157 series

157 series
A 157 series EMU on an imperial train working, June 1978
In service	September 1959 –1980
Manufacturer	Kawasaki Sharyo, Kisha, Nippon Sharyo
Constructed	1959-1963
Number built	32 vehicles
Number in service	None
Number preserved	1 vehicle
Number scrapped	31 vehicles
Operator(s)	JNR
Depot(s)	Tamachi
Specifications
Car body construction	Steel
Traction system	Resistor control
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Current collection method	Overhead wire
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The 157 series (157系) was a Japanese DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated on limited express services by Japanese National Railways (JNR) from 1959 until 1980.

The 157 series EMUs were first introduced by JNR on Nikkō semi express services between Tokyo and Nikkō from 22 September 1959 to counter competition from the private company Tobu Railway, which also operated trains to Nikkō. They were also used on Chusenji services between Shinjuku and Nikkō, and Nasuno services between Ueno and Kuroiso.

157 series EMUs were also introduced on seasonal Hibiki services on the Tokaido Main Line from 21 November 1959, and were later used on Amagi and Soyokaze services.

A 157 series set on a Hibiki limited express service in the 1970s

A 157 series set on a Shirane limited express service from Ueno, August 1974

Initially painted in the JNR livery of beige ("Cream No. 4") and crimson ("Red No. 11"), the red colour was later changed to a slightly darker shade ("Red No. 2") when the sets were modified with the addition of air-conditioning.

The 157 series fleet included a dedicated imperial train car, built by Kawasaki Sharyo (present-day Kawasaki Heavy Industries) and delivered in June 1960. Numbered KuRo 157-1, the car could be inserted into 157 series formations for use on imperial train workings. One end had a gangwayed driving cab based on the 153 series EMU design, although the car was normally sandwiched in the middle of a 157 series formation, and was only very rarely used with the driving cab leading. In 1979, the car was modified for use in conjunction with 183 series EMUs, with the first official working on 2 July 1980. From March 1985, it was repainted in cream with a green stripe for use in conjunction with 185 series EMUs.