An updated 3500 Series (Courtesy of Uraken.net)

An original 3500 Series local train (Courtesy of Uraken.net)

Keisei 3500 Series

In Service: 1984 - Present
Top Speed:
110km/h (Service)
120km/h (Design)
Length: 18000 mm
Width: 2832mm
Consist/Formation: 
4 motorized cars
6 motorized cars (4 + 2 cars)
8 motorized cars (4 + 4 cars)
Electric System: 1500v DC through overhead lines
Gauge: 1435mm (Standard)

The 3500 Series is a three-door commuter-type electric multiple unit designed by Keisei to increase the carrying capacity of its fleet.

The 3500 Series was the first train used by Keisei to adopt a stainless steel body. At the time, the technology to build full stainless steel cars was nearly monopolized by Tokyu, so the 3500 Series used a regular steel frame with a stainless steel shell.

An interesting feature about the 3500 Series is the fact that the end cars have only one motorized bogie. The bogie near the driver's cab is not powered.

In 1996, Keisei began giving these trains a major facelift with a completely new end car design and many modifications made to the interiors.

The position of the motorized bogie on each end car was switched to fit Keikyu's design rules which states that the front car must be motorized.

Did you know?
Keisei skipped the number 3400 when the 3500 Series was built because four is an unlucky number in Japan. However, a 3400 Series was later built.