Tobu 100 Series / 東武100系
The 100 Series (100系) is a limited express type EMU operated by Tobu Railway.
Entering service in 1990 as the flagship vehicle for the Nikko express service, the 100 series "Spacia" was manufactured to replace the JNR-style 1720 series. The type is the first Tobu vehicle to be constructed from aluminium alloy, which reduces the weight of the consist and has a low center of gravity. The floor thickness was increased by 50mm to reduce the noise in the passenger compartment. Rather unusually, the 6-car set has an all-electric configuration, with no trailer cars. Private compartments are installed in the leading car in the Asakusa/Shinjuku direction, these have a design based on hotel rooms with carpeted floors and tables made of marble. There was also a communication device allowing passengers to order from the buffet car remotely, but these were later taken out of the commission. The compartment seats are considered equivalent to green cars on JR lines, and are charged at a premium. Ordinary seats are in a 2+2 layout of swivel recliners, each equipped with footrests. A portion of Car 3 is a cafe space with a service counter and food and drink offerings. A total of 54 cars were produced in 9 sets, and they were primarily operated on limited express Kinu and Kegon to the Nikko area. From 2011, the interior cabin was refreshed with colors and motifs insipired by the Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa district, wifi service was also installed in each car a few years later. Tobu Railway unveiled the N100 series "Spacia X" as the successor type in 2023, and accordingly the 100 series sets began to be scrapped as the number of N100 trains increased. To date, two sets have been taken out of service, and the remaining vehicles are likely to retire gradually in the coming years.
Basic Information:
Max Speed: 130km/h
Acceleration: 0.56m/s/s
Motor Output: 150kW x 4 per car
In Service: 1990-
The following formations are included:
100 Series (6 Car)
Configuration: 6M
Max Pax: 288
-can be coupled up to 3 sets
