This is an old revision of this page, as edited by R162A 1 Train (talk | contribs) at 00:32, 1 January 2025 (←Created page with '<nowiki>{{subst:submit}</nowiki> '''U@Tech''' was an experimental Electric multiple unit operated by the West Japan Railway Company from October 2004 to March 2019. U@tech was short for '''you''', '''U'''rban Network, '''u'''biquitous, future + '''tech'''nology. == History == The U@tech Train consisted of two different types of railcars in a three-car set. It consisted of a 223 series cab, KuMoHa 223-9001, and 2 213 series cars, KuYa 212-1...'). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 00:32, 1 January 2025 by R162A 1 Train (talk | contribs) (←Created page with '<nowiki>{{subst:submit}</nowiki> '''U@Tech''' was an experimental Electric multiple unit operated by the West Japan Railway Company from October 2004 to March 2019. U@tech was short for '''you''', '''U'''rban Network, '''u'''biquitous, future + '''tech'''nology. == History == The U@tech Train consisted of two different types of railcars in a three-car set. It consisted of a 223 series cab, KuMoHa 223-9001, and 2 213 series cars, KuYa 212-1...')(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff){{subst:submit}
U@Tech was an experimental Electric multiple unit operated by the West Japan Railway Company from October 2004 to March 2019. U@tech was short for you, Urban Network, ubiquitous, future + technology.
History
The U@tech Train consisted of two different types of railcars in a three-car set. It consisted of a 223 series cab, KuMoHa 223-9001, and 2 213 series cars, KuYa 212-1 and SaYa 213-1. KuMoHa 223-9001 was the prototype for the 223-2000 series cars, built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It was never owned by JR West, it was originally used for testing by KHI. The other two cars were former 213 series cars used for Marine Liner services, which were taken out of service in 2004 due to the introduction of the 5000 series cars. JR West purchased KuMoHa 223-9001 in 2004, with work then commencing to convert the 3 cars into an experimental trainset in August 2004. Rebuilt at Suita Works, the set was completed in October 2004 as the U@tech train and would formally be added to JR West's fleet roster on 31 March 2007.
Purpouse
The U@tech Train aimed to develop and achieve four aspects: stable transportation, "business innovation", comfortable interior and energy conservation; it was later used to test on-board train control systems. The set was mostly tested on the Kyoto Main Line and at Suita General Rolling Stock Depot. The U@tech Train brought a number of experimental technologies, such as a "wayside wireless Wide Area Network", newly-developed Toshiba fully-enclosed PMSM motors, data-collecting single-arm pantographs and a full glass driver's cabin.
Retirement
The set ceased operations in March 2019. Since then, all 3 cars have been scrapped.