PREMIER services on JR Kyushu’s main line between Hakata and Nagasaki are now operated by the company’s fourth design of air-conditioned limited express EMU. The Series 885 Kamome or Seagull units are derived from the Series 883 sets used on the Hakata - Oita run. With a top speed of 130 km/h, the Series 885 sets have cut the Hakata - Nagasaki journey time by 15min to 1h 47min.
The 20m car bodies are assembled from extruded aluminium in a double-skin structure. A six-car unit has three powered cars, each with four motors providing 760 kW for traction. Final drive to all axles is through cardan shafts. Two cars have pantographs to collect power at 20 kV 60Hz. The DT406K powered and TR406K trailer bogies include the tilt equipment for a 10 km/h speed increase through curves.
Exterior livery is white, with black and yellow highlights. This is carried through to the interior, which has white walls, wooden floors and black leather seating. Liquid crystal glass dividers between the end saloons and the cabs give Green Car passengers an excellent view (below left). Electronic display screens throughout the train provide information and advertising, with a large screen near the disabled-accessible toilet in car 2 used as an art gallery (right). There are special compartments for mobile phone users.
Series 885 sets are now operating 16 limited express services each way per day to and from Nagasaki.
