Broadly based on the 103 series commuter EMU,[1] the 301 series was designed specifically for use on through-running services with the Eidan Tozai Line (present-day Tokyo Metro Tozai Line) in Tokyo, and was the first aluminium-bodied rolling stock introduced on Japanese National Railways (JNR).[2]
When first delivered, the sets were finished with a clear acrylic paint, giving an unpainted appearance.[1] The sets were subsequently painted in light grey with a yellow bodyside stripe.[1] This was later changed to a light blue ("Blue No. 22") stripe to match the Tōzai Line line colour.[1][3]
For cost reasons, only 56 vehicles were built, and subsequent rolling stock built for Tozai Line through-running services was conventional steel-bodied 103-1200 series stock.[1]
Operations
The 301 series trains were based at Mitaka Depot in Tokyo throughout their service life, and were used on Chūō-Sōbu Line local and Tozai Line subway through-running services.[3]
Formations
Former driving cab of KuMoHa 300-3 in May 2003 with the driving equipment removed
Following reforming into 10-car sets, the fleet was formed as follows, with car 1 at the Nishi-Funabashi end and car 10 at the Mitaka end. Sets K1 and K2 included former KuHa 301 and KuMoHa 300 driving cars with driving cab equipment removed.[3]
Sets K1–2
Car No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Designation
Tc
M
M'
M
M'c
Tc
M
M'
M
M'c
Numbering
KuHa 301
MoHa 301
MoHa 300
MoHa 301
KuMoHa 300
KuHa 301
MoHa 301
MoHa 300
MoHa 301
KuMoHa 300
Cars 2, 4, 7, and 9 were each equipped with one lozenge-type pantograph.[3]
Sets K3–5
Car No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Designation
Tc
M
M'
M
M'
T
M
M'
M
M'c
Numbering
KuHa 301
MoHa 301
MoHa 300
MoHa 301
MoHa 300
SaHa 301-100
MoHa 301
MoHa 300
MoHa 301
KuMoHa 300
Cars 2, 4, 7, and 9 were each equipped with one lozenge-type pantograph. SaHa 301-101 was modified from former MoHa 301-4, and retained the original pantograph mounting points.[3]
Interior
Seating consisted of longitudinal bench seating throughout. Compared with the 103 series seating, seat width was increased by 5 cm (2.0 in) to 55 cm (22 in) per person.[1]
History
The 301 series were delivered in 1966 to Mitaka Depot in Tokyo,[1] initially formed as eight 7-car sets.[4] From 1981, the fleet was reformed into 10-car sets with the creation of SaHa 301 trailer cars converted from former MoHa 300 and MoHa 301 motored cars.[1]
As of 1 April 2002, 50 vehicles (5 x 10-car sets) remained in service,[5] but the fleet was subsequently replaced by new E231-800 series EMUs and withdrawn during 2003.[4]
A special Sayonara 301 series train was run by JR East on 3 August 2003.
Preserved examples
KuMoHa 300-4 stored inside Omiya Works in May 2007
Driving car KuMoHa 300-4 of set K2 is stored at JR East's Omiya Works, removed in 2017.
^ abcdefghi JR全車輛ハンドブック'92 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 1992]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 1992. p. 241.
^川崎車輌時代1928年（昭和3年）〜1968年（昭和43年） [Kawasaki Rolling Stock era 1928-1968]. K Train Express (in Japanese). Japan: Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Archived from the original on 26 March 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
^ abcde JR電車編成表 '98夏号 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 1998]. Japan: JRR. July 1998. p. 78. ISBN978-4-88283-029-0.
^ ab"JR301系" [JR 301 series]. Tetsudo Hobidas (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing Co., Ltd. February 2008. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
