Tōbu 9000 series
First refurbished set, 9102, on test, April 2007
In service	1981 - Present
Manufacturer	Tokyu Car, Fuji HI, Alna Koki
Constructed	1981 - 1994
Refurbishment	2007 - 2008
Number built	100 vehicles (10 sets)
Formation	10 cars per trainset
Operator	Tōbu Railway
Depot(s)	Shinrinkōen
Line(s) served	Tōbu Tōjō Line, Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Car length	20 m
Maximum speed	100 km/h
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead
Gauge	1,067 mm

The Tōbu 9000 series (東武9000系^?) is a commuter electric Multiple Unit operated by Tōbu Railway in Japan.

First entering service in 1981 on the Tōbu Tōjō Line, this was the first stainless steel EMU type to be introduced by Tōbu. A total of ten 10-car sets were ultimately built for use on through-running services over the Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line and Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, as well as Tōjō Line services between Ikebukuro and Ogawamachi.

[edit] Variants

[edit] Prototype set 9101

Built in October 1981, this was the first stainless steel EMU type to be introduced by Tōbu, and featured a bodyline stripe using the same "Royal maroon" colour as previously used on Tōbu 1720 series "DRC" trains. The seats on this set were originally brown, but this was later changed to the standard light green colour.

[edit] Production sets 9102-9108

Production 9000 series set 9103, August 2006

Sets 9102 to 9107 were built in 1987, incorporating a number of minor improvements over the prototype set. Seat width was increased from 425 mm to 450 mm.

An additional set, 9108, was built in 1991, based on the 10030 series lightweight body style.

[edit] 9050 series VVVF sets

9050 series set 9151, June 2007

Two 9050 series sets were introduced in December 1994, coinciding with the opening of the "New Line" (now part of Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line]] between Kotakemukaihara and Ikebukuro.^[1] These incorporated further design improvements and changes similar to the 20050 series trains, notably VVVF control, bolsterless bogies, LED destination indicators, LCD interior passenger information displays, and brown seat moquette. The passenger information displays were, however, removed in 1999.

[edit] Refurbishment

From April 2007 to 2008, all of the 9000 and 9050 series sets except prototype set 9101 underwent refurbishment ahead of introduction on Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line inter-running services from June 2008. Refurbishment included totally new interiors and cabs based on the 50070 series design. Externally, single-arm pantographs were fitted, and the destination indicator blinds replaced with full-colour LED displays. Prototype set 9101 was not refurbished due to the different door spacing of this set, making it incompatible with the platform doors on the Fukutoshin Line.^[2] This set is restricted to Tōbu Tōjō Line and Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line duties, and is distinguished from other members of the fleet by "Y" stickers on the front ends.

[edit] See also

• Media related to Tobu 9000 series at Wikimedia Commons

[edit] References