125 series

Japanese single-car DC electric multiple unit train type

Obama Line
L Maizuru Line
I Kakogawa Line

SpecificationsCar body constructionStainless steelCar length20,340 mm (66 ft 9 in)Width2,950 mm (9 ft 8 in)Height4,095 mm (13 ft 5.2 in)Doors2 pairs per sideMaximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)Traction systemVariable frequency (2-level IGBT)Power output440 kW (590 hp)Electric system(s)1,500 V DC (overhead line)Current collector(s)WPS28A single-arm pantographBogiesWDT59A (motored), WTR243B (trailer)Safety system(s)ATS-PTrack gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The 125 series (125系, 125-kei) is a single-car DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) on local services in Japan since March 2003.^[1]

Design

The 125 series design is based on the 223-2000 series EMU design, with stainless bodies and steel front ends.^[1]

The cars have two pairs of sliding doors on each side, with provision for a third set of doors in the centre.^[1]

The second-batch cars (KuMoHa 125-9–12) delivered in 2003 differ from the earlier batch by having enlarged front-end skirts and darker grey tinted windows.^[1]

125 series first-batch car, June 2004
125 series first-batch (left) and third-batch (right) cars coupled together, showing the difference in front-end skirt lengths and window tint

Operations

The 125 series is used on wanman driver-only operation services, primarily on the Obama Line and Kakogawa Line.^[1]

Up to five single cars can be operated together as a multiple car set.^[1]

Formation

Designation	cMc
Numbering	KuMoHa 125
Capacity (Seated/standing)	31/86
Weight	40.5 t

Cars KuMoHa 125-7/8/11/12 are equipped with a second de-icing pantograph.^[2]

Interior

Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal bench seating at the ends, and 2+2 abreast transverse reversible seating in the centre of the cars.^[1] The first two batches of cars (KuMoHa 125-1–12) were delivered with 1+2 abreast seating, but this was increased to 2+2 seating during 2003 and 2004.^[2]

General view of interior (KuMoHa 125-16, April 2008)
Reversible seating (KuMoHa 125-16, April 2008)
Priority seating (KuMoHa 125-16, April 2008)
Doorway and toilet (KuMoHa 125-16, April 2008)

History

The first eight cars (KuMoHa 125-1–8) were built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in December 2002 for entry into service from 15 March 2003 on the then-newly electrified 84.3-kilometre (52.4 mi) Obama Line between Tsuruga and Higashi-Maizuru.^[2] These sets were initially allocated to Fukuchiyama Depot, but were subsequently transferred to Tsuruga Depot.^[1]

Four more cars (KuMoHa 125-9–12) were built in September 2004 for entry into service from 19 December 2004 on the newly electrified 48.5 km (30.1 mi) Kakogawa Line between Kakogawa and Tanikawa.^[2]

A further six cars (KuMoHa 125-13–18) were built in September 2006 to coincide with the conversion of Tsuruga area services from 20 kV AC to 1,500 V DC electrification from 21 October 2006.^[1]^[2]

From the start of the revised timetable on 18 March 2023, 125 series trainsets began operation on the Maizuru Line.^[3]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ JR全車輌ハンドブック2009 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2009]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2009. p. 258/611. ISBN 978-4-7770-0836-0.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e JR電車編成表 2011夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2011]. Japan: JRR. May 2010. p. 142/180. ISBN 978-4-330-21211-1.
^ "JR西日本125系、ダイヤ改正後の舞鶴線で運用 - 113系とともに活躍" [JR West 125 series begin on the Maizuru Line after the timetable revision alongside the 113 series]. MyNavi Corporation (in Japanese). 21 March 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2023.