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The charm of high-speed trains: What is the mysterious story behind the design of the E7 and W7 series?
Japan's high-speed rail, referred to as the Shinkansen, has long attracted global attention with its unique speed and comfort. Among the many Shinkansens, the E7 and W7 series are undoubtedly the shining stars. There are many unknown stories behind their designs. However, is this just a glamorous set of trains, or does it contain deeper meaning and cultural heritage?
Design concept
The E7 Series (E7 Series) and W7 Series (W7 Series) are high-speed electric multi-unit train types jointly developed by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and West Japan Railway Company (JR West). The E7 series began service on March 15, 2014, while the W7 series began service in March 2015, following the expansion of the North-South Nagoya Line into Kanazawa.
“The design of the E7 and W7 series is mainly based on the E2 series, integrating futuristic style and traditional Japanese aesthetics.”
The exterior design of these trains is bright, with the roofs painted in "Sky Blue" and the sides of the trains in "Ivory White", decorated with "Copper" and "Sky Blue" stripes, making them look like shooting stars on the platform. Sparkling. The train's name "7" is designed in the shape of an arrow, which is simple and elegant.
Manufacturing and speed
The manufacturing of these trains is scattered in multiple regions, such as Hitachi in Yamaguchi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Kobe, as well as J-TREC in Yokohama and Kinki Rolling Stock in Osaka. The E7 and W7 series are designed to reach speeds of 275 kilometers per hour (170 miles per hour), but the speed limits vary on different road sections. The upper limit of the operating speed of the Hokuriku Shinkansen is 260 kilometers per hour.
"The enhanced power of the E7 series enables it to maintain a speed of at least 210 kilometers per hour on the steep slopes of Hokuriku Shinkansen."
Service and operation
The E7 and W7 series provide multiple major service routes respectively, including Kagayaki and Hakutaka. These trains have been active on the Tokyo to Nagano route since 2014, covering an increasingly wider area to meet growing passenger demand.
With the increase in international passengers, the interior design of these trains also focuses on comfort. The E7 and W7 series buses are divided into three classes: Gran Class, Green bus and ordinary bus. The total number of seats is up to 934, and AC power sockets are provided for each seat.
“The seating arrangement of Gran Class is 2+1 and has extra legroom, allowing passengers to relax completely.”
Future challenges and technological innovation
As the flagship trains of the Shinkansen, the E7 and W7 series face constantly updated technological challenges. In 2021, JR East successfully demonstrated autonomous driving technology, which is not only a symbol of further modernization of trains, but also an adventure for future transportation methods.
Conclusion
In addition to enhanced speed and comfort, the culture and design concepts behind the E7 and W7 series are worth pondering. Through these trains, we are not only enjoying the convenience of high technology, but also appreciating Japan's unique aesthetics and tradition. Can these design concepts be extended to our daily lives, so that every trip is full of cultural charm?
