JR Shikoku 8000 series

The 8000 series (8000系) is a tilting limited express electric multiple unit (EMU) train operated by Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku) in Shikoku, Japan, since 1992.^[2]

8000 series
8000 series on a Shiokaze service in May 2007
Manufacturer	Hitachi, Nippon Sharyo
Constructed	1992–1997
Entered service	1992
Refurbished	2004–2006 (first) 2023– (second)
Number built	48 vehicles (12 sets)
Number in service	45 vehicles (11 sets)
Formation	3/5 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	L1–6, S1–6
Capacity	281 (5-car sets L1–L5) 277 (5-car set L6) 168 (3-car sets)
Operators	JR Shikoku
Depots	Matsuyama
Specifications
Car length	22,600 mm (74 ft 2 in)
Width	2,820 mm (9 ft 3 in)
Height	3,360 mm (11 ft 0 in)
Floor height	1,105 mm (3 ft 7.5 in)
Doors	Plug doors (2 per side)
Maximum speed	130 km/h (80 mph)
Traction system	Variable frequency GTO (as built) SiC-IGBT hybrid module (second refurbishment)[1]
Current collection	Overhead catenary
Safety system(s)	ATS-SS
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Operations

• Ishizuchi
• Shiokaze

Formations

As of 1 October 2013, 48 vehicles were in service, formed as 3- and 5-car sets, as shown below.^[3]

3-car sets

Prototype set S1

Car No.	6	7	8
Designation	Mc	M	Tc1
Numbering	8201	8101	8501

Cars 6 and 8 are each fitted with one S-PS59 lozenge-type pantograph.^[3] The pantograph on car 8 was removed in 2010.^[4] This set were retired from service by March 2018.

Sets S2–S6

Car No.	6	7	8
Designation	Mc	T	Tc1
Numbering	8200	8300	8500

Cars 6 and 8 are each fitted with one S-PS59 lozenge-type pantograph.^[3] The pantograph on car 8 was removed between 2010 and 2011.^[4] Car 7 is removed from formations during off-peak seasons between 2011 and 2018.^[4]

5-car sets L1–L6

Car No.	1	2	3	4	5
Designation	Thsc	M1	M2	T	Tc2
Numbering	8000	8100	8150	8300	8400

• Half of car 1 includes Green car (first class) seating.^[2] Cars 1 and 3 are each fitted with one S-PS59 lozenge-type pantograph.^[3]

• 
  Streamlined end of set 8001 in original livery, 1992
• 
  Gangwayed end of set 8201 in original livery, 1992
• 
  A 5-car set in original livery, 1992
• 
  Set S2 in revised livery, 2011
• 
  Car 1 with pantograph removed, 2011

History

Set 8001 with a sticker commemorating its test run, 1992

The prototype set, S1, was delivered in May 1992,^[2] and entered revenue service on 19 September 1992.^[5]

On 8 August 1992, set 8001 achieved a speed of 160 km/h (99 mph) in a special test run.^[3]

The subsequent fleet of full-production sets entered service from 18 March 1993.^[6]

The entire fleet underwent life-extension refurbishment between 2004 and 2006.^[5]

Twice-refurbished 8000 series set in December 2024

Beginning in 2023, the fleet underwent another programme of refurbishment. The sets will receive a new livery based on that of the newer 8600 series, as well as wheelchair spaces, power outlets, reupholstered seats, updated traction equipment, and Western-style toilets. In addition, smoking compartments were removed.^[7][1] Treated "S" sets entered revenue service from 23 December 2023,^[8][9] and treated "L" sets entered service from 2 August 2024.^[10] The entire fleet is planned to be refurbished by 2027^[1] at a pace of two to three sets per year.^[11]

Livery variations

• 
  An 8000 series EMU in Anpanman livery in March 2016
• 
  An 8000 series set in May 2017 repainted in Taiwan Railways Administration EMU800-style livery