Sunflower Festival on the Odakyu Line

EMU Odakyu 8000 series stands at Sobudaimae station

It's September already. Time really flies. Before introducing the topics of autumn, I'm going to keep on subjects of this summer a bit more.

Sunflower festivals are popular midsummer events in Japan. Many flower lovers flock to the festival venues. I’m also one of them. This year, I went to check out the sunflower festival of Zama City in Kanagawa Prefecture with my family. In the festival ground, nearly 550,000 flowers were blooming along Sagami River. It was very vivid and gorgeous. Whenever I visited sunflower festivals, I feel strange mood while I walk in the field. To be exact, I feel many eyes watching me. It’s because all the flowers face me. A round shaped sunflower looks like someone's face. Probably, I’m spaced out.

To visit this beautiful sunflower field, we took the Odakyu line, and got off at Sobudaimae station. It took about 50 minutes from Shinjuku, a subcenter of Tokyo. Taking this opportunity, I’m going to show you the EMU 8000 series, the active oldest commuter train on the Odakyu line. The 8000 series is a fully painted steel body train. It was commissioned in 1982 to replace old commuter trains such as the 2600 series. Its clean and beautiful body hasn't faded despite 42 years having passed by. As I recently posted, 40 units of the 8000 series are being transferred to Seibu Railway, another major private railway in Tokyo starting this year. The history of this experienced Odakyu train will keep going on.

Zama Sunflower Festival

Odakyu New Mocoron Train

Odakyu New Mocoron Train passes through Soshigaya-okura station

Odakyu updated their Mocoron (or Mokoron) poster train. 

What’s Mocoron? It is a mascot character of Odakyu Electric Railway. According to Odakyu, he (or she) is a blue-colored rabbit to assist in child-rearing around the Odakyu line. He (or she) likes riding trains, and always looks for something fun. On November 29th, 2023, Odakyu made Set 5055 of the EMU 5000 series debut as the first generation Mocoron Train. It was popular among local children, but it's lacking something to be honest. The problem was that Mocoron was illustrated only on the front of the train. We couldn’t see Mocoron on the side bodies.

The new Mocoron train debuted on June 4th, 2024. It was again modified from Set 5055 of the EMU 5000 series. We can see various poses of Mocoron on the side bodies and in the train. Furthermore, the large stuffed Mocoron is boarding on the driver's cab. That’s so cute. I'm also one of his (or her) fans.

For your information, Odakyu makes much of assisting in child-rearing. For instance, the train fare for elementary school student is flat… only 50 yen (0.32 US dollar). As I posted several times, Japan's population has entered into a decreasing phase. Railway companies can't keep their arms crossed in this situation. They are in competition to attract passengers, and have to refine the value of their lines. Otherwise, the residents will move to the popular areas on other companies' lines. The strategy of Odakyu is attracting child-rearing families.

Odakyu New Mocoron Train passes through Chitose-funabashi station

　

Official information about Odakyu New Mocoron Train (in Japanese):

https://www.odakyu.jp/news/b4fuqs0000002u0d-att/b4fuqs0000002u0k.pdf

2024 Sakura Season on the Odakyu Line

EMU Odakyu 70000 series, "GSE", passes by sakura trees in full bloom

This year's sakura (cherry blossom) season has long since passed in the metropolitan area, but I continue posting this topic for the time being.

A wide variety of sakuras are seen on the Odakyu lines ranging from famous spots such as Senbonzakura to nameless trees in my neighborhood. This year, I visited Zama City in Kanagawa Prefecture, about 50 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. I got off at Sobudaimae station on the Odakyu-Odawara line, and headed southwestward. Ten minutes later, I found that old sakura trees in full bloom formed a line on both sides of the track. Spring was in full swing!

Standing at the end of the overpass, I could observe many kinds of trains passing by sakura trees. One of the gains was a vermillion-colored train, the EMU 70000 series, also known as Romance Car "GSE (Graceful Super Express)". Actually, that was the first time for me to observe the roof of GSE. I found that the air-conditioners are beautifully integrated with the roofs. There are three air-conditioners on the head car, which look like a part of the roof. One of those air-conditioners is used for the driver's room, which is located on the second floor. GSE is generous to drivers as well. On the other hand, two separate air-conditioners are seen on the edges of the middle cars. It looks good as the roofs are neat and tidy. It was unexpected to find the train roof like this. Trainspotting is indeed interesting, isn't it?

An old sakura tree in full bloom and the EMU Odakyu 3000 series

When the Season Changes on the Odakyu Line...

Odakyu's mascot train, "Mokoron", approaches Kurihira station on the Tama line

It's still cold in Tokyo. In this season, the mountains block the cold, wet wind blowing from the northwest, which causes heavy snow to fall on the Japan Sea side. Then, only dry air comes to the Pacific side such as Tokyo. It basically stays clear in Tokyo every day, but not so always. Once a low-pressure system approaches the Pacific side, Tokyo also experiences snowfall.

Last week, a strong low-pressure system hit Tokyo. We saw 9 centimeters of snow. It was a hard time for railway employees, as they got sucked into the snow shoveling in the railway facilities. Thanks to their hard work, I could visit my favorite train shooting spot, Kurihira station, on the Odakyu-Tama line. I could shoot Odakyu's mascot train, "Mokoron", backed by the snow-covered world. Please look at the top photo. You can see the large stuffed Mokoron boarding on the train. I had chills, but it was worth the wait.

Two days later, the weather improved. It was a warm and sunny day. I enjoyed taking a walk near Chitose-funabashi station on the Odakyu line. When I passed by a small park, I found an early-blooming cherry tree there. It blossomed earlier than usual this year. Beautiful! Just like last year, a white-eye was coming to the tree. Judging from the belly stripe pattern, it's female. She was keen on sucking the nectar. Its green-colored head was brilliant.

When the season changes on the Odakyu line, we can enjoy both winter and spring scenes.

A white-eye sucks nectar of early-blooming cherry blossoms

Deja Vu on the Odakyu Line

EMU Odakyu 70000 series passes through the Second Shobu Tunnel

The Second Shobu Tunnel is the shortest tunnel on the Odakyu line. It's only 60.3 meters long. Almost all the Odakyu trains are longer than 60.3 meters, so, even when the top car passes through the tunnel, the very last car hasn't entered it yet. What makes the story of the Second Shobu Tunnel even more interesting is that this tunnel is located on a gently curved track. As a result, we can take a unique photo in this spot. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Please look at the top photo. You can see the EMU Odakyu 70000 series, which is bisected by the tunnel. Isn't it unique? Isn't it interesting?

I know that nobody likes my bragging, so, I would like to move on to the next topic. When I shot the Odakyu train and the Second Shobu Tunnel, I had a strange feeling. I felt that I've seen this scenery before. Is this deja vu? I wonder what caused it. Three days later, I abruptly remembered it. Evidence is better than debate. Please look at the photo below. It was shot near Meidaimae station on the Keio-Inokashira line. You can see the EMU Keio 1000 series, which is bisected by the bridge of National Route 20. The structure is not a tunnel but a road bridge; however, you can see similar scenery in both photos. Two obtained images are very similar, aren't they?

EMU Keio 1000 series passes through the bridge of National Route 20

Hansha-tetsu: A New Trend of Rail-fans, Part 2

EMU Odakyu 8000 series travels on the Odawara line

Three months have already passed since I introduced you to a new trend of rail-fans namely "hansha-tetsu". Do you still remember this strange Japanese coined word? Let me report my 2nd activity as a "hansha-tetsu" today.

Please look at the top photo. When I took the Odakyu line the other day, I found that a white colored train, the EMU Odakyu 8000 series, was accompanying my train on another track. This urban section is a double-double track, so, I sometimes see accompanying trains; however, something strange at that time. For example, the accompanying train was being operated perfectly at the same speed as my train. More surprisingly, the blue-colored "Odakyu" logo on the accompanying train seemed like a flipped image. To make matters worse, the accompanying train had a dent on the side of the body! It was dangerous! What was happening?

Now you get it, don't you? The gimmick is in the photo below. You can see the reflection image of the train on the windows of the building! "Hansha-tetsu" means a rail-fan who loves reflection images of trains. Incidentally, "hansha-tetsu" might have originated from "mizu-kagami (water mirror)", which is one of the traditional techniques of railway photography. It's a train image reflected on the smooth water surface, such as a quiet lake without ripples or a paddy field before rice planting. Railway photographers love shooting both a real train and a reflected one in the same image. I'll show you an example of mizu-kagami one day.

Gimmick of the top photo

Preserved Odakyu Train at Tsujido Seaside Park

Unit Odakyu KuHa 2658 is preserved in Tsujido Seaside Park in Fujisawa City

Following the latest poster train on the Odakyu line, I'm going to show you an old Odakyu train, unit KuHa 2658 of the EMU 2600 series, preserved at Tsujido Seaside Park in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The 2600 series was Odakyu's commuter train. It debuted in 1964 to enhance the transportation capacity. For that purpose, the body of the 2600 series grew in size. One car has 20-meters-long and 2.9-meters-wide steel body, which is the same as the present 8000 series. A total of 132 units were built by Tokyu Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo and Kawasaki Sharyo. Regarding the technical specifications, one set was composed of 5, 6 or 8 cars. Each set had 3 to 6 motorcars. The electric control system was rheostatic with field-weakening control. After operating for 40 years, it was retired from the track in 2004. One of the front cars, namely unit KuHa 2658, was transferred to Tsujido Seaside Park. I would like to thank everyone involved in preserving unit KuHa 2658, but I'm slightly sad, as it's in a poor state of preservation. I think that the sea breeze might be a bad influence on the steel body of KuHa 2658.

After observing unit KuHa 2658, I visited the ocean beach in front of the park. It was late afternoon. I fully enjoyed the seaside walking. Mt. Fuji was veiled in haze, but it was so refreshing when I was just blown by the sea breeze. There're only a few days left of this year.

Beach of the Shonan Coast in front of Tsujido Seaside Park

Mokoron: Mascot Character of the Odakyu Line

Mokoron poster train, set 5055 of the EMU Odakyu 5000 series

Japan's population has entered into a decreasing phase. Railway companies can't keep their arms crossed in this situation. They are in competition to attract passengers, and have to refine the value of their lines. Otherwise, the residents will move to the popular areas on other companies' lines. The railway mascot character is one of the solutions to refine the brand value of the railway line. For example, Sotetsu has Sounyan, who is a cat employee in charge of public relations. Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit has Rinkaru, who is a dolphin passenger of the Rinkai line. The Transportation Bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has Toaran, who has a pantograph on the head. Yokohama Municipal Subway has Hamarin, who is a wheel of the subway train.

How is Odakyu Electric Railway going? Odakyu also can't afford to lose it! On October 7th, the company unveiled their new mascot character, Mokoron. He (or she) is a blue-colored rabbit to assist in child-rearing on the Odakyu line. He (or she) likes riding trains, and always looks for something fun. Odakyu recently commissioned the Mokoron poster train using set 5055 of the EMU 5000 series in commemoration of the debut of Mokoron. You can see an illustration of Mokoron on the front of the train. Mokoron is cute, and soon became hugely popular among children on the Odakyu line. I'm also one of his (or her) fans, and specifically fond of the large stuffed Mokoron boarding on the train. Look into the driver's cab.

Front view of the Mokoron poster train

Official information about Mokoron (in Japanese):

https://www.odakyu.jp/oyako/mocoron/

Official information about the Mokoron poster train (in Japanese):

https://www.odakyu.jp/oyako/topic/11408/

Shocking News on the Seibu Lines

EMU Odakyu 8000 series passes through Kitami station on the Odawara line

On September 26th, Seibu Railway made a press release announcing that approximately 100 units of trains will be transferred from Tokyu Railways and Odakyu Electric Railway. That was shocking news not only among rail-fans but also the general public.

Let me review Seibu Railway to start. Seibu is one of the major private railway companies in the metropolitan area. It was established in 1912, and currently owns a total of 176.6-kilometer-long railway network in the northwestern part of Tokyo Metropolis and Saitama Prefecture. "Laview" is famous for Seibu's flagship train on the Ikebukuro line.

Let's head to the main topic. According to media, 60 units of the Tokyu 9000 series and 40 units of the Odakyu 8000 series will be transferred to Seibu starting the fiscal year 2024. It will save not only the manufacturing cost of new trains, but also the maintenance cost for train operation. As you may know, these two models have variable frequency drive electric control systems, which save electricity consumption. In Japan, many small-and-medium-sized railway companies purchase secondhand trains from major railway companies; however, it's very unusual that a major railway company purchases secondhand trains from the other major railway companies. As a rail-fan, I have mixed feelings of happiness and sadness. I'm looking forward to seeing ex-Tokyu and ex-Odakyu trains on the Seibu lines. On the other hand, I'm sad that a major railway company gave up on introducing their own new model, and just buys secondhand trains from their rival companies.

Hang in there, Seibu!

EMU Tokyu 9000 series arrives at Mizonokuchi station on the Den-en-toshi line

Tama Riverside Walking, Part 7: Noborito

EMU Odakyu 8000 series crosses Tama River

I still enjoy walking along Tama River and its tributaries. After visiting Asakawa in Hachioji City, I went downstream another day. It was a warm and clear day. My destination was Noborito in Kawasaki City. As soon as I reached the embankment, what jumped into my eyes there was a double-double track railway bridge on the Odakyu line.

A white-colored train with a blue-colored stripe was soon approaching the bridge. That was the EMU 8000 series, the oldest train in operation on the Odakyu line. It's also known as the last of the steel body commuter trains on the line. The 8000 series was commissioned in 1982 to reinforce the transportation capacity. A total of 160 units were built, and 120 units are still operated on the line. What I saw was a 10-car train travelling on the westbound express track on the downstream side of the bridge. Its white-colored bodies were fresh and shining under the early summer sunlight.

After passing under the railway bridge, I continued walking upstream. Five minutes later, a blue-colored train passed through the eastbound express track. That was the EMU 60000 series, "Romancecar MSE". It was a 6-car train, being operated as a limited express "Fuji-san (Mt. Fuji)". The left-hand side had a streamlined front; meanwhile, the right-hand side had a flat front with a gangway. The blue-colored metallic bodies looked really stylish.

In the end, I couldn't help observing trains, even if I was enjoying riverside walking. That's a rail-fan's instinct, isn't it?

EMU Odakyu 60000 series, Romancecar MSE, crosses Tama River

2023 Cherry Blossom Season in Oyama Town

EMU Odakyu 60000 series, limited express "Fuji-san"

It's late May already. The cherry blossom season this year ended a long time ago, but I would like to introduce you to some more cherry blossom scenes in 2023.

I visited my grandmother's grave last month, and offered flowers for the first time in two years. She lived a long and healthy life, and passed away several years ago at the age of 103. Her grave is located in Fuji Reien (Fuji Cemetery), in Oyama Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. It's at the southern foot of Mt. Fuji, and known as a vast cemetery surrounded by beautiful forests. The main street of the cemetery is very wide and famous for its cherry trees. They were in full bloom when I visited there. A flurry of cherry blossoms blowing in the wind was really romantic. It was a shower of cherry blossoms.

To visit Fuji Reien, the nearest railway station is Suruga-Oyama on the JR Central Gotemba line. For passengers from downtown Tokyo to Suruga-Oyama, a direct train, "Fuji-san (Mt. Fuji)", is convenient. Fuji-san train starts from Shinjuku terminal on the Odakyu line, and is directly operated onto the JR Central Gotemba line to Gotemba terminal. My vehicle was the EMU Odakyu 60000 series, "MSE (Multi Super Express)". MSE was launched in 2008 as a multi-purpose limited express train. I found a special sticker on the front of the train celebrating the 15th anniversary of MSE. Congratulations on the 15th anniversary! I wish MSE will be active on the track for a long time.

The main street of Fuji Reien (Fuji Cemetery)

Peony Garden on the Odakyu Line

EMU JR East E233-2000 series travels on the Odakyu line

After cherry blossoms falling from the trees, peony flowers have started to bloom in Tokyo. I went to Machida Peony Garden in Machida City, about 40 kilometers southwest of the center of Tokyo Metropolis. Along with the garden of Nishiarai-daishi temple, Machida Peony Garden is famous for its beautiful peony flowers from April to May. What jumped into my eyes there was various colored flowers. They were red, pink, yellow, purple and white-colored. Specifically, my favorite ones were the large yellow and pink-colored flowers, which were fully blooming and shining under the spring sunlight. The red-colored Japanese traditional parasol matched these peony flowers.

I can't be written off here as this is a railway blog. To get to this beautiful peony garden, the nearest station is Machida on the Odakyu line. Taking this opportunity, I'm going to show you one of the trains being operated on the Odakyu line. The JR East E233-2000 series is a commuter train directly operated from the JR East Joban line onto the Odakyu line via the subway Chiyoda line. It was commissioned in 2009 to replace the old 207-900 and the 203 series. A total of 18 sets, 180 units, were built by Tokyu Sharyo. The E233-2000 series has narrower bodies than those of the standard E233 series. It's because the vehicle limit of the subway Chiyoda line is smaller than that of the JR East and Odakyu lines. I hope that you will understand the variety of trains in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Machida Peony Garden near Machida station on the Odakyu line

The 5th Anniversary of GSE

EMU Odakyu 70000 series, "GSE", travels on the Odakyu line

On March 17th, 2023, Odakyu Electric Railway celebrated the 5th anniversary of the GSE operation. Time really flies.

Let me review the Odakyu GSE. EMU Odakyu 70000 series, "GSE", is the latest model of the "Romancecar" fleet. "Romancecar (one word)" is the brand name of the Odakyu limited express train in English. It's operated between Shinjuku, a sub-center of Tokyo and Hakone, a famous resort in the metropolitan area. GSE is a 7-car train with upper-deck cockpits, so, passengers can enjoy the view ahead. It's the same as the previous models such as NSE, LSE, HiSE and VSE, but GSE is more elaborate. For instance, it has larger windows to secure a clear visual field for passengers. Regarding the technical specifications, an electrohydraulic full active suspension system is notable. It's a special device to minimize the lateral swinging movement of the train. The electric control system is a state-of-the-art full SiC-various frequency drive. On the other hand, GSE are not articulated cars but a standard EMU. It's probably because the articulated cars require more maintenance cost. When disconnecting the articulated cars for an inspection, it's necessary to support the vehicle body by a crane.

In commemoration of the 5th anniversary, a special sticker is being displayed on the front of the train. Whenever I come across GSE, its rose-vermilion-colored bodies make my heart race. It's definitely my favorite color. Congratulations on the 5th anniversary of GSE! I wish GSE will be active on the track for long time.

A special sticker is displayed on the front of Romancecar "GSE"

Official website, Odakyu limited express, Romancecar:

https://www.odakyu.jp/english/romancecar/

2023 Cherry Blossom Season: The Odakyu Line

Odakyu Romancecar EXE-alpha (cab with a gangway in the front)

There is a large variety of cherry blossoms in Japan. Somei-yoshino is a well-known one, but that's not all. Please look at the bottom photo. It's called "Edo-higan" cherry. I found this beautiful tree at Ouju-hiroba (Cherry trees plaza) near Chitose-Funabashi station on the Odakyu line. Edo-higan is a representative early-bloom cherry blossom. We can see the pinkish blossoms from February. Luckily, a mejiro (white-eye) was coming to the tree. Judging from the belly stripe pattern, it's female. She was hanging on a branch, and very keen on sucking the nectar. Its green-colored wings were brilliant.

Well, I can't be written off here as this is a railway blog. Taking this opportunity, I'm showing one of the Odakyu star trains. The top photo is the EMU Odakyu 30000 series, also known as Romancecar EXE-alpha. I've already introduced it several times, but this is the first time to show you an image of the cab with a gangway in the front. The EMU 30000 series was commissioned in 1996 under the nickname of EXE. EXE stands for "Excellent Express". One set of the train is composed of ten cars, and can be broken up into six and four car sections to enhance operational flexibility. After 21 years of its operation, EXE was renovated as EXE-alpha in 2017. The body color was changed from bronze to silver. The interior was upgraded, for example, luggage spaces were equipped. I enjoyed beautiful cherry blossoms and the Odakyu train on that day.

Note: "Romancecar (one word)" is the formal name in English by Odakyu.

A white-eye sucks nectar of cherry blossoms

Advent of Spring on the Odakyu-Tama Line: Part 2

Karakida Railyard on the Odakyu-Tama line

Continuing with what I covered last time, I'm going to show you an advent of spring on the Odakyu-Tama line today.

After enjoying walking on the hill ridge footpath, I reached a viewing spot named Miharashi-hiroba (viewing plaza). I could see a suburban residential area against the 1,000 to 1,600-meter-class Tanzawa mountains from there. The shape of the ridge line was almost the same as the view from my home, but it was clearer, since it's closer to the mountains. It was not as superb as the view spots in the national nature parks, but good enough as a place close to the city center of Tokyo. I was so glad that I had come.

Well, I can't be written off here as this is a railway blog. On the way back to Karakida station, I stopped by the other observatory. It was just a nameless spot among non-rail-fans, but a sacred site for rail-fans like me. I could overlook Karakida Railyard of Odakyu Electric Railway from there. Karakida Railyard was established in 1990, when the Tama line was inaugurated. It's relatively small-scale, but one of four major railyards on the Odakyu lines. Fortunately, it was sunny, so, I could see the shining faces of Odakyu commuter trains under the spring sunlight. They were one set of the EMU 1000, and two sets each of the 4000 and 5000 series.

Odakyu trains, get a good rest! Starting in the evening, you'll be busy again for transporting commuters on the way home.

Miharashi-hiroba (viewing plaza) near Karakida station on the Odakyu-Tama line

Advent of Spring on the Odakyu-Tama Line

EMU Odakyu 4000 series arrives at Kurihira station on the Tama line

Finally, winter has gone and spring is here in Tokyo. The sun is getting stronger, and the temperature has risen. The maximum daytime temperature is nearly 20 degrees Celsius. I visited the Odakyu-Tama line to find the advent of spring.

Let me quickly review the Odakyu-Tama line to start. The Tama line connects Shin-Yurigaoka, a transfer station from the Odakyu-Odawara line, and Karakida, a terminal station in the western part of Tama New Town. As I posted before, Tama New Town was developed in the Tama Hills area by the central and the metropolitan governments in the 1960s. The current population is nearly 200,000.

During my short trip, I stopped by Kurihira station, and enjoyed shooting trains. A 10-car train, EMU 4000 series, soon approached me drawing a gentle curve on the track. The 4000 series was commissioned in 2007 to consider about the future direct operation onto the JR East Joban line. For that purpose, the technical specification of the 4000 series is in line with the JR East E233 series. It was just a familiar train to me, but very beautiful on that particular day under the basking gentle spring sunlight.

After arriving at Karakida terminal, I started walking along the hill ridge. It was nice and warm. I found the blooming of a red plum tree on the footpath to a golf course. It indicated the advent of spring. I saw golfers enjoying themselves playing golf. I haven't played golf recently, so, it's nostalgic. Have a great time!

Red plum flowers are in full bloom on the Tama Hills near Karakida station

Wood-grain Floor: You’ll be Healed Safely

EMU Odakyu 5000 series passes through Soshigaya-Okura station

Following the Romance Car VSE, I'm going to post a topic of the Odakyu line today.

What's new with the Odakyu line? The latest model, the EMU 5000 series, has been increasing in numbers. The 5000 series is a commuter train commissioned in March, 2020. The debut of new commuter train on the Odakyu line was for the first time in 12 years. Three years after the debut of the 5000 series, it has become a large group of the Odakyu commuter trains fleet. Currently, a total of 12 sets, 120 cars, are operated on the line.

Three years ago, I posted that the wide bodies are a distinctive feature of this commuter train. It's about 10 centimeters wider than that of existing trains. It's only 10 centimeters, but considered important for passengers, who use packed trains during peak hours every day. This time, I would like to introduce the interior of the 5000 series. It has a bright and spacious atmosphere, but more importantly, the floor is classical wood-grain, which heals me even if I'm tired. That's definitely my cup of tea. The only concern for passengers like me was its safety, because wood is flammable. Please don't worry. It's not made of wood, but made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). They're non-flammable. I was surprised that the material of those floors was PVC. To all appearances, it was true wood. New technological innovations are being created, aren't they?

Getting on the EMU Odakyu 5000 series, you'll be healed safely.

Interior of the EMU Odakyu 5000 series

Long Time No See! Odakyu Romance Car VSE

EMU Odakyu 50000 series, "VSE", travels on the local train's track

I live close to the Odakyu line, and take it almost every day. Even I seldom see two kinds of Odakyu trains with that in mind. One is KuYa 31, which is the inspection car. The other one is the EMU 50000 series, whose nickname is Romance Car "VSE". Odakyu doesn't release timetables of these trains, so whether I can meet them or not depends on my luck.

I recently came across VSE at Chitose-Funabashi station by chance. VSE is one of Odakyu's limited express trains (Romance Cars). It was commissioned in 2005, and achieved a high level of popularity among tourists to Hakone, a popular mountain resort. Its cockpit is upstairs, so that passengers can enjoy a front view through the wide front windows. VSE was terminated in its regular service on March 11th last year. It's currently operated only as a chartered or special train.

VSE suddenly approached me, so I was very surprised. Taking out my camera hastily, I shot it immediately before it passed in front of me. Good job! Only one thing was that VSE traveled on the local train's track, not on the express trains' track. The section around Chitose-Funabashi station is a double-double track. The westbound trains travel on one of these tracks. For taking pictures, travelling on the express train's track was better, because the whole train could be contained properly within an image. Did I have an enviable problem?

Long time no see VSE! I'm relieved you look fine.

EMU Odakyu 50000 series, "VSE", passes through Chitose-Funabashi station

Official website, "Thanks VSE" (in Japanese):

https://www.odakyu.jp/thanks/vse/

The First Electric Car on the Odakyu Line

MoHa 10 of the electric car Odakyu MoHa 1 series 

I thought that all the trains in the Romancecar Museum had already been introduced to you here, but I was wrong. I'm going to show you a precious old train in the museum today.

The electric car Odakyu MoHa 1 series is a 15-meter-long commuter train that operated on the section between Shinjuku and Inada-Noborito (presently Mukogaoka-yuen) stations in the past. It was launched in 1927, when the Odakyu line was opened. A total of 18 cars were built by Nippon Sharyo. The body of the MoHa 1 series is chocolate-colored, riveted, and made of imposing steel but is gracefully rounded. The three front windows and large circular headlight are impressive. The beautifully curved single roof at the top of the body with a large pantograph is also attractive. The technical specification of the MoHa 1 series is classic. It has four 60 kW DC motors manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The electric control system is rheostatic. The driving system is a nose suspension. The brake system is an old automatic air brake. The interior of the MoHa 1 series is also nostalgic. It has a wooden floor and rounded ceiling lights with incandescent bulbs. The long straps are also old-fashioned.

After operating for 54 years on the Odakyu and Kumamoto Electric Railway, the final car of the MoHa 1 series was retired from the track in March 1981. Only one car, namely MoHa 10 of the MoHa 1 series, is preserved in the Romancecar Museum. I was very happy to see this legendary electric car.

Interior of the electric car Odakyu MoHa 1 series

RSE Car: Romancecar with Semi-compartment Seats

EMU Odakyu 20000 series, RSE Car, is exhibited in the Romancecar Museum

Let me continue from where I left off my post on May 21st.

After a reunion with HiSE Car, I observed RSE (Resort Super Express) Car in the Romancecar Museum. RSE Car, also known as the EMU Odakyu 20000 series, was launched in 1991, when Odakyu started a direct operation between Shinjuku on the Odakyu line and Numazu on the JR Central Gotemba line. Two train sets were built by Nippon Sharyo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. RSE Car had 20-meter-long bodies with standard trucks. It's different from NSE, LSE and HiSE Cars, which had 12 or 16-meter-long bodies with articulated trucks. The greatest feature of RSE Car was its two-storied carriages (Car number 3 and 4) at the center of the 7-car train. The upper-deck seats held wonderful views. Another feature was the semi-compartment seats on the lower-deck of Car number 4. It's a European-style carriage, and popular among family and group travelers.

After operating for 21 years, RSE Car was retired from the track in March 2012. I was sorry to hear that, but the God of trains was with us. In 2013, Fujikyu, a local railway company in Yamanashi Prefecture, purchased one set of RSE Car, and launched it under the name of Fujsan Express (Mt. Fuji Express). Fujisan Express consists of only three cars without two-storied carriages, but it still has a remnant of its former beauty in the Odakyu era.

Two carriages of RSE Cars, namely DeHa 20001 and SaHa 20151, are exhibited in the Romancecar Museum.

Semi-compartment seats of RSE Car