183 series

183 /189 series
An 183 series set on an additional Minakami service, January 2008
In service	1972–Present
Manufacturer	Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation, JR-West
Constructed	1972–2004
Number preserved	5 vehicles
Operator(s)	JNR (1972–1987) JR East (1987–Present) JR-West (1990–March 2013)
Specifications
Car body construction	Steel
Car length	21,000 mm (68 ft 11 in) (end cars) 20,500 mm (67 ft 3 in) (intermediate cars)
Width	2,946 mm (9 ft 8.0 in)
Maximum speed	120 km/h (75 mph)
Traction system	Resistor control
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Current collection method	overhead catenary
Braking system(s)	Dynamic brake, electro-pneumatic brake
Safety system(s)	ATS-S, ATC-5
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The 183 series (183系 Hyaku-hachijūsan-kei) is a Japanese limited express electric multiple unit (EMU) train type introduced in 1972 by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and currently operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), and formerly also operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West). In terms of design, it is closely based on the late-model AC/DC 485 series, with minor cosmetic differences and DC-only drive.

The trains were built by Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, and Tokyu Car Corporation.

Current operations

JR East

A 183 series displaying on an Azusa service, May 2001

• Azusa (seasonal only)
• Kaiji (seasonal only)
• Wing
• Moonlight Nagara
• Moonlight Shinshū

Former operations

JR East

• Sazanami
• Wakashio
• Shiosai
• Ayame
• Suigo
• Toki
• Amagi
• Odoriko
• Asama
• Myōkō
• Ohayō Liner
• Chūō Liner (until March 2008)
• Ōme Liner (until June 2002)

JR-West

183 series on a Kitakinki service at Osaka Station, September 2007

The 183 series trains operated by JR-West were actually DC-only conversions of 485 series trainsets. They were used on limited-express services from Kyoto and Shin-Osaka to the northern coast of Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures, as part of the "Kitakinki Big X Network". These trainsets were gradually phased out from spring 2011 in favor of the new 287 series, and completely removed from regular scheduled services by the start of the revised timetable on 16 March 2013.

• Kitakinki (until March 2011)
• Kounotori (until 15 March 2013)^[1]
• Kinosaki (until March 2013)^[1]
• Tamba (until March 2011)
• Hashidate (until March 2013)^[1]
• Maizuru (until March 2011)
• Monju (until March 2011)

References

• JR全車両ハンドブック2006 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2006]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2006.
• JR電車編成表 '07冬号 [JR EMU Formations - Winter 2007]. Japan: JRR. December 2006. ISBN 4-88283-046-9.

1. "JR西日本の183系が定期運用を終了" [JR-West 183 series withdrawn from scheduled services]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 17 March 2013. Retrieved 17 March 2013.