JR East’s E4 series Shinkansen – “Max” (Multi-Amenity Express) went into service in December 1997. It is a double decker shinkansen, boasting the record for the highest capacity high speed train. It replaced the first Double Decker shinkansen, the E1 series, also known as Max. The E2 series is due to have its last run on 1st October 2021and with a few number of special runs in October will then be completely withdrawn.
This high capacity train was designed for an expected increase in commuter traffic on the shorter journey’s of the Tohoku & Joetsu Shinkansen lines. Capacity rather than comfort was the main concept behind the train. It did have one big draw back, with only two doors, de-training took longer than expected leading to longer dwell times at stations. Max speed is also fairly low at 240km/h.
Two units were fitted so as to be able to work on the Nagano Shinkansen(*) ( the 50 / 60htz power supply and steeper gradients). It was withdrawn from the Tohoku Shinkansen line in 2010.
In the run up to the final day of regular operation, lots of railfans are taking pictures and videos of the train.
(*) Nagano Shinkansen is now the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Videos taken on 19th & 20th September 2021 at Niigata, Tokyo & EchigoYuzawa.
(カメラ:ターナー；藤掛)
TS Japan Railway Travel Planning Company Limited ・TS日本鉄道旅行企画株式会社
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