A 200 Series train approaches Shin-Koshigaya Station (Courtesy of Mamo)

Another 200 Series near Tokyo Sky Tree (Courtesy of Uraken.net)

Tobu 200/250 Series

Operated as the Limited Express Ryomo

In Service:
1991 - Present (200 Series)
1998 - Present (250 Series)
Top Speed:
110km/h (Service)
Acceleration: 2.23km/h/s
Deceleration:
3.7km/h/s (Regular)
5.0km/h/s (Emergency)
Length:
21300mm (End cars)
20000mm (Middle cars)
Width: 2878mm
Consist/Formation:
6 motorized cars (200 Series)
3 motorized cars + 3 trailer cars (250 Series)
Electric System: 1500v DC through overhead wires
Number built: 60 Cars (54 200 Series + 6 250 Series)

The 200 Series is a limited-express-type electric multiple unit designed by Tobu to replace the 1800 Series and upgrade the Ryomo from an express to a limited express.

In the late 1980s, the need to speed up the popular Ryomo express was becoming apparent and Tobu decided to build a new train to upgrade it to a limited express. Tobu decided to use many of the leftover parts from the 1700/1720 Series trains which were scrapped after the introduction of the 100 Series. The result was the 200 Series.

These trains are officially classified as updated 1700/1720 Series, but look entire different on the inside and outside.

Tobu eventually ran out of 1700/1720 Series parts and instead used equipment similar to the 30000 Series which was being produced at the time. This equipment included variable frequency drive and bolster-less bogies. Only one formation of this type was produced and is known as the 250 Series.

The 200 and 250 Series are nearly identical, but can be distinguished by the layout of their pantographs. Cars two, four and five have a single pantograph each on 200 Series trains. On the 250 Series, car two carries one while car five carries to pantographs. (Car six faces Asakusa while car one faces Akagi)