JNR 113 series

Data (as of 6 Jul 2024)

*Excluding those at depots and awaiting disposal.

History

The 113 series is a suburban EMU train type of Japanese National Railways. JNR introduced 111 series in 1962-63, but it ordered the 113 series with more powerful motors after 1963. Both the 111 series and 113 series look similar to 115 series, but the 111s and 113s are designed for flat and warm regions while the 115s are for cold areas with steep gradients. They had been one of the most common train type on JNR (and later JR) network for decades.

The 111 and 113 series were initially used on Tokaido Main Line in Tokyo area and Yokosuka Line, but soon extended to the entire Tokaido Main Line as far as Kobe and Sanyo Main Line. They were formed of up to 15 coaches with Green Cars (first class). They were later introduced or reallocated to other suburban network in Chiba, Shizuoka, Nagoya, Kansai, Okayama and Hiroshima areas. Some intermediate carriages of the 115 series, express trains (such as 153 and 165 series) and limited express trains (including 183 series and 485 series) were converted to the 113 series (most of which were Green Cars).

Following the privatisation of JNR, a few units of the 111 series were taken over by JR Shikoku, while the 113 series were distributed to JR East, Central and West. JR East introduced double-decker Green Cars in 1989-91, replacing old first class coaches. JR West dramatically refurbished many of them. JR Shikoku purchased 113 series units from JR East in 2000 and replaced the 111 series units. Furthermore, Izukyu purchased several carriages in 2000 and renamed them 200 series.

Those used by JR East, Central and Shikoku were withdrawn by 2011, 2007 and 2019, respectively. Izukyu demolished all carriages by 2005. As of 2021, only JR West retains the 113 series.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

Those belong to Fukuchiyama Depot are painted green. They are formed of two coaches and compatible with driver-only operation, and used on San-in Main Line (northern Kyoto and Hyogo Prefectures) as well as Maizuru Line (including through-services towards Miyafuku Line of Kitakinki Tango Railway). The others in Okayama are painted yellow and used on Ako, Hakubi (Kurashiki -Niimi), San-yo Main (Himeji - Mihara via Okayama) and Uno Lines.

Those in Okayama significantly declined in 2023-24 following the introduction of 227 series. The others in Fukuchiyama are also expected to be replaced soon.

Photos

So-called "Yokosuka Livery", which was seen on Yokosuka Line and in Chiba Prefecture.

JR West refurbished many of them and repainted as such. They were repainted either green or yellow in the 2010s.

All of those in Kyoto area were painted green, as are others in Fukuchiyama.

JR Shikoku had three units of the 113 series, which were dramatically refurbished. Each of them was painted pink, blue and yellow, respectively.