125 series

The 125 series(125系, 125-kei) is a single-car DC electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) on local services in Japan since March 2003.

Design

The 125 series design is based on the 223-2000 series EMU design, with stainless bodies and steel front ends.

The cars have two pairs of sliding doors on each side, with provision for a third set of doors in the centre.

The second-batch cars (KuMoHa 125-9–12) delivered in 2003 differ from the earlier batch by having enlarged front-end skirts and darker grey tinted windows.

125 series first-batch car, June 2004
125 series first-batch (left) and third-batch (right) cars coupled together, showing the difference in front-end skirt lengths and window tint

Operations

The 125 series is used on wanman driver-only operation services, primarily on the Obama Line and Kakogawa Line.

Up to five single cars can be operated together as a multiple car set.

Formation

Designation	cMc
Numbering	KuMoHa 125
Capacity (Seated/standing)	31/86
Weight	40.5 t

Cars KuMoHa 125-7/8/11/12 are equipped with a second de-icing pantograph.

Interior

Passenger accommodation consists of longitudinal bench seating at the ends, and 2+2 abreast transverse reversible seating in the centre of the cars. The first two batches of cars (KuMoHa 125-1–12) were delivered with 1+2 abreast seating, but this was increased to 2+2 seating during 2003 and 2004.

General view of interior (KuMoHa 125-16, April 2008)
Reversible seating (KuMoHa 125-16, April 2008)
Priority seating (KuMoHa 125-16, April 2008)
Doorway and toilet (KuMoHa 125-16, April 2008)

History

The first eight cars (KuMoHa 125-1–8) were built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in December 2002 for entry into service from 15 March 2003 on the then-newly electrified 84.3-kilometre (52.4 mi) Obama Line between Tsuruga and Higashi-Maizuru. These sets were initially allocated to Fukuchiyama Depot, but were subsequently transferred to Tsuruga Depot.

Four more cars (KuMoHa 125-9–12) were built in September 2004 for entry into service from 19 December 2004 on the newly electrified 48.5 km (30.1 mi) Kakogawa Line between Kakogawa and Tanikawa.

A further six cars (KuMoHa 125-13–18) were built in September 2006 to coincide with the conversion of Tsuruga area services from 20 kV AC to 1,500 V DC electrification from 21 October 2006.

From the start of the revised timetable on 18 March 2023, 125 series trainsets began operation on the Maizuru Line.