781 series

781 series
781 series on a Lilac service, November 2006
In service	1980–2007
Replaced	485-1000 series
Constructed	1978–1980
Scrapped	2006–2007
Number built	48 vehicles (12 sets)
Number in service	None
Number preserved	4 vehicles
Number scrapped	44 vehicles
Formation	4/6 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	L1–L7, L101–L104, L901
Operator(s)	JNR (1980–1987) JR Hokkaido (1987–2007)
Depot(s)	Sapporo
Specifications
Car body construction	Steel
Car length	21,250 mm (69 ft 9 in) (end cars) 20,500 mm (67 ft 3 in) (intermediate cars)
Width	2,949 mm (9 ft 8 in)
Height	3,945 mm (12 ft 11 in)
Doors	2 per side
Maximum speed	120 km/h (75 mph)
Traction system	Thyristor drive
Electric system(s)	20 kV AC (50 Hz)
Current collection method	Overhead line
Bogies	DT38A (motored), T208A (trailer)
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The 781 series (781系^?) was an AC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type formerly operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) and later Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) on limited express services in Hokkaido, Japan, between 1980 and 2007.

Cars 1 and 3 were each fitted with one N-PS785 single-arm pantograph (from 2004 onward).

Cars 1, 3, and 5 were each fitted with one PS102B scissors-type pantograph.

Cars 1, 3, and 5 were each fitted with one N-PS785 single-arm pantograph.

The 781 series trainsets did not include Green class (first class) accommodation, but from March to June 2001, improved "u-Seat" seating was added to half of car 4 for reserved seat passengers. All other cars were normally designated as non-reserved seating.

The 781 series electric multiple unit was designed specifically for limited express services on electrified lines in the Sapporo area of Hokkaido, to replace the 485-1500 series EMUs first introduced on Ishikari services in 1975, but which proved unreliable in the harsh winter conditions of Hokkaido.

A pre-production 6-car set, classified 781-900 series, was delivered in November 1978. The body was based on the JNR 485 series design, with a more rounded profile to prevent snow adhering, and the electrical systems were based on the earlier 711 series suburban EMU.

Seven full-production 6-car sets were delivered from 1980, with minor improvements including the abolishment of two opening windows on each side. The pre-production set was modified to bring it in line with full production standards in October 1981.

The eight 6-car sets were reformed into twelve 4-car sets to cope with increased service frequency from the November 1986 timetable revision. This entailed converting eight MoHa 781 and SaHa 780 cars into KuMoHa 781-100 and KuHa 780-100 cars respectively by adding new cab ends.

A second side door was added to the KuHa 780 and SaHa 780 cars between 1991 and 1993 to reduce station dwell times. The MoHa 781 cars of sets L1 to L7 only were similarly treated in 1993.