E257 series

E257 series
An E257 series train on a Chūō Line Azusa service, January 2008
In service	2001–Present
Manufacturer	Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation
Family name	A-train
Number built	249 vehicles
Number in service	249 vehicles
Formation	2/5/9 cars per trainset
Operator(s)	JR East
Depot(s)	Matsumoto, Makuhari
Line(s) served	Chūō Main Line, Uchibō Line, Sotobō Line
Specifications
Car length	21,000 mm (68 ft 11 in) (end cars) 20,500 mm (67 ft 3 in) (intermediate cars)
Maximum speed	130 km/h (80 mph)
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead
Braking system(s)	Regenerative brake, electronically controlled pneumatic brakes, snow-resistant brake
Safety system(s)	ATS-SN, ATS-P
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The E257 series (E257系^?) is a DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated in Japan by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and built jointly by Hitachi, Kinki Sharyo, and Tokyu Car Corporation.

Two variants exist: the original E257-0 series for use on Chūō Main Line Azusa and Kaiji limited-express services, and the E257-500 series for use on Uchibō Line, Sotobō Line, Sōbu Main Line, Narita Line, and Kashima Line limited-express services.

This sub-series version was introduced on 1 December 2001, to replace the aging 183 and 189 series rolling stock on Chuo Main Line Azusa and Kaiji services. Based at Matsumoto depot, the fleet consists of sixteen 9-car sets (M101 to M116) with a full cab at the Matsumoto end and a gangwayed cab at the Tokyo end, and five 2-car "add-on" sets (M201 to M205) with a full cab at the Tokyo end and a shunting cab only at the Matsumoto end.

The type was the recipient of the 45th Blue Ribbon Award (2002) of the Japan Railfan Club.

Matsumoto-based E257 series trains were also used on the Ohayō Liner Shinjuku and Home Liner Odawara commuter services running on the Tokaido Main Line until 14 March 2008.