The E351 series (E351系) was a tilting electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on Chuo Main Line Super Azusa limited express services in Japan from 1993 to 2018. First introduced in December 1993 (initially on Azusa services), a total of 60 vehicles were built, formed as five eight-car main sets (numbers S1 to S5) and five four-car supplementary (numbers S21 to S25) sets.

Concept

Built jointly by Hitachi and Nippon Sharyo, the tilting E351 series trains were intended to replace the aging 183 series EMUs used on Azusa Limited express services operating between Shinjuku in Tokyo and Matsumoto, and to increase speeds on the highly curved Chūō Main Line.

Operations

At the time of withdrawal in 2018, the E351 series trains were used on the following services: Other services previously operated by the series include:

Formations

The fleet consisted of five four-car sets (S21–S25) and five eight-car sets (S1–S5), formed as shown below, with car 1 (car 5) at the Shinjuku or Tokyo end.

4-car sets S21–S22

4-car sets S23–S25

8-car sets S1–S2

8-car sets S3–S5

Original set formations

When first delivered, the two pairs of sets were numbered and formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Shinjuku end.

Interior

Both standard class and Green (first) class seating were arranged 2+2 abreast. E351 series trains were made entirely no-smoking on 18 March 2007.

History

Introduction

Two pairs of first-batch sets (S1+S21 and S2+S22) were delivered in 1993, and were introduced on Azusa services from 23 December 1993.

Super Azusa introduction

From the start of the revised timetable on 3 December 1994, four return Azusa workings were upgraded and rebranded as Super Azusa, operating between Shinjuku and Matsumoto or Minami-Otari using E351 series equipment.

2nd batch

Three pairs of second-batch sets were delivered in 1995, and the first two pairs of sets (S1+S21 and S2+S22) were modified to bring them up to production specifications at JR East's Nagano Workshop and Nippon Sharyo, respectively, in March 1996. Modifications included replacing the original PS26C lozenge-type pantographs with PS31 single-arm pantographs, and renumbering the cars in the -1000 series. From the start of the revised timetable on 16 March 1996, the number of Super Azusa services using E351 series equipment was increased from four return trips daily to eight return trips.

1997 Ōtsuki Station collision

On 12 October 1997, the down Super Azusa 13 service from Shinjuku to Matsumoto (formed of sets S3+S23) was involved in a collision with a 201 series local train that had overrun a red signal while passing through Ōtsuki Station. Several cars were derailed and one car overturned. Five cars of set S3 were ultimately cut up on site, and replacement car bodies ordered from Hitachi. The rebuilt vehicles retained their original running numbers.

Withdrawal

The replacement of the E351 series trains by new E353 series EMUs began on 23 December 2017, with the entire fleet phased out from regular passenger services on 16 March 2018. A special final run service was held on 7 April 2018 to commemorate the E351 series sets' retirement, after which the sets were officially withdrawn. After their withdrawal, the trains were transferred to Nagano General Rolling Stock Center for scrapping. No E351 series cars have been preserved.

Build details

The individual build details for the fleet are as shown below.