JR East E655 series Nagomi
Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)
| Status: | Least Concern |
| Constructed in: | 2007 |
| Number built: | 6 |
| Registered: | 6 |
History
The E655 series is a type of dual-voltage limited express train developed by JR East. Before introduction of the series, the Imperial Household Agency had used coaches built in 1931-32 and 1960, but the Agency and JR East decided to replace those old coaches with the new train. Thus, only one unit was built in 2007.
The E655 series can be formed of either five or six coaches. Five carriages are designated as Green Car (first class) and can be used for passenger services. The other one is a "special carriage" called E655-1 designed for the imperial family. This carriage is disproportionately heavy despite having no motor or traction presumably because of security reasons. The E655-1 can be inserted between the third and fourth carriage, and this special carriage can be inserted to E257 series, E653 series or E657 series as well. The E655 series is formed of five coaches when no imperial family member is using it.
The E655 series train is compatible with all kinds of electricity on conventional lines, namely DC 1.5 kV, AC 20 kV 50 Hz or that of 60 Hz. In addition, there are two diesel engines for generators making the train operational on unelectrified lines when hauled by a diesel locomotive.
Current Operations & Future Prospects
This train is used for rail tours or as an imperial train. Rail tours of the E655 series are very rare and only a handful of them are held every year. Imperial train is also extremely rare as the current Emperor does not appreciate special arrangements. As of today, the last imperial train ran in 2019. The train could also be used when other royal members visit Japan (for example, Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and his daughter boarded the train with the then-Emperor and the then-Empress in 2017).