Kintetsu 16400 and 22000 series ACE

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

This article is about 22000 series and 16400 series. They are essentially the same except track gauges: the 22000 series is 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1/2 in), while the 16400 series is 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in).

The 22000 series group was developed as the very first Kintetsu limited express train to have inverter-controlled traction, and thus environmentally friendly. According to the company, ACE stands for "Advanced", "Comfort" and "Easy-operation". Kintetsu already introduced several limited express trains such as 21000 series Urban Liner, but they were designed for specific services. In contrast, the 22000 series group was designed for "general purposes" just like 12200 series New Snack Car.

The 22000 series was initially allocated to limited express services between Namba in Osaka and Nagoya, and gradually introduced to other services as well. 13 two-carriage units and 15 four-car units were built in total. The 22000 series can be joined to other limited express trains including the 12200 series.

The 16400 series was introduced to limited express services between Osaka-Abenobashi and Yoshino, replacing some 16000 series. Two two-car units were built in total. Since there is no steep gradients and no need to run at high speed, the power output of the 16400 series is lower than that of the 22000 series.

Their successor, 22600 series is also called ACE, and uneasy to distinguish them as they look almost identical.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 22000 series is used for various limited express services, so suffice it to say that it can be frequently seen in Ise, Kyoto, Nagoya, Nara and Osaka areas.

The 16400 series has been used for limited express between Osaka-Abenobashi and Yoshino.