiliary lights (HID lights) were adopted on a trial basis after drivers of the previous 400 series pointed out the need for improved illumination on conventional lines.^[18]
• At the time of completion, the cars were equipped with three cross-pantographs, with the E326-1 and E325-1 equipped with the PS9034 type for the Shinkansen section and the E329-1 equipped with the PS204X type for conventional lines. These were replaced with single-arm pantographs during the mass production conversion.
• On June 24, 1995, a prototype pantograph was installed on the E326-1 and test runs were conducted.^[19] At a Shinkansen event held in Sendai on July 23 of the same year, the E325-1's pantograph had been replaced with a PS206 single-arm pantograph.^[20]
• The pantograph covers of the E326-1 and E325-1 are equipped with air cylinders that move up and down.^[21] When running on conventional lines, the covers are lowered to avoid violating the vehicle clearance, and when running on Shinkansen lines, the covers are raised 200 mm.^[21] The E329-1 has a fixed cover because it is a pantograph for conventional lines.^[21]
• The toilets in the men's restrooms are installed at an angle.
• The logo at the time of completion was "Series E3" (later changed to the same logo as the production car).
• The size of the electrostatic antenna on car 11 (E311-1) is different from that of mass-produced cars.
• At the time of completion, the sections manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries were planned to be transported to Zushi as a special train and then delivered together with the sections manufactured by Tokyu Car Corporation. However, due to the effects of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, the sections manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries were delayed, so only the sections manufactured by Tokyu Car Corporation were delivered first.
• Prior to being converted for mass production, it underwent test runs on the Yamagata Shinkansen.^[22]
• With the introduction of the E6 series, this set ceased commercial operation on July 20, 2013^[23] and was scrapped.

• Pre-series set R1 in service, March 2013

The full-production trainsets built from 1996 for the Akita Shinkansen were 5-car sets, but sixth cars were added by the end of 1998. A total of 26 Akita Shinkansen sets were in service by the end of 2005. Sets R1 to R16 were leased by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) from the owning company, Akita Shinkansen Sharyō Hoyū (秋田新幹線車両保有(株); lit. 'Akita Shinkansen Rolling Stock Co., Ltd.'), a third-sector company jointly owned by JR East and Akita Prefecture.^[24] This lease ended on 21 March 2010 with the dissolution of Akita Shinkansen Sharyō Hoyū.^[25]

The E3 series sets were phased out following the introduction of new E6 series sets from March 2013, with 19 sets (114 vehicles) scheduled to be withdrawn during fiscal 2013.^[26] From the start of the 15 March 2014 timetable revision, E3 series trainsets were no longer used on Akita Shinkansen Komachi services.^[27] Two sets (R21 and R22) were used on Yamabiko and Nasuno services coupled to the E5/H5 series in their original "Komachi" colors before being retired on 31 October 2020. This is believed to have happened due to the decrease in passengers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.^[27][28]

These mass-produced sets were completed before the opening of the line in March 1997. They were originally five-car sets, but were converted to a six-car set by coupling the E328 series (third generation) between October and December of the following year.^[29] Therefore, at the coupling between the E329 and E328 series (cars 13 and 14), there is a "gauge cover" (the name was changed from pantograph cover on mass-produced cars^[30]) without a pantograph (the same applies to set R1, as shown in the second picture above).

• The nose shape of the lead cars was changed to counter tunnel micro-pressure waves and reduce noise (as mentioned above).^[30]
• The headlights and rear marker lights were grouped together under the cab window.^[30] High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps were used on a trial basis on pre-production cars, but were adopted for production cars.^[30]
• The interior of the passenger compartment were almost identical to that of the pre-production car,^[30] except that the production car has Akita Kanto design woven into the side window curtains.^[30]
• The trash bins installed on each car were for three types of garbage: bottles and cans, newspapers and magazines, and general garbage.^[30][31] Because the Akita Shinkansen trains run for long periods of time, a trash compressor is installed to compress the general garbage every 15 minutes to prevent it from overflowing.^[30][31]
• The pre-production Green Car cars were equipped with spot air conditioning (individual air conditioning) above the seats, but this was omitted in the production cars.^[30]
• The cab had undergone significant changes to its equipment layout (see above).^[30]
• The pantograph used a newly developed low-noise type PS206 single-arm pantograph.^[30] Because the pantograph itself was able to be made quieter, the up-and-down movable pantograph cover of the pre-production model was eliminated, and a new sloped "insulator cover" was installed to protect the insulators and cable heads from air currents.^[30]
• The second batch of cars was completed before the Akita Shinkansen opened, so after completion JR East conducted test runs on the Yamagata Shinkansen.^[32]
• The E328 (T2) trailer car, which was added in 1998, is similar to the conventional E329 (T1) trailer car, but in order to compensate for the loss of axle weight caused by not having an auxiliary power unit, the floor plate was changed from aluminum honeycomb material to steel plate and additional deadweight was added.^[33]

Additional set completed in 1998. It was added to increase transportation capacity following the timetable revision at the end of the same year. Sets completed after this have always been six-car formations.

• The insulator cover that was located at the coupling between the E329 and E328 series (cars 13 and 14) was omitted, and the number of insulator covers was changed to two.^[34]
• There are two wipers at the front of the driver's cab, including an auxiliary wiper.^[34]
• Up until this set, the VVVF inverter control device had been a GTO thyristor, and this was the only one among the sets from R17 onwards that had the above changes.
• During the summer holiday season in 2008, as part of a collaboration project with All Nippon Airways (ANA), the set was wrapped in a "Pokémon Pika-Rori Summer" design along with the set R21.^[35]

• These additional sets were added between 2002 and 2003 to increase transportation capacity and replace the later-manufactured 200 series Shinkansen that had not been updated.^{[Note 2]}
• The main differences from set R17 are listed below. In terms of specifications, the fourth generation (1000 series L51 and L52 sets) for the Yamagata Shinkansen was manufactured between the third and fifth generation, and the improvements made to the fourth generation (1000 series L51 and L52 sets) are also reflected.^[36]
• The dynamic dampers used in the trailer cars of the fourth series were abolished and replaced with underfloor deadweights and vibration-damping materials on the roof to improve ride comfort.^[36]
• The material of the connecting outer hood had been changed from polyurethane to synthetic rubber.
• Standard cars were also equipped with footrests in front of the seats.^{[8][Note 3]}
• The seat design had been changed to one with a sliding seat function.^{[36][Note 4]}
• The main converter element was changed from GTO thyristor to IGBT, as in the E2 series 1000 series.^[8]
• From their manufacture, the sets were equipped with DS-ATC and digital train radio.^[8]
• Cars 11 and 16 were equipped with full active suspension, while cars 12 through 15 were equipped with semi-active suspension.
• Grips were provided on the seat shoulders.^{[Note 5]}
• A door chime was added.
• The toilet in car 11 had been changed to a heated toilet seat.
• The specifications of the men's restroom had been changed. (Only for sets R18-R23^{[Note 6]})

These additional sets were completed in 2005 (Heisei 17) to increase transportation capacity and replace the 200 series H formations (the 12-car H4 and H5 formations) that had been reserved for peak passenger season special trains (along with the E2 series 1000 series J66-J68 formations and the 1000 series L53 formation for the Yamagata Shinkansen (described below) which were added at the same time).^[37]

• Some materials used had been changed to improve fire prevention measures.^[38]
• The support posts for the luggage racks located between every three seats were omitted.^[8]
• Baby cribs had been installed in public toilets.^[8]
• Braille stickers and tactile maps for the visually impaired were provided in cars and in the toilets.^[8]
• To accommodate VIP guests, preparations are being made for installing a police radio antenna on the roof of the E311-type locomotive.^[8]

Cars 12 and 15 were equipped with PS206 single-arm pantographs.^[24]

The build details are as shown below.^[39] As of 25 November 2021, the last of the original 26 sets (R22) was scrapped.^[40]

• Green car interior
• Interior of standard-class car 12
• Interior of standard-class car 16

Three 7-car E3-1000 sets (numbered L51 – L53) were built between 1999 and 2005 for use on Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa services from 4 December 1999 to augment the 400 series fleet following with the extension of the line to Shinjo.^[45] From 2014, a further two sets (L54 and L55) were introduced, reformed from withdrawn Akita Shinkansen E3-0 series "R" sets, to replace the two older sets L51 and L52.^[46]

With effect of the timetable revision implemented in March 2024, following the introduction of the E8 Series Shinkansen, all remaining E3-1000 series trains were withdrawn from regular service.^[47]

These sets were added for the Shinjo Line extension in 1999.^[48] The electrical equipment and windshield wipers are the same as those of set R17, but the interior is specially designed. The electric seat rotation device for the Yamagata Shinkansen was only preparatory work, and this set is not equipped with a garbage compactor.^[48]

Completed in 2005. The interior is almost the same as the 4th series (sets L51 and 52), but the 5th series (sets R18-R23) for the Akita Shinkansen was manufactured in the meantime, and the electrical equipment and interior facilities were changed to conform to the 6th series (R24-26) for the Akita Shinkansen manufactured at the same time.^[36] The green stripe of the 4th series was covered with film, but the 7th series was painted.^[8] This is the only newly built 1000 series train to have the new paint job. (Sets L51 and L52 trains were scrapped without being repainted.)

The sets were formed as shown below, with five motored ("M") cars and two non-powered trailer ("T") cars, and car 11 at the Tokyo end.

Cars 12 and 14 were equipped with PS206 single-arm pantographs.^[24]

• Standard class car interior

The build details are as shown below.^[41]

The first of a fleet of twelve new E3-2000 series 7-car sets entered service on Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa services on 20 December 2008.^[55] The new fleet totally replaced the older 400 series trains by summer 2009. The new trains incorporate design improvements, including active suspension, full-color LED destination indicators, and AC power outlets in all cars.^[56] Seating capacity in cars 16 and 17 has been reduced by 4 (one row of seats) compared with the E3-1000 series to provide uniform seating pitch in all cars (seat pitch was previously reduced in non-reserved cars).

Cars 12 and 14 are equipped with PS206 single-arm pantographs.^[24]

• E311-2009 (car 11)
• E326-2009 (car 12)
• E329-2009 (car 13)
• E326-2109 (car 14)
• E328-2009 (car 15)
• E325-2009 (car 16)
• E322-2009 (car 17)

As of 1 October 2016, the E3-2000 series fleet is as follows.^[51]

• Standard class car interior

The E3-700 series Toreiyu (とれいゆ) excursion set was a six-car train rebuilt from former Akita Shinkansen trainset R18 for use on the Yamagata Shinkansen between Shinjō and Fukushima, entering service in July 2014.^[42][57] The rebuild and interior design were overseen by Ken Okuyama.^[58] Toreiyu is a portmanteau of the English word "train" and the French word soleil (“sun”), the set had a total seating capacity of 143 passengers.^[57]

Cars 12 to 14 featured Japanese-style tatami seating mats, car 11 was a reserved ordinary-class car with coventional 2+2 seating, car 15 served as a lounge with a bar counter, and car 16 was equipped with ashiyu foot baths.^[57] The train was normally operated on special Toreiyu Tsubasa services on weekends and was withdrawn from service in March 2022.^[57][59]

The Toreiyu set was based at Yamagata Depot and formed as shown below, with car 11 at the Fukushima end.^[42]

• Interior of car 11 with conventional seating
• Interior of car 14 with Japanese-style tatami seating
• The tatami lounge area in car 15
• The bar counter in car 15
• The entrance to car 16
• The ashiyu foot baths at the end of car 16

E3-700 series Genbi Shinkansen (現美新幹線; lit. 'contemporary art Shinkansen') was a six-car excursion train rebuilt from former Akita Shinkansen trainset R19 at Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Kobe for operation on the Jōetsu Shinkansen between Echigo-Yuzawa and Niigata.

The exterior livery was designed by photographer Mika Ninagawa.^[43] Each car featured artwork by a different artist: car 11 had 2+2 seating and showcased a golden-yellow installation by Nao Matsumoto inspired by harvests, festivals, and light, with window shades using special dyes that reacted to changes in light when passing through tunnels; car 12 featured mirrored walls by Yusuke Komuta that reflected the surrounding scenery; car 13 combined a children’s play area designed by Art Unit Paramodel, featuring blue-and-white toy train motifs, with a café designed by Kentaro Kobuke serving sweets made with local ingredients; car 14 displayed an alpine photography exhibition by Naoki Ishikawa; car 15 featured an abstract floral artwork by Haruka Koujin designed to vibrate with the motion of the train; and car 16 screened a short film by Brian Alfred depicting the landscapes of Niigata Prefecture.^[60]

The completed trainset was unveiled to the media on 12 January 2016 and entered service on 29 April 2016, operating primarily on weekends and holidays, and was withdrawn on 19 December 2020.^[43][61][62]

The Genbi Shinkansen set was based at Niigata Depot and formed as shown below, with car 11 at the Tokyo end.^[61]

Cars 12 and 15 each had one single-arm pantograph.^[61]

• Ordinary seating in car 11 designed by Nao Matsumoto
• Car 12 interior with mirror installation by Yusuke Komuta
• Cafe counter in Car 13 designed by Kentaro Kobuke
• The children's play area in car 13 designed by Art Unit Paramodel
• Car 14 interior with photographs by Naoki Ishikawa

The Class E926 Shinkansen, also known as the "East-i" is an inspection train based on the E3 used for track and overhead wire diagnostic work on the Tōhoku, Jōetsu, Hokuriku, Hokkaido, Yamagata, and Akita Shinkansen lines.

JR East has announced plans to retrofit an E3 trainset for freight-only service, removing all passenger seating and adding equipment for securing cargo. It is anticipated that the train will transport high-value goods such as precision equipment and premium fresh fish, offering faster delivery and a smoother ride compared to existing freight trains.^[63] When in service, the cargo train will be coupled to a train in passenger service. Entry into service between Tokyo and Morioka was pushed back from 2025 to March 2026.^[64]

One used E3 Series trainset is planned to be gifted to India (alongside a E5 Series trainset) for use as an inspection train on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, after modifications are carried out to install relevant equipment. This follows the precedent of a 0 Series being provided to Taiwan to serve as a structure gauging car during construction of the Taiwan High Speed Rail. Besides inspecting the tracks and overhead lines, it is expected that the trains will be used to collect data on performance in India's hot climate and dusty environment, and help inform development of the E10 Series for Indian service.^[65][66]

• List of high-speed trains

• E3 Series Tsubasa/Nasuno (in Japanese)