Seibu 4000 series

Data (as of 29 Feb 2024)

History

The 4000 series is a type of two-door suburban train, reusing motors, traction, braking systems, bogies and motor-generators of 101 series. Twelve four-carriage units were introduced to Chichibu Line and through-services to Chichibu Railway. Unlike other commuter trains that Seibu owns, each 4000 series unit has transverse seating and a toilet. All trainsets are compatible with driver-only operation.

In 2016, one of them was converted to a restaurant train called Fifty two seats of happiness. Seibu named it 52 series train, though very few people call so.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 4000 series trains are used on northern part of Ikebukuro Line and Chichibu Line (between Hanno and Seibu-Chichibu), with a few on through-services to Mitsumineguchi and Nagatoro on Chichibu Railway. No regular service towards Tokyo has been provided since 2020. The Fifty two seats of happiness is used for rail tours, mostly at weekends.

In a press release of 2022, the company revealed that the 4000 series is subject to replacement in the near future, though no detail was given.