The is a limited express electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated in Japan by the private railway operator Nankai Electric Railway. These 6-car trains were introduced in 1994 on the new Rapi:t limited express service on the Nankai Airport Line serving Kansai International Airport, which opened on 4 September 1994.
Operations The 50000 series is used on the Airport Line Rapi:t limited express services. The trains run between Namba and Chiyoda Depot, and have also been used occasionally on special-event services to Wakayamashi and Misakikoen. Between 2022 and 2023, the type was also used on Semboku Liner limited express services on the Semboku Rapid Railway Line.
Design
The external styling of the train was the work of Hiroyuki Wakabayashi, an architect who was also responsible for designing Uji Station on the Keihan Uji Line. The design theme was "Outdated Future", and is the reason for the train's futuristic and retro styling. The end cars feature streamlined cabs without any gangway connections. The cars sport an all-over metallic deep navy blue livery, with the side windows having an elliptical shape, giving the train an aircraft-like appearance.
Formation As of 1 April 2013, the fleet consists of six 6-car sets with three motored ("M") cars and three non-powered trailer ("T") cars formed as shown below, with car 1 at the Wakayama end.
Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Designation Tc2 M3 T1 M2 M1 Tc1 Numbering 50700 50200 50600 50100 50000 50500 Cars 2 and 5 are each fitted with two cross-arm type pantographs. Cars 5 and 6 have "Super Seat" accommodation. Cars 3 and 5 have toilets.
Interior All seats in standard and super-seat cars (Nos. 5 and 6) are reserved and no smoking. Cars 3 and 5 feature a service counter and vending machines.
Future On 6 August 2026, Nankai announced that development was underway for a successor to the 50000 series, planned to operate on the Naniwasuji Line following its opening. The operator also announced that the train type would be designed in collaboration with the Italian design firm Pininfarina.
Livery variations Mobile Suit Gundam UC × Limited Express Rapi:t Neo Zeon Version (April - June 2014) One trainset was repainted in an all-over red livery in a tie-up coinciding with the release of Episode 7 of the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn series and to mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Nankai Airport Line. The repainted set returned to service on 26 April 2014 and ran until 30 June.
Peach × Rapi:t Happy Liner (September 2014 - August 2015) From 7 September 2014, one 50000 series set was reliveried in a special "Peach × Rapi:t Happy Liner" livery as part of a promotional tie-up with the low-cost airline Peach Aviation. The reliveried trainset was scheduled to operate until 31 August 2015.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens livery (November 2015 - May 2016) From 21 November 2015, a 50000 series set was reliveried in a special Star Wars: The Force Awakens black livery to mark the nationwide release of the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens in December. The reliveried trainset was scheduled to operate until 8 May 2016.
Osaka World Expo 2025 livery (April 2024 - October 2025) To promote the World Expo 2025 event hosted by Osaka, Nankai Electric Railway wrapped the 50001 into an "Umi" design. The Umi was set to release on 13 April 2024, one year before the start of the event. The livery was planned to stay until the end of the expo on 13 October 2025.
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