Subscribe to download
JR Kyushu 787 Series / JR九州787系

The 787 Series (787系) is a limited express type EMU operated by JR Kyushu since 1992.

A new model developed for intercity operations in Kyushu, the 787 series has been a mainstay of the island’s limited express network for the past 30 years. Introduced as a flagship vehicle for JR Kyushu, it had an exterior design unique in the country at the time. The type was the last regular train to feature a buffet car, which has since been eliminated outside of tourist or special sets. It was originally planned to be given the nickname of “Red Egg Express” and painted red, but the company decided against it after enquiring with the US Consulate General. The name “Tsubame” would be given instead, meaning “Swallow”. Accordingly, limited express services on the Kagoshima Main Line departing from Nishi-Kagoshima Station (now Kagoshima-Chuo Station) would also be renamed to Tsubame. The 787 series entered service as formations of 9, 7 and 4 cars, with a total of 140 cars manufactured. The length of formations was designed to be flexible, and it was frequently changed for operational purposes. As limited express trains along Kyushu’s busiest transport corridor were replaced by the Kyushu Shinkansen, the fleet began to be shifted towards shorter formations to serve routes with lower demand. This created a shortage of leading cars, which led to 7 middle cars being converted to leading cars in 2000, with a near-identical exterior to original vehicles. The buffet cars were converted to a regular passenger cabin a few years later, and some green car cabins were partially fitted with premium “DX green seats”. As of current, the 787 series operates in sets of 4, 6, and 8 cars. All vehicles produced are listed as active, although a number of them are used as spare cars to be fitted into formations during busier seasons or inspections. It serves a wide range of services across Kyushu in all prefectures except Kumamoto. One 6 car set was converted to “36+3”, one of several “Design & Story” trains run by JR Kyushu. This train is set to operate in a counterclockwise loop around the island, allowing for travel package bookings on any one of its journey segments.

Basic Information:

Max Speed: 130km/h
Acceleration: 0.61m/s/s
Motor Output: 150kW x 4 per car
In Service: 1992-

The following formations are included:

787 Series (4 Car)

Configuration: 2M2T
Max Pax: 195

787 Series (6 Car)

Configuration: 4M2T
Max Pax: 276

787 Series (8 Car)

Configuration: 4M4T
Max Pax: 404

-can also be operated as 8+4, 8+6, and 8+8 formations