183 series

183 / 189 series
A 183 series set on an additional Minakami service in January 2008
In serviceJuly 1972 – March 2019
ManufacturerKawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation, JR-West
Constructed1972–1982 (183 series)
1975, 1978–1979 (189 series)
Entered serviceJuly 1972 (183 series)
October 1975 (189 series)
Refurbished1990–2009
Scrapped2013–2019
Number built512 vehicles (183 series)
155 vehicles (189 series)
Number in serviceNone
Number preserved6 vehicles (183 series)
5 vehicles (189 series)
Number scrapped506 vehicles(183 series)
150 vehicles (189 series)
Successor253 series, 255 series, 287 series, E257 series, E351 series
Formation4, 6, 9, 10, 11 or 12 cars per set (183 series)
4, 6 or 8 cars per set (189 series)
Operators 183 series
JNR (1972–1987)
JR East (1987–2015)
JR West (1990–March 2013)
189 series
JNR (1975–1987)
JR East (1987–March 2019)
DepotsVarious
Lines servedVarious
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length21 m (68 ft 11 in) (end cars)
20.5 m (67 ft 3 in) (intermediate cars)
Width2,946 mm (9 ft 8.0 in)
Maximum speed120 km/h (75 mph)
Traction systemResistor control
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC
Current collector(s)Overhead catenary
Braking system(s)Dynamic brake, electro-pneumatic brake
Safety system(s)ATS-S, ATC-5
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Notes/references
This train won the 16th Blue Ribbon Award in 1973.

The 183 series (183系, 183-kei) was a Japanese limited express electric multiple unit (EMU) train type introduced in 1972 by Japanese National Railways (JNR). Following the privatization of JNR, the 183 series was operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and 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 The last 189 series sets were withdrawn on 29 March 2019.

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