| Kintetsu 50000 series | |
| Service: | 21 March 2013 – present |
| Manufacturer: | Kinki Sharyo |
| Family: | Shimakaze |
| Yearconstruction: | 2012–2014 |
| Numberbuilt: | 18 vehicles (3 sets) |
| Numberservice: | 18 vehicles (3 sets) |
| Formation: | 6 cars per trainset |
| Fleetnumbers: | SV01 – SV03 |
| Operator: | Kintetsu Railway |
| Carbody: | Steel |
| Carlength: | 216000NaN0 (end cars) 205000NaN0 (intermediate cars) |
| Width: | 28000NaN0 |
| Height: | 41500NaN0 |
| Doors: | Plug doors (1 per side) |
| Maxspeed: | 130km/h |
| Traction: | 2-level PWM variable-frequency (using IGBT) |
| Electricsystem: | 1,500 V DC |
| Collectionmethod: | Overhead line |
| Bogies: | KD-320 (motored), KD-320A (trailer) |
| Safety: | ATS |
The is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by Japanese private railway operator Kintetsu Railway for use on luxury Shimakaze limited express services since March 2013.[1]
The trains entered revenue service from 21 March 2013 on daily Shimakaze limited express services from and to on the Shima Line.[2] [3]
A special supplement is required to travel on these services, in addition to the basic fare and limited express charge.[2] The 50000 series is one of the only normal service trains (as opposed to cruise trains and tourist excursions) to feature a dining car in Japan.
The three six-car trains are formed as shown below.[1] [4]
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numbering | Ku 50600 | Mo 50500 | Sa 50400 | Mo 50300 | Mo 50200 | Ku 50100 | |
| Capacity | 27 | 28 | 19 | 26 | 30 | 27 | |
| Weight (t) | 44.0 | 49.0 | 39.0 | 47.0 | 49.0 | 44.0 | |
| Facilities | – | Cafeteria | WC, smoking compartment | WC | – |
Car 2 is fitted with two PT126-A single-arm pantographs, and cars 4 and 5 are each fitted with one.[1]
Seating in cars 1, 2, 5, and 6 is arranged 2+1 abreast, with a seat pitch of 1250mm.[5] The seats are covered in cream-coloured leather and feature individual controls for lumbar support and an inflate/deflate feature to help customers relax.[6] Car 3 features cafeteria seating on two levels (6 seats on the lower level and 13 on the upper level).[5] The upper level of the car features a wave-pattern counter along one side of the car. A spacious wheelchair-accessible toilet features a changing board for passengers to stand on to change clothes. The car also features a powder room for female passengers.[6] Car 4 features 4-person Japanese and western-style compartments and 6-person semi-open compartments.[5]
The train is painted in a sky blue and crystal white livery, reminiscent of the Ise-Shima ocean resort region. The train is named for the Shima region, and kaze, Japanese for "wind".[6]
The trains run on bolsterless bogies with full active suspension.[4] The motored bogies are designated KD-320, and the trailer bogies are designated KD-320A.[4]
Starting in 2009, market research was conducted to help design the train; over 14,000 people were asked for their opinion. The study showed that over 60% of visitors to the region were female; this information was used to add the fitting boards and powder rooms to the design.[6] The first 50000 series set was delivered from Kinki Sharyo in September 2012.[2] The two trainsets entered revenue service on 21 March 2013.[3] In May 2014, the 50000 series was awarded the 2014 Blue Ribbon Award, presented annually by the Japan Railfan Club.[7] A presentation ceremony was held on 20 September 2014 at Kyoto Station.[8]
A third set entered service in October 2014.[9]