221 series

The 221 series is a Japanese suburban electric multiple unit operated by the West Japan Railway Company since March 1989.
==History==
The 221 series was designed to be a suburban train that was capable of competing with various private railways which use similar locomotives. A total of 474 cars were produced from 1989 to 1992. The designation of the train was originally slated to either be something like 215 or 217 series, but the designation of "221 series" was eventually settled on as it was the first commuter train the then-newly-formed JR West introduced to their lines, hence the "1" in the designation.
All 474 cars are in service, all based at either the Aboshi, Nara or Kyoto Depots. The sets underwent refurbishment starting in 2012, which involved improvements such as the addition of new universal-access toilets, the changing of headlights from halogen-type headlights to dual beam high-intensity discharge headlights, flip-up seating next to the doorways and the provision of wheelchair spaces among other improvements.
==Design==
The 221 series adopted a modern design language for suburban commuter trains which would be carried on onto more modern suburban commuter trains built for JR West, such as the 223 and 521 series.
==Specifications==
Construction is of steel. End cars are 20.1 meters long while intermediate cars are 20 meters long. The 221 series trains use resistor-controlled traction systems which power traction motors, which was considered obsolete at the time due to the introduction of the variable frequency drive. The 221 series' traction systems appear to be of the same specifications as those used on the 205 and 213 series.
==Trivia==
*The sets were originally branded the Amenity Liner, though the branding was removed shortly after.
==References==
*Wikipedia.org
Category:Electric trainsets
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