The 72 series (72系) trains were DC electric commuter trains operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and served as the basis for the 101 series. The 72 series included the main production batch of 490 vehicles as well as 667 former 63 series cars converted into 72 series between 1953 and 1955. The last remaining trains were withdrawn in 1985, although some cars which were converted into mail coaches and experimental vehicles continued to remain in service until 1996.[citation needed] Most 72 series trains were converted to four-car 72–970 series trains, with the body based on the 103 series with the raised cab. The 72–970 series remained in service until 1985 when they were converted to 103–3000 series for the Kawagoe Line.[citation needed]

72 series
A JNR 72 series train on the Kabe Line at Yokogawa Station in July 1984
In service1954–1985
ManufacturerJNR Niitsu Works, Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Kisha Seizō, Nippon Sharyo, Teikoku Sharyo, Tokyu Car[citation needed]
Replaced63 series
Constructed1952–1958
Entered service1954
1972 (72-970 series)[citation needed]
Number builtc. 1,450 vehicles[1]
Successor101 series
OperatorsJNR (1954–1985)
Lines servedVarious
Specifications
Car length20 m (65 ft 7 in)
Doors4 per side
Maximum speed95 km/h (59 mph)
100 km/h (62 mph) for mail coach conversions[citation needed]
Traction systemResistor control MT40[citation needed]
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)Pantograph
Safety system(s)Originally not fitted, later ATS-B and ATS-S
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Variants

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  • 72 series - introduced in 1954, produced from 1952 to 1958[citation needed]
  • 72–970 series - later converted to 103-3000 series[2]
  • Kumoha 73 - cab car (about 330 vehicles built)[1]

Operations

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72 series trains were in service on the Ome Line from 1961 until 1978,[3] and on the Kabe Line from 1976 until 1984.[4] Type 73 (73形) trains were in service on the Ome Line, Nambu Line, Yokohama Line, and Tsurumi Line.[5]

Preserved examples

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References

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  1. ^ a b "「クモハ73」近代化改造車の前面"魔改造"バラエティー" ["Kumoha 73" modernization remodeling car front]. news.mynavi.jp (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. March 3, 2013. Archived from the original on November 30, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  2. ^ "国鉄103系3000番代" [JNR 103-3000 series]. rail.hobidas.com. Neko Publishing. March 19, 2007. Archived from the original on November 30, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  3. ^ "国鉄青梅線72系、トンネルに響く吊掛けサウンド" [JNR Ome Line 72 series, hanging sound reverberating in the tunnel]. news.mynavi.jp (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. September 2, 2013. Archived from the original on November 30, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  4. ^ "廃線復活で話題の可部線、32年前の72系電車とディーゼルカー" [Kabe Line is a hot topic in the reviving abandoned line, 72 series train and diesel car 32 years ago]. news.mynavi.jp (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. February 17, 2013. Archived from the original on November 30, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  5. ^ "南武線・鶴見線ほか首都圏の旧型国電73形ラストラン!" [The former national railway type 73 last run on the Nambu Line, Tsurumi Line and other metropolitan areas!]. news.mynavi.jp (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. December 8, 2013. Archived from the original on November 30, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2019.