Thursday 15 August 2019

EMU 521 Series: AC-DC Train in the Hokuriku Area

EMU IR Ishikawa 521 series stands at Takaoka station

It's fun to travel for everybody, but it will be more fun if you are a rail fan. For instance, tourists can enjoy beautiful coastal scenery and delicious seafood in the Hokuriku area, but you will also enjoy local railways and trains there, if you are a rail fan. That's unique to rail fans all over the world.

The EMU 521 series is a local train model in the Hokuriku area, which is located in the central part of the Sea of Japan side. It was originally launched by JR West in 2006, and, then, belongs to IR Ishikawa and Ainokaze Toyama railways as well. A total of 144 units were built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kinki Sharyo.

The 521 series has an alternate current (AC) - direct current (DC) dual electric system, since AC and DC tracks are mixed in the area. It is quite unique and makes the train system complicated. The AC system is 20,000 V with 60 Hz; meanwhile, the DC system is 1,500V. One set is composed of two cars. They are one motor car and one trailer (1M1T). Its maximum speed is 120 kilometers per hour.

The outer design of the 521 series is similar with that of the other JR West trains in the Osaka area such as the EMU 223 series and the KiHa 127 series. Their faces have four square lights, two large windows and a gangway. I never get weary of looking at this design.

EMU Ainokaze Toyama 521 series leaves Takaoka station