72 series

In service1954–1985

ManufacturerJNR Niitsu Works, Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Kisha Seizō, Nippon Sharyo, Teikoku Sharyo, Tokyu Car^{[citation needed]}

Replaced63 series

Constructed1952–1958

72 series
A JNR 72 series train on the Kabe Line at Yokogawa Station in July 1984
In service	1954–1985
Manufacturer	JNR Niitsu Works, Hitachi, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kinki Sharyo, Kisha Seizō, Nippon Sharyo, Teikoku Sharyo, Tokyu Car[citation needed]
Replaced	63 series
Constructed	1952–1958
Entered service	1954 1972 (72-970 series)[citation needed]
Number built	c. 1,450 vehicles[1]
Successor	101 series
Operators	JNR (1954–1985)
Lines served	Various
Specifications
Car length	20 m (65 ft 7 in)
Doors	4 per side
Maximum speed	95 km/h (59 mph) 100 km/h (62 mph) for mail coach conversions[citation needed]
Traction system	Resistor control MT40[citation needed]
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC overhead catenary
Current collection	Pantograph
Safety system(s)	Originally not fitted, later ATS-B and ATS-S
Track gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The 72 series (72系) trains were DC electric commuter trains operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and served as the basis for the 101 series. The 72 series included the main production batch of 490 vehicles as well as 667 former 63 series cars converted into 72 series between 1953 and 1955. The last remaining trains were withdrawn in 1985, although some cars which were converted into mail coaches and experimental vehicles continued to remain in service until 1996.^{[citation needed]} Most 72 series trains were converted to four-car 72–970 series trains, with the body based on the 103 series with the raised cab. The 72–970 series remained in service until 1985 when they were converted to 103–3000 series for the Kawagoe Line.^{[citation needed]}