Its original GTO-VVVF propulsion system was supplied by Siemens. The ability to produce a "do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do" scale when the propulsion starts up quickly became a signature to the 2100 series when it was introduced, earning the nickname as the "singing train". Subsequently, similar propulsion was also installed on 56 cars of the N1000 series. The uniqueness of the propulsion system made its way into various music and popular culture, such as Super Bell"Z. Due to the unavailability of substitute parts for the train's GTO-VVVF propulsion system, the propulsion system on the trains was replaced Toyo Denki IGBT-VVVF, which does not have a solfège scale.
Formation
, ten eight-car sets are in operation, formed as follows, with four motored cars and four trailer cars, and car 1 at the Misakiguchi end.
Car No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Designation
Muc
T
Tp
Mu
Ms
T
Tp
Msc
Numbering
21xx
21xx
21xx
21xx
21xx
21xx
21xx
21xx
The two "Tp" cars are each fitted with two single-arm pantographs.
Interior
Passenger accommodation consists of transverse seating arranged 2+2 abreast, with seat backs that can be flipped over to face the direction of travel. The windows on the 2100 series are double-glazed, with curtains.
Refurbishment
Set 2101 was the first 2100 series set to undergo refurbishment, in 2013. Modifications include replacing the passenger windows at the ends of each car with opening windows, replacing the curtains on these windows with roller blinds, replacing the original fluorescent tube lighting with LED lighting, installation of door chimes as well as a single LCD passenger information screen above the doors. By March 2015, all of the original Siemens-powered GTO-VVVF traction motors were replaced with new IGBT-VVVF traction motors manufactured by Toyo Denki.
Livery variations
Trainset 2157 carried a "Keikyu Blue Sky Train" livery, and used on airport services from 11 June 2005. From March 2015, set 2133 received the "Keikyu Blue Sky Train" livery. From 21 February 2016, set 2133 operated in a modified version of its blue livery, adapted to resemble the livery of Taiwan Railways Administration trains, to mark the first anniversary of the signing of a friendship agreement between Keikyu and Taiwan Railways Administration. Keikyu teamed up with Sega to decorate a special limited edition "Sonic the Hedgehog/Puyo Puyo" train which ran on the Keikyu Airport Line from 14 November 2016 to 17 December 2016 to celebrate the 25th anniversary for both games. The train was part of the Keikyu 2100 series' "Keikyu Blue Sky Train" livery and featured images of Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, Silver, Eggman and Carbuncle as well as a collection of the game’s expressive stacking blobs. In addition, signs at the Airport Line’s Otorii Station, the closest stop to the site of Sega’s original office prior to 2018, were featuring special images honoring the games.
