Express Electric Multiple Units

These are the train types that offer services to other cities from major centres, bypass many stations in the suburban areas, 
or have a dedicated purpose, eg. Airport transfer.

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Click here to return to the Ordinary Express train page.

Limited Express Trains

Moha20 Series

The first express series with the 'bonnet' style driving cars, built from 1966 - runs up to 12 car sets.
Color - Cream and red.

MicroAce A0120 - 8 car powered set (Kodama).
MicroAce A0125 - 8 car powered set in wooden box (Kodama - this set held the speed record of it's day at 163km/h).

151 Series

Color - Cream and red.

MicroAce A0121 - 8 car powered set (Kodama)
MicroAce A0122 - 4 car add-on set.
MicroAce A0126 - 12 car powered set in wooden box (Tsubame) + Saya420-1 power car + ED73-15 loco (not powered).
Kato 10-??? - 8 car powered 'Kodama / Tsubame'

161 Series

Color - Cream and red.
MicroAce A0802 - 9 car powered set 'Toki' (161 / 157 series).

181 Series

Color - Cream and red.

Kato 10-351 - 7 car powered set 'Toki' (with extra nose stripe).
Kato 10-352 - 7 car powered set 'Shioji / Hato' (with Kuroha Green car)..
Kato 10-353 - 2 car add-on set.
Kato 4140 - Kuroha181 driving Green trailer car.
Kato 4141 - Kuha181 driving trailer car.
Kato 4007 - Moro181 motor car.
Kato 4008 - Saro181 trailer car.
Kato 4009 - Sashi181 dining car.
Kato 4010 - Moha181 motor car (powered).
Kato 4011 - Saha180 trailer car.
Kato 4013 - Moha181 motor car.
Kato 4014 - Moha180 motor car.
Kato 4143 - Moro180 motor car.
MicroAce A0803 - 8 car powered set 'Toki'.
MicroAce A0804 - 4 car add-on set 'Toki'.

183 Series

Similar to the 485 series, but uses DC voltage only, built from 1972.

Color - White with brown window band and blue stripe.

Tomix 92707 - 6 car powered set for Hashidate service.
Tomix 92281 - 3 car powered set for Maizuru service.
Tomix 92282 - 4 car powered set for Tanba service.

Color - JNR Cream with red window band.

Tomix 92708 - 6 car powered set (183/485) for Kitakinki service.
Kato 10-413 - 7 car powered set (183-1000 series).
Kato 10-414 - 2 car add-on set.
Kato 4442-1- Saro183-1000 Green car.
Kato 10-467 - 7 car powered set (183-0 series).
Kato 10-468 - 2 car add-on set.
Kato 10-488 - 9 car powered set 'Chuo Liner'. 
MicroAce A0571 - 9 car powered set for Azusa service.
MicroAce A0568 - 8 car powered set (Shiosai).

Color - White with light blue window band and mauve stripes.

Kato 10-323 - 7 car powered set for Asuza service.
Kato 10-324 - 2 car add-on set.
MicroAce A0569 - 9 car powered set (Kaiji).

185 Series

Introduced in 1981, this series has been replaced on it's original tourism-area run by more modern units.
Now in general express service - runs from 5 to 15 car sets.
Color - White with 3 diagonal green stripes in the centre of the car (Odoriko).

Tomix 92620 - 6 car powered set.
MicroAce 4110 - 7 car powered set.
Kato 4060-2 - Kuha165 driving trailer car.
Kato 4061-2 - Moha164 motor car.
Kato 4062-2 - Moha165 motor car (powered).
Kato 4063-2 - Saro164 Green car.
Kato 4064-2 - Moha165 motor car.
Kato 4065-2 - Saha164 trailer car.
Kato 10-443 - 8 car powered set.
Kato 10-444 - 2 car add-on set.
Kato 10-445 - 5 car powered set.

Color - White with orange and green panels on the car side (new Tokaido line color).

MicroAce 4140 - 7 car powered set.
Kato 10-224 - 8 car powered set.
Kato 10-225 - 2 car add-on set.
Kato 10-226 - 5 car powered set.

185-200 Series

This variation was used on the Tohoku/Takasaki/Utsunomiya lines.
Color - White with a green stripe (Shin Tokkyu)

MicroAce 4120 - 7 car powered set.
Kato 10-335 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White with yellow, gray and red panels on the car sides (Express185).

MicroAce 4130 - 7 car powered set.
Kato 10-349 - 7 car powered set.

Color - Blue and white with wavy light mauve stripe and ski figures. ('Furu Furu' special ski train).

MicroAce 4150 - 7 car powered set.

185 Imaginary colour schemes

Color - White with orange stripes (imaginary color scheme)

MicroAce A4160 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White with red stripes (imaginary color scheme)

MicroAce A4161 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White with green stripes (imaginary color scheme)

MicroAce A4162 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White with blue stripes (imaginary color scheme)

MicroAce A4163 - 7 car powered set.

Color - Cream with red window bands (imaginary colour scheme)

MicroAce A4164 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White with multi-colour diagonals (imaginary colour scheme)


MicroAce A4165 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White with green & orange diagonals (imaginary colour scheme)

MicroAce A4166 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White with 3 colour blue diagonals (imaginary colour scheme)

MicroAce A4167 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White with green & yellow diagonals (imaginary colour scheme)

MicroAce A4168 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White with blue diagonals & stripes (imaginary colour scheme)

MicroAce A4169 - 7 car powered set.

189 Series

An upgraded version of the 183 series, used in mountainous lines.
Colour - White with green window band and light gray stripe (Asama colour).
MicroAce A0581 - 6 car powered set for Hamakaiji service (183/189).
Colour - White with red and yellow stripes.
MicroAce A0582 - 6 car powered set for Yasuragino Nikko service.

Color - White with light blue window band and mauve stripes.

Kato 10-426 - 7 car powered set for Asuza service.
Kato 10-427 - 4 car add-on set.

Colour - White with green & red stripes.

Kato 10-440 - 9 car powered set for 'Gradeup' Azusa service.

Colour - White with green window band and light gray stripe.
Kato 10-247 - 7 car powered set for 'Gradeup Asama' service.
Kato 10-248 - 4 car add-on set for 'Gradeup Asama' service.

251 Series 'Super View Odoriko'

Built in 1990 to replace the 185 series on the tourist run down the Izu peninsular. it was repainted in 2004.
Connects with the Izu Kyuko Railway (see Private Trains page) at Ito. It is a 10 car train with 3 double deck cars.
Color - Pale blue and gray.

Kato 10-177 - 6 car powered set.
Kato 10-178 - 4 car add-on set.
Color - Turquise and white.

Kato 10-474 - 6 car powered set.
Kato 10-475 - 4 car add-on set.

253 Series 'Narita Express' (N'EX)

Introduced in 1990, this is the JR East express service from Tokyo's Narita International Airport to Tokyo and points beyond
- runs in 3 car multiples from 6 to 9 car sets - includes TN close coupling mechanism.
Color - White body, red roof, black window band.
Tomix 92051 - 3 car powered set.
Tomix 92052 - 3 car add-on set.

Kato 10-182 - 6 car powered set.

Kato 10-183 - 3 car add-on set.

255 Series 'Bozo View Express'

Introduced in 1994, this is the JR East express service from Tokyo, via the Keiyo line, to the Soboto & Uchibo lines on the Chiba peninsular
- runs as a 9 car set.
Color - White & blue with yellow door panels.

MicroAce A0740 - 9 car powered set 'View Wakashio'.
MicroAce A0741 - 9 car powered set 'View Sazanami' (in wooden box).

E257 Series 'Azusa'

Built in 2001 to replace 183/189 sets on the Chuo line - runs as a 9+2 car set.
Colour - white with multi-coloured panels.
Kato 10-433 - 7 car powered set.
Kato 10-434 - 4 car add-on set.

281 Series 'Haruka'

Built in 1993 to service the then-new Kansai Airport - runs in 3 to 8 car combinations.
Color - White with blue logos.

Kato - 10-385 - 6 car powered set.
Kato - 4252 - Saha 281-100 trailer car (to upgrade the original 5 car set 10-330 to a 6 car set).

283 Series

Use by JRWest on the 'Ocean Arrow' Service around the Kii peninsular.
Colour - White and turquoise.

MicroAce A0760 - 9 car powered set in wooden box.

MicroAce A0761 - 6 car powered set. 

MicroAce A0762 - 3 car add-on set.'
MicroAce A0763 - 3 car powered set

285 Series 'Sunrise Express'

A new sleeper EMU built in 1998 to replace the 583 and Blue passenger trains on some services - runs as two 7 car sets.
Color - Gold and red.

Kato 10-386 - 7 car powered set (285-0 - JR West).
Kato 10-387 - 7 car powered set (285-3000 - JR Central).

E351 Series 'Super Asuza'

Built in 1993, has the 'tilt-train' mechanism that is also reproduced on the model.
Color - White with mauve stripes.

Kato 10-358 - 8 car powered set.
Kato 10-359 - 4 car add-on set.

371 Series

A train that is used with Odakyu's RSE20000 Romance car service.

Color - White with black window area and brown stripes.

MicroAce A1070 - 7 car powered set (Asagiri).
MicroAce A1071 - 7 car powered set (Asagiri) in wooden box.

373 Series

Introduced in 1995, this series is used by JR Central and has was the replacement for 165 express set on the Tokaido line.
Color - Silver body with black and red stripes.

Tomix 92071 - 3 car powered set.
Tomix 92072 - 3 car add-on set.

381 Series

Introduced in 1973, this was the first tilting body type built (not operational on the model).
Now been upgraded and repainted in many ways for various express services - runs from 6 to 9 car sets.

Color - JNR Cream with red window band.

Tomix 92730 - 7 car powered set.
Tomix 92731 - 7 car powered set (381-100).
Tomix 2982 - Kuha381 driving trailer car.
Tomix 92732 - 2 car add-on set.
Kato 10-??? - 'Shinano' (tilting model).

Color - White with red and yellow stripes.

Tomix 92622 - 6 car powered set with one modified cab for Super Kuroshio service.

Color - Lilac with violet and red stripes.

Tomix 92652 - 6 car powered set with one modified cab for Super Yakumo service.

Color - White with Aqua window band (new Super Kuroshio color).

Tomix 92727 - 6 car powered set.
Tomix 92728 - 4 car add-on set.

419 series

A sleeper version created from old 583 series cars.
Color - White with blue stripes (Hokuriku line).
MicroAce A0033 - 2x 3 car powered set.
Color - JNR Red with white stripes.
MicroAce A0032 - 2x 3 car powered set.

485 Series

A multi-voltage series introduced in 1968. Now been upgraded and repainted in many ways for various express services
- runs from 4 to 12 car sets - some sets have individual cars available.
Color - JNR Cream with red window band.

Tomix 92748 - 6 car powered set with bonnet type driving cars.
Tomix 92746 - 2 car powered add-on set.
Tomix 92750 - 2 car add-on set.
Tomix 8325 - Saro481 green car.
Tomix 8327 - Saha481 car.
Tomix 8328 - Sashi 481 buffet car.
Tomix 92628 - 6 car powered set for Kodoma service (bonnet style).
Tomix 2969 - Kuha481 driving trailer car (bonnet style).
Tomix 2308 - Moha484 motor car (powered).
Tomix 2309 - Moha484 motor car.
Tomix 2310 - Moha485 motor car.
Tomix 92917 - 11 car powered set (special limited edition 'Sayonara Hakucho').
Kato 10-241 - 8 car powered set (Raicho)
Kato 10-242 - 2 car add-on set (Raicho).

Color - JNR Cream with red window band.

Tomix 92627 - 6 car powered set (485-1000 series).
Tomix 2311 - Kuha481-1000 driving trailer car.
Tomix 2312 - Moha484-1000 motor car (powered).
Tomix 2313 - Moha484-1000 motor car.
Tomix 2314 - Moha485-1000 motor car.
Tomix 2315 - Saro481-1000 Green car.
Tomix 92760 - 6 car powered set (485-200 series).
Tomix 92761 - 2 car powered add-on set (485-200 series).
Tomix 92762 - 2 car add-on set (485-200 series).
Tomix 8352 - Sashi481-200 Dining car.
Tomix 8378 - Saha481-200 trailer car.
Tomix 8379 - Saro481-200 Green car.
Kato 10-391 - 7 car powered set.
Kato 10-392 - 2 car add-on set.
Kato 4031-1 - Saro485 Green car.
Kato 4032-1 - Sashi481 dining car.
Kato 4035-1 - Saha481 trailer car.
Tomix 92773 - 6 car powered set (485-300 series).
MicroAce A1083 - 3 car powered set + Yo28002 generator car + DE10-1755 diesel loco.

Color - Multi-colored.

Kato 10-913 - 3 car powered set (Kirishima/Hyuga).
MicroAce A1089 - 3 car powered set (Kirishima/Hyuoga).

Color - Red with black roof.

Tomix 92061 - 4 car powered set for Red Express or Midori Express service.
Tomix 2923 - Kuha481 driving car (bonnet style).

MicroAce A1081 - 5 car powered set (Nichirin).

Color - White with blue and red stripes and gold diagonals on end cars.

Tomix 92630 - 6 car powered set for Kirameki/Kagayaki service.

Color - Red with black roof and black window bands.
Tomix 92631 - 6 car powered set for Kamome Express service.

Color - White with light blue and turquoise stripes.

Tomix 92632 - 7 car powered set for Hakucho/Hokuriko/Raicho service.
Tomix 92127 - 2 car add-on set.

Color - White with red and blue stripes.

Tomix 92629 - 7 car powered set with one modified cab for Super Raicho service.
Tomix 92126 - 3 car add-on set.

Color - White with lilac window panel and gold stripe.

Tomix 92648 - 7 car powered set with one bonnet style cab for Hitachi service.

485-3000 Series

Modernised versions of the 485 that run in northern Honshu.
Color - White and violet/yellow ends.

MicroAce A5610 - 6 car powered set (Hatsukari).
MicroAce A5630 - 6 car powered (Hakucho).
MicroAce A5631 - 2 car add-on set.

Color - White and blue/aqua.

MicroAce A5620 - 9 car powered set (Hakutaka).
MicroAce A5650 - 9 car powered set (Hokuetsu).
MicroAce A5660 - 6 car powered set (Inaho).

Colour - White with blue window band and yellow stripes.

Tomix 92925 - 7 car powered set 'Shirasagi Y02'
Tomix 92926 - 7 car powered set 'Shirasagi Y23'
Tomix 92927 - 3 car powered set 'Shirasagi Y13'

489 Series

A multi-voltage variation of the 481 series introduced in 1971 for the mountainous routes in Central Japan.
The Asama service has been replaced by the E2' Bullet train - runs from 4 to 12 car sets - normally 9 cars.
Color - White with green window band and light gray stripe.

Tomix 92064 - 5 car powered set for Asama service.
Tomix 92065 - 2 car add-on set.

This set has the original bonnet style driving cabs.
Color - White with red window band and blue stripe.

Tomix 92077 - 5 car powered set for Hakusan service.
Tomix 92078 - 2 car add-on set.

581 Series

Built in 1967 as the world's first EMU sleeper train - runs in 9 to 13 car sets.
Color - Cream and dark blue.

Tomix 92769 - 7 car powered set (Gekko).
Tomix 92770 - 2 car powered add-on set.
Tomix 8311 - Saha581 trailer car.
Tomix 8312 - Sashi581 dining car.

583 Series

Upgraded version of the 581.
Color - Cream and dark blue.

Kato 10-395 - 7 car powered set.
Kato 10-396 - 2 car add-on set.
Kato 4084-1 - Sashi581 dining car.
Kato 4086-1 - Sahane581 trailer sleeper car.
Tomix 92734 - 7 car powered set (581).
Tomix 92735 - 7 car powered set (583).
Tomix 92129 - 2 car add-on set (powered).
Tomix 29130 - 2 car add-on set (non-powered).
Tomix 2988 - Sahane581 sleeper car.
Tomix 2990 - Sashi581 dining car.

Color - White with brown & blue stripes (Kitaguni).

Tomix 92746 - 6 car powered set.
Tomix 92747 - 4 car powered add-on set.

Colour - Pale blue with green/blue stripes (old Kitaguni colour)

Tomix 92930 - 10 car powered set.

651 Series 'Super Hitachi'

Built in 1988 to replace the 485 sets on the Joban line - runs as 4, 7 or 11 car sets.
Color - White.

Kato 10-173 - 7 car powered set.
Kato 10-174 - 4 car non-powered set.

E653 Series 'Fresh Hitachi'

Introduced in 1997 to replace older 485 types on the Joban line.
Color - White and silver with red stripe.

MicroAce A4810 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White and silver with blue stripe.

MicroAce A4820 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White and silver with yellow stripe.

MicroAce A4830 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White and silver with green stripe.

MicroAce A4840 - 7 car powered set.

Color - White and silver with orange stripe.

MicroAce A4850 - 4 car powered set.

681 Series 'Thunderbird'

Built in 1992 to replace the 485 sets on the Hokuriku line - runs as 3, 6 or 9 car sets.
Color - White with gray window band and blue stripe.

Kato 10-345 - 6 car powered set.
Kato 10-326 - 3 car non-powered set.

681 Series 'Snow Rabbit Express'

A version of the 681 series, run by the private railway company Hokuetsu Kyuko.
Color - White with dark red and gray stripes.

Kato 10-381 - 9 car powered set.

683 Series 'Thunderbird'

An upgraded version of the 681, used by JR West.
Color - White with gray window band and blue stripe.

Kato 10-482 - 6 car powered set.
Kato 10-483 - 3 car non-powered set.

715 series

A sleeper version created from old 583 series cars.
Color - White with green stripes (Tohoku line).
MicroAce A0035 - 2x 4 car powered set.
Color - White with blue stripes.
 MicroAce A0031 - 2x 4 car powered set.

E751 Series

Introduced in 1999 to run between Morioka and Aomori as an extension to the Tohoku Shinkansen service.
Color - White and red with yellow/blue stripes.

MicroAce A5810 - 6 car powered set (Super Hatsukari).
MicroAce A5820 - 6 car powered set (Tsugaru).

781 Series

A version of the 485 series used by JR Hokkaido.
Colour - Cream with red window band. 
MicroAce A0313 - 6 car powered set (Ishikari).
MiceoAce A0311 - 6 car powered set (Lilac).

Colour White with beige/lilac stripes (Lilac).

MicroAce A0310 - 6 car powered set.

Colour - Red / orange / yellow / pink / green / blue with cartoon characters.
MiceoAce A0314 - 6 car powered set (Doraemon Undersea Train).

783 Series

A replacement for the 485 sets used by JR Kyushu.
Colour - Silver with white/red stripes.

MicroAce A0370 - 'Hyper-saloon' 7 car powered set (Ariake).
MicroAce A0379 - 4 car powered set + Yo28002 generator car + DE10-1756 diesel loco (Hyper Ariake).

Colour - Silver with black/blue/red/green panels.

MicroAce A0372 - 'Hyper-saloon' 5 car powered set 'Nichirin'.

Colour - Silver with red/green/yellow/blue panels.

MicroAce A0377 - 'Hyper-saloon' 4+4 car powered set 'Midori - Huis Ten Bosch'.

785 Series

A modern express set used in Hokkaido.
Color - Silver.
MicroAce A0980 - 6 car powered set 'Lilac'.
MicroAce A0982 - 5 car powered set 'Super White Arrow'.

787 Series 'Tsubame'

Built in 1992 by JR Kyushu - runs as a 9 car set.
Color - Silver and dark gray.

Kato 10-320 - 7 car powered set.
Kato 10-321 - 2 car add-on set.

The 'Relay Tsubame' started in 2004 to transfer travellers from Hakata to Shin-Yatsushiro where the Kyushu Shinkansen currently terminates. 
Colour - dark gray

Kato 10-237 - 7 car powered set.

789 Series 'HEAT789'

Built in 2002 by JR Hokkaido to link Hakodate with Hachinoe (the north end of the extended Tohoku Shinkansen) thru the Seikan Tunnel 
- runs as a 5+3 car set (Super Hakucho).
Colour - Silver with green ends & blue/yellow panels.

MicroAce A0840 - 5 car powered set.
MicroAce A0841 - 3 car add-on set.
MicroAce A0842 - 5+3 car powered set in wooden box.

883 Series 'Sonic'

Built in 1994 by JR Kyushu - runs as a 5 or 7 car set. The Kato model tilts just like the prototype !!!
Color - Silver and blue with blue front.

Kato 10-439 - 7 car powered set.
Color - Silver and blue with yellow front.

Kato 10-485 - 5 car powered set.

885 Series 'Kamome Express'

Introduced by JR Kyushu in 1999 to replace the old 485 type Kamome Express. The Kato model tilts just like the prototype !!!
Color - White and yellow

Kato 10-410 - 6 car powered set.


Whole page contents and imagescopyright Doug Coster 2005
E&OE - all details subject to change without notice. Details current at 25/10/2005.