Tuesday 3 June 2014

Increase in Number of the E7 Operation

EMU JR East Shinkansen E7 series stands at Tokyo Station
 
Tokyo Station always reminds me of how quickly the world of railway is changing. It is not easy for me to keep up with these changes. Only three years ago, we could see some unique trains such as the E1 and the 300 series; however, they have already faded out from the track. On the other hand, brand new trains, such as the E6 and E7 series have been introduced in these three years.

JR East's Shinkansen E7 series is a growing train. It was launched on March 15th this year on the Nagano Shinkansen line. The main purpose for the introduction was in preparation for the opening of Hokuriku Shinkansen between Nagano and Kanazawa stations in the spring of next year. The E7 series will gradually replace the present E2-N series.

Currently, number of E7 series trains has increased from 3 to 6 sets. As a result, the number of the E7 series operations increased from 7 to 11 round trips per day. So, it has become easier for rail fans to take pictures of this brand new train. Platform number 21 is a particularly ideal spot to take a picture of this long-nosed train.

It is said that the interior of the E7 series is more sophisticated than those of other Shinkansen trains. Seeing is believing. My next project is taking the E7 series to a hot spring in Nagano Prefecture.

 
Side view of unit number E714-3, the EMU JR East E7 series
 
More information about Nagano Shinkansen:
 
More information about the EMU E7 series (in Japanese):