Shinkansen E1 Series

The E1 series, marketed as Max, was a Shinkansen high-speed train type operated by the East Japan Railway Company from July 1994 until September 2012. It was the first double-deck train type built for the Shinkansen network and was introduced to relieve overcrowding on the Tōhoku and Jōetsu lines at peak commuter times. Six 12-car trainsets were built by Hitachi and Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 1994 and 1995. Its carbodies were steel, a choice tied to the structural demands of the double-deck design, and 3+3 seating on the upper decks of the non-reserved cars gave each set a capacity of 1,235 passengers at a maximum operating speed of 240 kilometres per hour. All sets were refurbished between 2003 and 2006, and the type was withdrawn from regular service on 28 September 2012. One car is preserved at the Railway Museum in Saitama.