103 series

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103 series
KiHa 47, KiHa 58
Constructed1963–1984
Entered serviceDecember 1963
Refurbished1996–2005 (for selected trains)
Scrapped1986–
Number built3,447 vehicles
Number in service63 vehicles (as of 2019)[1]
Number preserved7 vehicles
Number scrapped3,311 vehicles
Successor201 series, 203 series, 205 series, 209 series, 223 series, 225 series, 227 series, E231 series, 305 series, 313 series, 323 series
Formation2/3/4/5/6/7/8/10 cars per trainset
Operators
  • ■
    JNR
    (1964–1987)
  • ■
    JR East
    (1987–2009)
  • ■
    JR Central
    (1987–2001)
  • ■
    JR West
    (1987–Present)
  • ■
    JR Kyushu
    (1987–Present)
  • KRL Jabodetabek
    (2004–2016)
Depots
Lines servedVarious
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length20,000 mm (65 ft 7 in)
Width2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in)
Height3,935 mm (12 ft 10.9 in)
Doors4 pairs per side
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph)
Traction system
ATC-9
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The 103 series (103系, 103-kei) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter train type introduced in 1963[2] by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and currently operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) and Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu). They were also operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central).

Some former JR East sets were also sold for second hand use in Indonesia, where they operated on the

KRL Jabodetabek
system in Jakarta between 2004 and 2016.

Operations

JR East

Last remaining 103 series set on the Senseki Line, in January 2007

JR East
has operated previously a large number of 103 series sets on the following lines.

A single four-car 103 series set had remained in use by

JR East on the Senseki Line in the Sendai area between November 2006 up until 21 October 2009.[3]

JR Central

Chuo Main Line services in the Nagoya area, but these were subsequently replaced by 211 series and 313 series
trains.

  • A 103 series set on June 26, 1999
    A 103 series set on June 26, 1999

JR-West

A JR-West refurbished set in USJ promotional livery in December 2005

JR-West continues to operate a large number of 103 series sets, many of which have received extensive life-extension refurbishment.[4]
JR-West currently operates 103 series sets on the following lines. They were also used on the Osaka Loop Line until October 2017. As of 2019, there are 63 cars still available in service.

Previous Operations (JR West):

JR Kyushu

JR Kyushu operated a fleet of nine 6-car 103 series sets on JR Chikuhi Line inter-running services onto the Fukuoka_City_Subway Kūkō_Line from 1982.[4][unreliable source?
]

In 2015, six 6-car 305 series sets entered service and the 6-car 103 series sets were converted to 3-car sets and restricted to operating on Chikuhi Line services between Chikuzen-Maebaru and Nishi-Karatsu.[7]

As of 2018, there are six 3-car trainsets still remaining in service.

Overseas operations

Four former

KRL Jabodetabek system in Jakarta.[8]

  • KuMoHa 103: 105, 153
  • MoHa 103: 654, 752
  • MoHa 102: 231, 321, 810, 2009
  • KuHa 103: 359, 384, 597, 632, 815, 822
  • SaHa 103: 210, 246

These cars retain their Japanese numbering.

As of November 2016, all 103 series have been withdrawn.

  • Former JR East 103 series EMU passing Gambir, July 2007
    Former JR East 103 series EMU passing Gambir, July 2007
  • Former JR East set KeYo 21 in revised "JR Central" livery in Jakarta, December 2011
    Former JR East set KeYo 21 in revised "JR Central" livery in Jakarta, December 2011
  • KeYo E20 with latest livery
    KeYo E20 with latest livery

103-0 series

103-0 series
Kisha Seizo, Nippon Sharyo, Teikoku Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation
Replaced101 series, KiHa 35
Constructed1963–1981
Entered serviceDecember 1963
Refurbished1996–2005 (for selected trains)
Scrapped1986–
Number built3,198 vehicles
Number in serviceNone (as of 2023)[6][9]
Number preserved7 vehicles
Number scrapped3,153 vehicles (including Indonesia)
Operators
  • JNR (1963–1987)
  • JR East (1987–2009)
  • JR Central (1987–1999)
  • JR West (1987–2023)
  • KRL Jabodetabek (2004–2016)
DepotsHineno
Morinomiya
ATC-9
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The 103–0 series trains were built between 1963 and 1981. Built for JNR as an "upgraded" version of the 101 series, the 103 series has been widely used around Japan and has been manufactured in a multitude of different body styles and configurations.

Based on the earlier 101 series, the 103 series has been used on various commuter services since 1963. In fact, some 103 series cars were actually converted from 101 series cars. The 103 series was the main rolling stock used on urban commuter services for a time.

Some sets have been used for at least 50 years, and their age is starting to show; as such, their use on various lines is diminishing and they are being replaced by newer trains. For instance, the 103 series are being replaced by the newer 323 series on the Osaka Loop Line where they famously operate.

The sets have been manufactured in a multitude of different body styles, with additional body styles being created over the years. Older sets had body styles similar to the one used on the 101 series.

Prototype

This 8-car unit was built in 1963 without air-conditioning. The cars were withdrawn from service between 1988 and 1991.

  • Moha 103: 901-902
  • Moha 102: 901-902
  • Kuha 103: 901-904

Standard series

These were built between 1964 and 1970. While not originally fitted with air-conditioning, most of the cars were fitted with air conditioning from 1975. The bogies of the trailer cars were changed from TR201 to TR212 for the cars built from 1968. Cars fitted with TR212 bogies feature disc brakes, because they needed to run on higher speeds on the Jōban and Hanwa Lines.

  • KuMoHa 103: 1-155
  • MoHa 103: 1-278
  • MoHa 102: 1-433
  • KuHa 103: 1-177 & 501-638 (TR212 bogies fitted: 115-177 & 617–638)
  • SaHa 103: 1-305 (TR212 bogies fitted: 226–305)

Air-conditioned prototype

This single 10-car unit was built in 1970. It was equipped with various air conditioning units and tested on the Yamanote Line in Tokyo. It was subsequently modified to become a standard air-conditioned set in 1978. In 2000, four cars were scrapped at the Narashino Depot; the remaining six cars were scrapped at Keiyō Rolling Stock Center in 2005.

  • MoHa 103: 279-281
  • MoHa 102: 434-436
  • KuHa 103: 178-179
  • SaHa 103: 306-307

Sets without air-conditioning

Built during 1972 and 1973, these units were similar to the air-conditioned prototype but without air-conditioning. This type was used mainly in Osaka area. Most cars were fitted with air-conditioning from 1976.

  • MoHa 103: 282-330 & 364-374
  • MoHa 102: 437-486 & 520-530
  • KuHa 103: 180-212
  • SaHa 103: 308-323

Air-conditioned sets

Built in 1973, they were similar to the air-conditioned prototype. They were fitted with motorized destination blinds on both sides.

  • MoHa 103: 331-413 (excluding 364–374)
  • MoHa 102: 487-569 (excluding 520–530)
  • KuHa 103: 213-268
  • SaHa 103: 324-359

ATC equipped sets

Built between 1974 and 1980. The front end design was changed with the driver's cab raised so that an

ATC
signalling system could be included. Kuha 103 of this version was used in the Tokyo area only.

  • MoHa 103: 414-713
  • MoHa 102: 570-869
  • KuHa 103: 269-796 (excluding 500–700), 798, 809, 816
  • SaHa 103: 360-471

Raised driver's cab

Built between 1979 and 1984. The front end design was the same as the ATC-equipped sets, although this type was not fitted with ATC. Kuha 103-811 & 816 were converted to include ATC in 1984.

  • MoHa 103: 714-793
  • MoHa 102: 870-2050 (excluding 900–2000)
  • KuHa 103: 797, 799-850 (excluding 809, 816, 845, 847, 849)
  • SaHa 103: 472-503
  • Driver's cab of KuHa 103-235 car (without ATC), November 2008
    Driver's cab of KuHa 103-235 car (without ATC), November 2008
  • JNR 103 & 205 series Yamanote Line meet at Uguisudani station, February 1986
    JNR 103 & 205 series Yamanote Line meet at Uguisudani station, February 1986
  • Akabane Line KuHa 103-273 car with air-conditioning coupled with non air-conditioned middle cars, 1979
    Akabane Line
    KuHa 103-273 car with air-conditioning coupled with non air-conditioned middle cars, 1979
  • Biwako Line-JR Kyoto Line-JR Kobe Line KuHa 103-154 car without air-conditioning, 1983
    JR Kobe Line
    KuHa 103-154 car without air-conditioning, 1983
  • JR Kobe Line KuHa 103-184 car without air-conditioning, August 1983
    JR Kobe Line
    KuHa 103-184 car without air-conditioning, August 1983
  • Yamanote Line air-conditioned prototype KuHa 103-178 car, October 1978
    Yamanote Line air-conditioned prototype KuHa 103-178 car, October 1978
  • Yamanote Line ATC equipped KuHa 103-347 car, March 1985
    Yamanote Line ATC equipped KuHa 103-347 car, March 1985
  • JR East Yokohama Line air-conditioned 103–0 series, circa 1988
    JR East Yokohama Line air-conditioned 103–0 series, circa 1988
  • JR-West Yamatoji Line raised driver's cab KuHa 103-831 car, circa 1993
    JR-West Yamatoji Line raised driver's cab KuHa 103-831 car, circa 1993
  • JR East Negishi Line air-conditioned 103–0 series, March 1998
    JR East Negishi Line air-conditioned 103–0 series, March 1998
  • Two JR-West Fukuchiyama Line (left) and JR Kyoto Line air-conditioned 103–0 series, August 1999
    Two JR-West
    JR Kyoto Line
    air-conditioned 103–0 series, August 1999
  • JR East MoHa 103-734 car in brown livery, August 1999
    JR East MoHa 103-734 car in brown livery, August 1999
  • Jōban Line air-conditioned 103–0 series, April 2005
    Jōban Line air-conditioned 103–0 series, April 2005
  • Musashino Line air-conditioned 103–0 series showing different driver's cab heights, August 2003
    Musashino Line air-conditioned 103–0 series showing different driver's cab heights, August 2003
  • Tsurumi Line air-conditioned 103–0 series, June 2004
    Tsurumi Line air-conditioned 103–0 series, June 2004
  • Osaka Loop Line air-conditioned KuHa 103-802 car, September 2017
    Osaka Loop Line air-conditioned KuHa 103-802 car, September 2017
  • JR Central 103–0 series air-conditioned KuMoHa 103-18 car, April 2007
    JR Central 103–0 series air-conditioned KuMoHa 103-18 car, April 2007
  • JR-West Hanwa Line 103–0 series air-conditioned car, July 2017
    JR-West Hanwa Line 103–0 series air-conditioned car, July 2017
  • JR West 103 series on Nara Line local service, December 2017
    JR West 103 series on Nara Line local service, December 2017
  • JR West 103 series train Wadamisaki Line local service,July 2017
    JR West 103 series train Wadamisaki Line local service,July 2017
  • JR-West San'yō Main Line air-conditioned 103–0 series set H19, May 2009
    JR-West San'yō Main Line air-conditioned 103–0 series set H19, May 2009
  • KuHa 103-525 test car owned by Toshiba, March 2010
    KuHa 103-525 test car owned by Toshiba, March 2010
  • JR-West Sakurajima Line raised driver's cab KuHa 103-823 car, March 2012
    JR-West Sakurajima Line raised driver's cab KuHa 103-823 car, March 2012

Converted from 101 series

Some 101 series trailer cars were converted to the 103–0 series. The cars' bodies and bogies were 101 series originals as the conversions involved minimum modification. The last of these cars were withdrawn from service in 1999.

  • SaHa 103: 751-780 (from SaHa 101)
  • KuHa 103: 2001-2004 (from KuHa 100), 2051-2052 (from KuHa 101)

Experimental direct-drive mechanism (DDM-VVVF)

An insulated gate bipolar transistor traction system and direct-drive motors both manufactured by Toshiba were experimentally tested on car MoHa 103-502 (car #4) on ten-car set KeYo304 based on the Keiyō Line from May 2002; the car was originally manufactured in December 1975 by Nippon Sharyo. The direct-drive motors and IGBT inverters appear to be of the same specification as used on the experimental E993 series set due to similar cadences.

The use of direct-drive motors in the car gave the set a unique sound, with both the roar of the old-fashioned resistor-controlled traction motors and the more modern, high-pitched cadence of the variable frequency drive in car MoHa 103–502; MoHa 103-502's use of direct-drive motors gave the car itself a unique sound, as once the set reached a certain speed, the traction motors made no discernible noise.

The set entered service with the direct-drive motored car on 15 May 2003, but was retired and scrapped in December 2003 after just 7 months of service with this experimental car. Car MoHa 103-502 remains the last 103 series car to have been fitted with a variable frequency drive. No JR train since (other than the E993 and E331 series sets) has used direct-drive motors in combination with IGBT inverters.[10][unreliable source?]

103-1000 series

103-1000 series
Chuo-Sobu Line

160 103–1000 series cars (formed 16 10-car sets) were built in 1970 and 1971 for use on Jōban Line-Chiyoda Line inter-running services, which commenced in 1971. Originally painted in grey with a sea green stripe, they were subsequently displaced by new 203 series trains. Some sets were later converted to become 105 series sets, and the rest of the fleet was reallocated to Jōban Line services from Ueno.[11] In 1989, one Joban Line set was reallocated to the Chūō-Sōbu Line-Tōzai Line inter-running services. This set was repainted in grey with light-blue stripe, which was the same livery as the 103–1200 series. The last set was retired in March 2004.

  • Original JNR livery, 1985
    Original JNR livery, 1985
  • Joban Line Rapid Service 103–1000 series Set MaTo 11, June 1989
    Joban Line Rapid Service 103–1000 series Set MaTo 11, June 1989

103-1200 series

103-1200 series
Chuo-Sobu Line
Specifications
Multiple working301 series

Similar to the 103–1000 series, these were 7-car sets built by

Chūō-Sōbu Line services.[11]
The last set was retired in July 2003.

  • A JR East 301 series (left) and 103–1200 series (right) EMU formation at Funabashi Station, August 2002
    A JR East 301 series (left) and 103–1200 series (right) EMU formation at Funabashi Station, August 2002

103-1500 series

103-1500 series
Deceleration
5.0 km/(h⋅s) (3.1 mph/s)
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC
Current collector(s)overhead catenary
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Nine 103–1500 series 6-car sets were built between 1982 and 1983 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Hitachi for use on inter-running services between the Chikuhi Line and the Fukuoka City Subway Kūkō Line in Kyushu. In 1989, four sets were reformed as eight 3-car sets (numbered E11 to E18) by rebuilding MoHa 103 and MoHa 102 cars as KuMoHa 103 and KuMoHa 102 cars respectively. They were initially painted in light blue with a white stripe, but were repainted into a grey and red livery from 1995. The 3-car sets were modified for driver-only operation between December 1999 and March 2001.[12] Toilets were added to one end car of each set between June 2003 and October 2004.[13]

  • 103-1500 series in original livery, February 1983
    103-1500 series in original livery, February 1983
  • JR Kyushu 103–1500 series in revised livery, April 2006
    JR Kyushu 103–1500 series in revised livery, April 2006

103-3000 series

103-3000 series
Hachiko Line

Five three-car 103–3000 series sets (numbered 51 to 55) were formed in 1985 from former 72–970 series EMU cars for use on the

Hachiko Line electrification in March 1996.[11][14]
The last set was withdrawn in October 2005.

  • Kawagoe Line 103–3000 series set 53 as a three-car set in May 1993
    Kawagoe Line 103–3000 series set 53 as a three-car set in May 1993
  • Formation
  1. KuMoHa 102-3000
  2. MoHa 103-3000 (with pantograph)
  3. SaHa 103-3000
  4. KuHa 103-3000

103-3500 series (JR East)

103-3500 series (JR East)
Hachiko Line

One 4-car 103–3500 series set was formed in December 1995 from surplus 103–0 series cars to augment the fleet ahead of Hachikō Line electrification in March 1996. As with the 103–3000 series sets, passenger-operated door controls were fitted. The motor/trailer car configuration differed from that of the 103–3000 series sets.[11][14] The single set was withdrawn in March 2005.

  • Formation
  1. KuHa 103-3502 (formerly KuHa 103–738)
  2. MoHa 102-3501 (formerly MoHa 102–2047)
  3. MoHa 103-3501 (with pantograph) (formerly MoHa 103–790)
  4. KuHa 103-3501 (formerly KuHa 103–725)

103-3500 series (JR West)

103-3500 series (JR West)
JR-West refurbished 2-car 103-3500 series sets in Bantan Line livery, August 2007
In service1998–present
Entered service1998
Refurbished1997–1998
Number built18 vehicles (9 sets)
Number in service18 vehicles (9 sets)
Formation2 cars per trainset
OperatorsJR West (1998-present)
Lines servedBantan Line

Nine 2-car 103–3500 series refurbished sets (H1 to H9) were formed between September 1997 and March 1998 ahead of Bantan Line electrification in March 1998. Toilets were added between 2005 and 2006.[12][4]

  • Formation
  1. KuMoHa 102-3500 (with toilet)
  2. KuMoHa 103-3500 (with pantograph)

103-3550 series

103-3550 series
KiHa 47
Entered service2005
Refurbished2004
Number built16 vehicles (8 sets)
Number in service16 vehicles (8 sets)
Formation2 cars per trainset
OperatorsJR West (2005-present)
Lines servedKakogawa Line

Eight 2-car 103–3550 series refurbished sets (M1 to M8) were formed between January and October 2004 ahead of Kakogawa Line electrification in March 2005. These sets feature cab gangway connections and toilets.[12][4]

  • Formation
  1. KuMoHa 102-3550 (with toilet)
  2. KuMoHa 103-3550 (with pantograph)
  • Kakogawa Line 2-car 103–3550 series set M1 with Train with eyes livery by Tadanori Yokoo, October 2005
    Kakogawa Line 2-car 103–3550 series set M1 with Train with eyes livery by Tadanori Yokoo, October 2005
  • Kakogawa Line 2-car 103–3550 series set M2 with Travel in a galaxy livery by Tadanori Yokoo, February 2006
    Kakogawa Line 2-car 103–3550 series set M2 with Travel in a galaxy livery by Tadanori Yokoo, February 2006
  • Kakogawa Line 2-car 103–3550 series set M8 with Run! Three-way junction livery side view by Tadanori Yokoo, August 2007
    Kakogawa Line 2-car 103–3550 series set M8 with Run! Three-way junction livery side view by Tadanori Yokoo, August 2007

Internal training sets

One internal crew training set, formed as KuMoHa 103-100 + MoHa 102–224, was used for internal crew training at the JR East Crew Training Center at Higashi-Omiya Depot. The set had different cab end designs, as MoHa 102-224 used the cab of former ATC equipped KuHa 103–332, sets. It was withdrawn in 2009 following the delivery of a new 209 series-based training set in 2008.

  • Higashi-Ōmiya set, 2008
    Higashi-Ōmiya set, 2008

Preserved examples

  • KuMoHa 103–18 at Mino-Ōta Depot in April 2007
    KuMoHa 103–18 at Mino-Ōta Depot in April 2007
  • KuHa 103–525 at the Toshiba factory in Fuchu in March 2010
    KuHa 103–525 at the Toshiba factory in Fuchu in March 2010
  • MoHa 102-230 stored at the RTRI facility in Kokubunji, Tokyo, in October 2010
    MoHa 102-230 stored at the RTRI facility in Kokubunji, Tokyo, in October 2010

References

  1. ^
    ISBN 978-4-330-84117-5
    .
  2. ISBN 978-4-418-09905-4
    .
  3. ^ JR East news release (9 October 2009) Archived 13 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9 October 2009. (in Japanese)
  4. ^
    ISBN 978-4-88283-046-7
    .
  5. ^ "103系NS407編成・NS409編成が吹田へ" [103 series sets NS407 and NS409 go to Suita]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 28 July 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  6. ^ a b "和田岬線の103系R1編成が引退 - 鉄道ファン" [Wadamisaki line 103 series set R1 retired]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 18 March 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  7. ^ "JNR 103 series - The Red List of Trains in Japan". bateman.monologue.jp. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  8. ^ インドネシアで活躍する日本の電車２００９ [Japanese EMUs active in Indonesia 2009]. The Railway Pictorial. 59 (824): 102–107. October 2009.
  9. ^ "May 2023 issue - Aboshi General Rolling Stock Office Akashi Branch Set R1 decommissioned. 103-0 series all retired!". Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. May 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  10. ^ 103系DDM改造車営業運転開始
  11. ^ a b c d JR全車輛ハンドブック1997 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 1997]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 1997.
  12. ^ a b c JR全車両ハンドブック2006 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2006]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2006.
  13. ISBN 978-4-330-06909-8
    .
  14. ^
    ISBN 978-4-88283-037-5
    .
  15. ^ 京都鉄道博物館 [Kyoto Railway Museum]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 56, no. 662. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. June 2016. pp. 52–53.
  16. ^ 3/23,東芝府中工場の103系とクモニ83が工場外に [23 March: Toshiba Fuchu Factory 103 series and KuMoNi 83 moved outside]. Japan Railfan Magazine. 52 (615): 178. July 2012.
  17. ^
    ISBN 978-4863209282
    .
  18. ISBN 978-4863206175
    .

Further reading

External links

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