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JR West 207 Series / JR西日本207系

The 207 Series (207系) is an EMU operated by JR West in the Keihanshin area.

Developed to operate on the newly constructed JR Tōzai Line, the 207 series is a commuter type vehicle first appearing in 1991. The basic design was based on the 221 series which entered service 2 years prior, both the appearance and interior were upgraded to improve it's attractiveness to passengers, as the route operated run largely parallel to private railways such as Keihan and Hankyu. The 207 series was the first JNR/JR vehicle to be equipped with front skirts when new, and also the first to adopt a width of 2.95m instead of the 2.8m standard for previous commuter trains. After the production of the prototype car, it was decided that the type would be introduced to the Katamachi (Gakkentoshi) Line prior to the Tōzai Line's opening, these vehicles are the 0 series subvariant. The 1000 series manufactured in 1994 has a different control method, and the electrical equipment was placed on different vehicles in a formation. An upgraded a main motor with 200kW was adopted to operate on steep gradients, this was further increased to 220kW in later batches. This sub-variant operates on Tōzai Line through operations, as well as the Tōkaidō Main Line and San'yō Main Line. A total of 484 cars were manufactured, with construction lasting until 2003. In April 2005, a rapid train operated by a 7-car 207 series formation on the Fuku-chiyama Line derailed on a curve, resulting in over 100 fatalities, this became the deadliest rail accident in Japan since 1964. It was determined that the train was travelling over 45km/h over the posted speed limit, which was the direct cause of the accident. This event would have a significant impact on rail safety protocols in Japan, and trains produced after 2005 have a strengthened main body to reduce potential casualties. The accident vehicles were not replaced, and 1 set was scrapped in 2022, leaving 474 cars in service.

Basic Information:

Max Speed: 120km/h
Acceleration: 0.75m/s/s
Seating: long
Motor Output: 155kW x 4 per car (0 series), 220kW x 4 per car (1000/2000 series)
In Service: 1991-

The following formations are included:

207-0 Series (3 Car)

Configuration: 1M2T
Formation Output: 620kW
Max Pax: 926

207-0 Series (4 Car)

Configuration: 2M2T
Formation Output: 1240kW
Max Pax: 1252

-can operate in 6 and 7 car formations with 3+3 and 4+3 consists.

207-1000/2000 Series (3 Car)

Configuration: 1M2T
Formation Output: 880kW
Max Pax: 926

207-1000/2000 Series (4 Car)

Configuration: 2M2T
Formation Output: 1760kW
Max Pax: 1252

-can operate in 6 and 7 car formations with 3+3 and 4+3 consists.