200 Series Shinkansen

200 series
Refurbished 200 series trainset, July 2008
In service23 June 1982 – 14 April 2013 (30 years, 295 days)
ManufacturerHitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation
Constructed1980–1986
Entered service23 June 1982
Refurbished1999-2002 (K sets)
Scrapped1997–
Number built700 vehicles (66 sets)
Number in serviceNone
Number preserved5 vehicles
Number scrapped695 vehicles (of which, set K25 due to earthquake damage)
SuccessorE4 series, E5 series, E2 series
Formation8, 10, 12, 13, 16 cars per set
OperatorsJNR (1982–1987)
JR East (1987–2013)
DepotsNiigata, Sendai
Lines servedTōhoku Shinkansen, Jōetsu Shinkansen, Gala-Yuzawa Line
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Car length25,000 mm (82 ft 0 in)
Width3,385 mm (11 ft 1.3 in)
Height4,410 mm (14 ft 6 in)
DoorsTwo per side
Maximum speed240 km/h (149 mph)
(275 km/h (171 mph) in past)
Traction systemThyristor drive
Electric system(s)25 kV AC, 50 Hz overhead catenary
25 kV AC, 50Hz and 60Hz overhead catenary (Set F80 only)
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Safety system(s)ATC-2, DS-ATC
Multiple working400 series, E3 series
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge

The 200 series (200系) was a Shinkansen high-speed train type introduced by Japanese National Railways (JNR) for the Tohoku Shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen high-speed rail lines in Japan, and operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) until 2013. They actually predated the 100 series trains, having been built between 1980 and 1986. It was one of the two recipients of the 23rd Laurel Prize presented by the Japan Railfan Club, the first Shinkansen type to receive that award. The last remaining sets were retired from regular service in March 2013, and were completely withdrawn from service in April 2013.