123 Series

The is a single-car electric multiple unit (EMU) train type introduced in 1986 by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and later operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), and West Japan Railway Company (JR-West).

Overview

The 123 series was created in 1986 from former KuMoNi 143 baggage cars which had become surplus to requirements. Some units were also converted from KuMoYuNi 147 postal cars (123-40 series, later 123-5000 series), and from KuMoYa 143 tractor cars (123-600 series).

Operations

As of 1 April 2012, one 123 series car (KuMoHa 123-1) is operated by JR East, based at Matsumoto Depot for use on the Chuo Main Line and Shinonoi Line. Five 123 series cars (KuMoHa 123-2 to 123-6) are operated by JR-West on the Ube Line, Onoda Line, and Sanyo Main Line.

Variants

KuMoHa 123-1

This car was converted from former baggage car KuMoNi 143-1 at Nagano Works in October 1986. It was re-liveried in March 1990 following conversion to ''wanman'' driver only operation.

File:JR-East 123 Mini Echo.jpg, JR East KuMoHa 123-1 "Mini Echo" in March 2008

KuMoHa 123-2 to 123-4

These three cars were converted in February 1987 at Hiroshima Works from former baggage cars KuMoNi 143-2, 143-3 and 143-6, respectively, originally for use on the Kabe Line. The two original pantographs were replaced with one PS16J lozenge-type pantograph at the No. 1 end.

File:1987-3-31-kumoha123-4.JPG, KuMoHa 123-4 in March 1987 before the addition of an end gangway
File:JRWest EMU kumoha123-3.jpg, JR-West KuMoHa 123-3 in October 2006
File:KuMoHa 123.jpg, JR-West KuMoHa 123-4 in "Setouchi" regional yellow livery in March 2014

KuMoHa 123-5 and 123-6

These two cars were converted in April 1987 at Suita Works from former baggage cars KuMoNi 143-7 and 143-8, respectively, originally for use on Hanwa Line branch services. The original pantographs at the No. 1 end were removed on conversion.

File:1987-8-kumoha123-5a.JPG, JR-West KuMoHa 123-5 in Hanwa Line branch livery in August 1987
File:JRWest EMU kumoha123-6.jpg, JR-West KuMoHa 123-6 in October 2006
File:JR West Kumoha 123-6 interior.jpg, The interior of JR-West car KuMoHa 123-6 in April 2014

KuMoHa 123-41 to 123-45

These cars were converted from former post and baggage cars KuMoYuNi 147-1 to 147-5 in January 1987.

File:JRC-cMc123-42.jpg, JR Central KuMoHa 123-42 in original Minobu Line livery in May 1989

KuMoHa 123-601 and 123-602

These two cars were converted in March 1988 by JR Central at Hamamatsu Works from former tractor cars KuMoYa 143-601 and 143-602, respectively, for use on the Minobu Line. These cars had gangway doors at the ends, three sliding doors per side, and two pantographs. Inverter-controlled air-conditioning was added in December 1988.

File:KuMoHa 123-601 + 602 Minobu 20060211.jpg, JR Central cars KuMoHa 123-601 and 602 in February 2006

KuMoHa 123-5041 to 123-5045

These cars were modified in June 1989 at Hamamatsu Works by JR Central from earlier KuMoHa 123-40 series cars, with the addition of inverter-controlled air-conditioning.

File:JRC cMc123-5041 Gendoji.jpg, JR Central KuMoHa 123-5041 in May 2003
File:JRC-123-5042.jpg, JR Central KuMoHa 123-5042 in September 2006

KuMoHa 123-5145

These cars were modified by JR Central from earlier KuMoHa 123-5045 , for use on ''wanman'' driver only operation services on the Minobu Line. Gangway doors were also added on conversion.

File:KuMoHa 123-5145 + 600 Minobu 200310.jpg, JR Central KuMoHa 123-5145 in October 2003

History

The last remaining 123 series car operated by JR East was withdrawn from the start of the revised timetable on 15 March 2013, with operations replaced by E127 series two-car EMUs.

References

External links

JR East 123 series

{{JR-West rolling stock

Electric multiple units of Japan
East Japan Railway Company
Central Japan Railway Company
West Japan Railway Company
Train-related introductions in 1986