| The 500 series (500系) is a high-speed trainset operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West) on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen and Sanyō Shinkansen lines in Japan. They are designed to be capable of 320 km/h (200 mph) although they operate at a maximum of 300 km/h (190 mph) in service. The running gear utilizes computer-controlled active suspension for a smoother, safer ride, and anti-yaw dampers are fitted between cars for improved stability.[1] All sixteen cars in each train are powered, giving a maximum of 18.24 MW (24460 hp). Each train costs an estimated ¥5 billion, and only nine were built. Visually striking, they have long, pointed nose cones much like that of a supersonic plane than a conventional high-speed train. In 1990, Hitachi commissioned Neumeister Design of Germany to create an exterior and interior design for a new Shinkansen. It became the basis for the development of the 500 series. The first set was delivered for testing in 1995, entering passenger service in March 1997. The entire fleet of nine sets was delivered by 1998. Besides the premium Nozomi services and the current Kodama services, full-length trains are also currently used on Hikari Rail Star services during the busy holiday periods. Song: Totsuzen, by Field of View |
