NTN : Supplies Bearings for Cruise Train “TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE”

[NTN bearings that support rolling stock contribute to safe and comfortable rail travel]

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) supplies bearings for cruise train 'TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE,' which the West Japan Railway Company has started its travelling since June 17. The 'TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE,' based on the concept of 'A hotel rolling through the beautiful Japanese landscape. -Superior quality with a touch of nostalgia-,' is a sleeper train that allows passengers to gain a feel for the splendor of Japan and the charm of a railway journey from inside a train carriage decorated with a design that somehow makes you feel nostalgic in a space that is extraordinary and looks like a sophisticated hotel.

NTN bearings support the rotation of the journals and traction motors on the 'TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE.' For journal bearings, NTN has total supply over highly reliable bearings for the head and rear observation car, which has the most characteristic carriage design. For main traction motor bearings, NTN supplies insulated bearings with a special PPS* resin (glass fiber mixture) which are resistant to electrolytic corrosion. Supplying these types of bearings allows the train to run safely and comfortably even during the various weather and geographical conditions which change during travels and it also contributes towards improved maintainability and the stable operation of the rolling stocks.

NTN rolling stock bearings have been used on the Shinkansen train since it first started its service in 1964 as the 0 series up to the latest trains (Hokuriku Shinkansen*) in addition to use on subway trains and limited express trains. NTN has contributed towards faster speed and lighter weight for rolling stock by providing a high quality and high reliability product and technological development that matches the evolution of high speed rolling stocks. The 0 series Shinkansen journal bearings were also recognized as a 'Tribology Heritage*' by the Japanese Society of Tribologists.

NTN will continue to support the safe and comfortable running of rolling stocks to provide safer and more secure lives to achieve a 'smooth society' that contributes to save energy.

1. PPS:Polyphenylene sulfide
2. [Congratulations: Opening of Hokuriku Shinkansen] NTN bearings contributing to safe and comfortable high-speed operation press release
   http://www.ntnglobal.com/en/news/press/news201500015.html
3. Tribology Heritage: Tribology related technology and things recognized by the Japanese Society of Tribologists as having a particularly important contribution to the development of science and technology