500 Series Shinkansen Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids 500 series
16-car 500 series on Nozomi service, May 2008
In service	1997–present
Manufacturer	Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company, Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo
Replaced	0 series
Constructed	1995–1998
Refurbishment	2008-2010
Number built	144 vehicles (9 sets)
Number in service	64 vehicles (8 sets)
Number scrapped	70 vehicles
Formation	8 (formerly 16) cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	V2–V9
Capacity	16-car W set: 1,324 (200 Green + 1,124 Standard) 8-car V set: 608
Operator(s)	JR West
Depot(s)	Hakata
Line(s) served	Sanyō Shinkansen, Hakata-Minami Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Aluminium alloy
Car length	25,000 mm (82 ft 0 in) (intermediate cars), 27,000 mm (88 ft 7 in) (end cars)
Width	3,380 mm (11 ft 1 in)
Height	3,690 mm (12 ft 1 in)
Maximum speed	W set: 300 km/h (186 mph) (Sanyō) V set: 285 km/h (177 mph) Design speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
Traction system	(AC) WMT204 64 x 285 kW (382 hp) (set W1)/275 kW (369 hp) (set W2 onward)
Power output	18.24 MW (24,460 hp) (set W1), 17.60 MW (23,600 hp) (set W2 onward)
Acceleration	1.6 km/h/s 1.92 km/h/s (High acceleration mode)
Deceleration	2.7 km/h/s
Electric system(s)	25 kV AC, 60 Hz overhead catenary
Current collection method	W set: "T"-style current collector V set: Pantograph
Safety system(s)	ATC-1, ATC-NS
Track gauge	1435

The 500 Series Shinkansen is a very fast train from Japan. It's part of Japan's famous Shinkansen high-speed rail system. These trains were designed to be super quick and look very sleek. They started running in 1997.

The 500 Series trains were once the fastest trains in Japan. They ran on the main Nozomi service. This service connects major cities like Tokyo and Hakata. Today, they run on the Kodama service. This service makes more stops between Shin-Osaka and Hakata.

Discovering the 500 Series Shinkansen
The Evolution of the 500 Series
- From Nozomi to Kodama
- Special Liveries and Themes
Where to See a 500 Series Train
Images for kids
See also

Discovering the 500 Series Shinkansen

The 500 Series Shinkansen trains are known for their unique design. They have a very long, pointed nose. This special shape helps them go very fast. It also makes them quieter when they enter tunnels.

Speed and Performance

These trains can reach incredible speeds. The original 16-car trains could travel up to 300 kilometers per hour (about 186 miles per hour). This made them one of the fastest trains in the world at the time. The newer 8-car trains still go very fast, reaching 285 kilometers per hour.

The 500 Series was built to be very powerful. They have strong motors that help them accelerate quickly. This means they can get up to top speed in a short amount of time.

Train Design and Features

Each 500 Series train was originally made of 16 cars. This allowed them to carry many passengers. Later, some trains were shortened to 8 cars. This was done for the Kodama service.

The trains are made from a light material called aluminum alloy. This helps them move faster and use less energy. Inside, passengers can choose between different seating areas. There are standard-class seats and special "Green Car" seats. Green Car seats offer more space and comfort.

Inside the Train Cars

Standard-class seats: These are comfortable seats for most passengers.
Green Car seats: These seats are wider and offer more legroom. They are like first-class seats.
Smoking compartments: Some trains used to have special rooms for smoking. These are now mostly removed.
Driver's cab: This is where the train driver sits. It's a complex area with many controls.

Building These Amazing Trains

Only nine of the original 16-car 500 Series trains were built. Each train was very expensive to make. Several big companies in Japan worked together to build them. These companies include Hitachi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company.

The Evolution of the 500 Series

The 500 Series trains have changed over time. When they first started, they were the stars of the Nozomi service. This service was the fastest way to travel between major cities.

From Nozomi to Kodama

In 2010, the 500 Series trains were retired from the Nozomi service. Newer Shinkansen models took their place. However, the 500 Series trains were not scrapped. Instead, they were changed to run on the Kodama service.

For the Kodama service, the 16-car trains were shortened. They became 8-car trains. This made them more suitable for a service that makes more stops. They still provide fast and reliable travel.

Special Liveries and Themes

Sometimes, these trains get special paint jobs. These are called "liveries." For example, one train was painted to look like "500 Type Eva." This was a theme based on a popular Japanese anime series. Another train was painted with a "Hello Kitty" theme. These special designs make the trains even more fun to see.

Where to See a 500 Series Train

You can still ride a 500 Series train today. They operate on the Sanyō Shinkansen line. This line connects Shin-Osaka and Hakata. They also run on the shorter Hakata-Minami Line.

Some parts of these trains are also preserved. For example, you can see one of the original cars at the Kyoto Railway Museum. This allows people to learn about their history.