I was asked a question from one of my blog readers regarding an update of the EMU JR West 500 series on the Sanyo Shinkansen. In answer to your question...
The 500 series is operated between Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations. They make 11 westbound and 8 eastbound trips per day. One of the recent topics of the 500 series is the "Kansenger" poster train. Kansenger is an imaginary character created by JR West. He is a hero for kids to promote Shinkansen and to improve manners on the trains.
The EMU JR West 500 series was launched in 1997 as the Super-express train, Nozomi (hope). A total of 9 sets, 144 units have been manufactured by Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo and Nippon Sharyo. The canopy architecture with the long front nose to reduce air resistance and tunnel boom is very popular among rail-fans. Many people think that the 500 series is the most beautiful train in Japan.
The EMU 500 series had been operated on the Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansens with a maximum speed of 300km per hour; but after the debut of the N700, the 500 series has been gradually retired. Although it has been shortened from 16 to 8 cars per set, and decreased its maximum speed from 300 to 285km per hour, the beautiful tubular body with a sharp long nose is still alive and kicking.
I wish the 500 series well for its life on the track for a long time.
The 500 series is operated between Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations. They make 11 westbound and 8 eastbound trips per day. One of the recent topics of the 500 series is the "Kansenger" poster train. Kansenger is an imaginary character created by JR West. He is a hero for kids to promote Shinkansen and to improve manners on the trains.
The EMU JR West 500 series was launched in 1997 as the Super-express train, Nozomi (hope). A total of 9 sets, 144 units have been manufactured by Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo and Nippon Sharyo. The canopy architecture with the long front nose to reduce air resistance and tunnel boom is very popular among rail-fans. Many people think that the 500 series is the most beautiful train in Japan.
The EMU 500 series had been operated on the Tokaido and the Sanyo Shinkansens with a maximum speed of 300km per hour; but after the debut of the N700, the 500 series has been gradually retired. Although it has been shortened from 16 to 8 cars per set, and decreased its maximum speed from 300 to 285km per hour, the beautiful tubular body with a sharp long nose is still alive and kicking.
I wish the 500 series well for its life on the track for a long time.
