A 30000 Series on the Denentoshi Line

Another 30000 Series on the Denentoshi Line (Courtesy of Uraken.net)

Tobu 30000 Series

Operated on the Tobu Isezaki, Tojo and Nikko Lines, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Tokyu Denentoshi Line

In Service: 1997 - Present
Top Speed: 120km/h
Length: 20000 mm
Width: 2770mm
Consist/Formation:
2 motorized cars + 2 trailer cars (4 cars)
3 motorized cars + 3 trailer cars (6 cars)
5 motorized cars + 5 trailer cars (4 + 6 cars)
Electric System: 1500v DC through overhead lines
Gauge: 1067mm (Narrow)
Number built: 150 cars

The 30000 Series is a four-door commuter-type electric multiple unit designed by Tobu for multiple lines.

It was designed to replace the 10000 Series and also to run on the Tokyu Denentoshi Line and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line. It was the first Tobu train to be equipped with a
single-axis master controller like those used on Tokyu trains.

The 30000 Series were built as either six or four car formations because the Asakusa - Hikifune Stations portion of
the Tobu Isezaki Line cannot handle 10-car trains.

To form 10-car formations, these four and six car formations were combined with two driver's cabs facing eachother in the middle of the formation.

This proved to be problematic on the Denentoshi Line, one of Japan's three busiest private train lines, because the amount of usable space in a 6 + 4 car formation is less than a regular 10-car formation due to the driver's cabs in the middle.

The 30000 Series trains are being replaced by Series 50050 trains in Denentoshi/Hanzomon Line direct service and are being moved to the above-ground train lines.