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JR East 253 Series / JR東日本253系

The 253 Series is an EMU operated by JR East on Limited Express services.

It was designed for the new Narita Express services which began operation with the opening of the airport's rail link in 1991. The 253 series is constructed with a mix of standard steel and stainless steel, with running and electrical equipment based on the previous 251 series. The NEX logo was first designed for this type, and it was later inherited by the E259 series. The interior seating is entirely airline style, and uses a black and red seat cover. Production of the type was staggered, with the base 3 car formations manufactured in 1991. As passenger demand rose sharply in the following years, additional intermediate cars were introduced from 1992-1996, which extended some sets to 6 car consists. Narita Express therefore were operated by combining 3 and 6 car sets in various, up to 12 cars. in 2002, 2 additional 6 car trains were manufactured, these have updated motor equipment and a more accessible interior layout. 111 cars were produced in total. The E259 series entered service in 2009 as the next generation of trains for the crucial airport access line, and the 253 series was rapidly withdrawn over the next year. All vehicles except the two sets manufactured in 2002 were subsequently scrapped. The remaining units were converted for operations on the Tobu Nikkō Line, apart from standard equipment updates and renewals, the green car rooms were abolished and reverted to ordinary cars, and most dedicated luggage storage areas were removed for additional capacity. As of current, Limited Express Nikko and Kinugawa are served by the remaining 12 cars of the 253 series, with these services jointly operated by Tobu Railway as the route utilizes both JR and Tobu tracks. There are no plans for retirement yet, but the type is unlikely to survive past this decade due to it's age.

Basic Information:

Max Speed: 130km/h
Acceleration: 0.56m/s/s
Motor Output: 120kW x 4 per car

The following formations are included:

0 Series basic consist (6 Car)

Configuration: 4M2T
Max Pax: 288

0 Series additional consist (3 Car)

Configuration: 2M1T
Max Pax: 128

-can be operated as 6, 6+3, 6+6, 6+6+3, and 6+6+6

1000 Series (6 Car)

Configuration: 4M2T
Max Pax: 290
-can be coupled up to 2 sets