The Seibu 7000 Series EMU Begins Service

The Seibu 7000 series EMU arriving at Nishi-Tokorozawa Station

Do you remember that I mentioned back in 2023 that Seibu Railway would introduce trains purchased second-hand from Odakyu Electric Railway and Tokyu Railway? Today, I'd like to revisit that story.

・What's Happened Since Then?

Following last year's introduction of the former Odakyu 8000 series, the former Tokyu 9000 series EMU finally entered service on the Seibu network on June 27 this year. Renumbered as the Seibu 7000 series, it can now be seen in regular service (see the photo above).

・History of the Seibu 7000 Series

The Seibu 7000 series began life as Tokyu's 9000 series EMU, which debuted in 1986. A total of 117 cars were built for use on the Toyoko and Oimachi lines. The cars feature 20-metre stainless-steel bodies, VFD-controlled induction motors, and an electric-command braking system with regenerative braking.

After the transfer was announced, 16 cars of the former Tokyu 9000 series were refurbished for Seibu. They received Seibu's blue-and-green livery, and door-open/close buttons were installed beside the passenger doors for driver-only operation.

The Seibu 7000 series has already entered service on the Sayama Line, and it will also operate on the Tamagawa, Tamako, and Seibu-Chichibu lines.

・Riding the Seibu 7000 Series

I recently rode the Seibu 7000 series on the Sayama Line. As it arrived at Platform 2 at Nishi-Tokorozawa Station, I couldn't help mumbling, "Now that's a Seibu train!"

Although the train has retained the distinctive shape of the former Tokyu 9000 series, its blue-and-green checkerboard livery makes it look unmistakably like a Seibu train. It matches the design already introduced on the former Odakyu 8000 series.

I was even happier once I stepped inside. The box seats had been retained from its Tokyu days (see the photo below), and that was irresistible for a cross-seat lover like me.

・Final Thoughts

The remaining Tokyu 9000 series is still in service on the Tokyu Oimachi Line. For railfans like me, that's wonderful news, as it gives us the rare opportunity to ride both versions and compare them. I hope they will continue running for many years to come.

A box seat in the Seibu 7000 series

Related Link

・Official information from Seibu Railway (in Japanese)

A Phantom Train in Ibaraki Prefecture

Series 7000 DMU preserved at Yumenoba in Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Have you ever had an experience like this in your country?

Have you ever wanted to ride a train that rarely ran? You kept telling yourself, "Someday I'll ride it," only to find that it had already been retired before you had the chance. Today I'd like to introduce one such train.

Series 7000 was a luxurious DMU operated by the Kashima Rinkai Railway from 1992 to 2010. Interestingly, it was owned not by the railway company itself, but by Ibaraki Prefecture. It was a two-car hydraulic-transmission DMU powered by 169 kW diesel engines, and only a single set was ever built by Nippon Sharyo.

The interior was surprisingly luxurious for a regional railway train. It featured reclining cross seats, not to mention a lounge area, a large TV and even karaoke equipment.

When Series 7000 entered service, it operated as the rapid train Marine Liner Hamanasu ("Hamanasu" means rugosa rose in Japanese). In 2008, it was reassigned to special excursion services before being retired from service in 2010. Since 2024, it has been preserved at Yumenoba (also known as THE HIROSAWA CITY), a vehicle-themed park in Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

As I mentioned earlier, I had wanted to ride Series 7000 for many years. Unfortunately, the Kashima Rinkai Railway was quite a long way from where I lived, and I was very busy at the time. Then I was transferred to Indonesia in 2007, and before I knew it, Series 7000 had been retired.

Sixteen years after its retirement, I finally met Series 7000. It was on display in excellent condition alongside other historic rolling stock. Looking at its stylish exterior, I couldn't help thinking that it resembled JR East's HB-E300 hybrid DMU, which I rode recently. Perhaps Series 7000 was ahead of its time—a pioneer of Japan's sightseeing trains.

It was wonderful to finally meet you, Series 7000. I only wish I had had the chance to ride you while you were still in service. Still, I'll come back to visit you from time to time. See you again soon.

Side view of Series 7000

Related link:

・Official information from Yumenoba (in Japanese)

Enoden's Series 1000 EMU: The Final Chapter

Enoden Series 1000 EMU Set 1001 with its “Last Run” headmark

Rail fans like me have mixed feelings whenever a new train enters service.

When a new type of rolling stock enters service, I get excited and rush to the tracks to welcome it. But realistically, the debut of a new train usually means that an older one will soon be retired, and that is often exactly what happens. My head understands that, but my heart cannot accept it. Whenever a railway company announces the retirement of an old train, I feel sad. It still has plenty of life left in it! If you are also a rail fan, I hope you understand this complicated feeling.

Sorry for the long introduction. Today’s topic is the latter.

On July 15, Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) announced that Series 1000 Set 1001 (shown in the photo above) had been withdrawn from service the previous day. The moment had finally come.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Enoden introduced its brand-new Series 700 EMU on April 19. The company explained that the Series 700 would replace the aging Series 1000 fleet. In fact, Set 1001 became the first Series 1000 set to be withdrawn on July 14, marking the beginning of the retirement of the Series 1000 fleet.

Let me briefly review the history of Enoden’s Series 1000 EMU. It entered service in 1979. A total of six two-car articulated sets were built between 1979 and 1987. The fleet consists of three batches, and their specifications differ slightly, including their drive systems, brake systems, and auxiliary power supplies. Set 1001, for example, was equipped with an old nose-suspended drive system and a simple air brake system without regenerative braking. Its auxiliary power supply was a traditional motor-generator rather than a static inverter.

I was shocked when the company suddenly announced that Set 1001 had been withdrawn from service. It still had plenty of life left in it! Still, I suppose it could not be helped. Fortunately, I was able to photograph Set 1001 during its final days in service, complete with a “Last Run” headmark, last month. Set 1002 (shown in the photo below) and the remaining sets are still active. Hang in there, Series 1000!

The final chapter of Enoden’s Series 1000 EMU has just begun.

Enoden Series 1000 EMU Set 1002

Related link:

・Official information, Enoden Series 1000 EMU (in Japanese)

A Trip on JR East's Joyful Train "Kairi"

Joyful train Kairi arriving at Tsuruoka Station

Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but today I'd like to return to my recent family trip to Yamagata Prefecture and share one of its highlights in a little more detail.

After enjoying the fascinating world of jellyfish and another railway experience at Tsuruoka Station, we boarded Kairi, a joyful train I had always wanted to ride.

・What is Kairi?

Take a look at the photo above. Kairi—literally meaning Sea and Village—is JR East's sightseeing train that operates between Sakata and Niigata (168 km, about two and a half hours) via the Uetsu Main Line and the Hakushin Line. Passengers can enjoy local cuisine while taking in the beautiful scenery along the Sea of Japan.

The train consists of four stainless-steel cars: Car 1 with reclining seats, Car 2 with private compartments, Car 3 with a shop and an event space, and Car 4 with a dining room. Riding Kairi requires the reserved-seat surcharge.

・The Technical Side of Kairi

Kairi is operated by JR East's HB-E300 series Hybrid Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). It combines diesel engines, three-phase squirrel-cage induction generators, converters/inverters, induction motors, and lithium-ion batteries. The induction motors also function as generators during braking, allowing the electricity they produce to be stored in the batteries.

A total of 18 HB-E300 series cars were built between 2010 and 2019. One four-car trainset is dedicated to Kairi, while the remaining 14 cars are used on other joyful trains, such as Resort Shirakami (Aoike).

・Impressions of the Ride

We reserved seats in Car 4, the dining room, where we enjoyed a delicious early dinner while watching the beautiful coastal scenery pass by.

In particular, the ocean view near the Yamagata–Niigata prefectural border was simply breathtaking (see the photo below). We had hoped to watch the sun set over the Sea of Japan, but the sky remained overcast. Never mind—railfans are always optimistic! It simply gave me one more reason to come back and ride Kairi again.

Our trip on Kairi turned out to be much more than just a train ride. It gave us the chance to experience one of JR East's unique joyful trains while enjoying some of the finest scenery along the lines.

The view from Car 4 (the dining room)

Related link:

・Official information from JR East

The 20th Anniversary of the Keikyu Blue Sky Trains

Set 606 of the EMU 600 series, Blue Sky Train

This is a bit late to mention, but Keikyu quietly celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Blue Sky Trains last year. I’d like to share a little about them today.

What Is the Blue Sky Train?

When people think of Keikyu, the first image that comes to mind is usually its bright red trains. That’s true—though there are a few colorful exceptions. One is the Keikyu Yellow Happy Train, painted yellow and operated with a single EMU 1000 series set. Another is the Blue Sky Train, which comes in a striking blue livery and includes one set each from the EMU 600 and EMU 2100 series.

The blue paint represents both the sky above Haneda Airport and the sea along the Miura Peninsula. In that sense, the Blue Sky Train serves as a symbol of Keikyu’s airport access service and its connection to the coastal resort areas.

The photo above shows Set 606 of the EMU 600 series, one of the Blue Sky Train sets. Beginning on October 27 last year, a special anniversary sticker was added to the front. It’s surprisingly modest compared to Keikyu’s usual bold designs, don’t you think? For the record, the other Blue Sky Train—Set 2133 of the EMU 2100 series—also carried the same sticker. Modesty aside, congratulations to the Blue Sky Train on its 20th anniversary!

While I’m at it, let me share another photo taken in late autumn last year. The picture below shows a standard-color EMU 600 series train crossing the Yatsumori Overpass, which spans the JR tracks near Shinagawa Station. The yellow ginkgo trees create a beautiful natural frame, making the red train stand out vividly. It’s one of my favorite viewing spots along the Keikyu Line—such a lovely scene.

Unfortunately, this scenery won’t last much longer. A major project to rebuild the overpass is underway to relieve congestion at the nearby level crossing. Improved transportation is important, of course, but I can’t help feeling a little sad knowing that this atmospheric spot will soon disappear. I suppose you can’t please everyone.

Standard-color EMU 600 series passing over Yatsumori Overpass

Related link:

・Official information on the overpass replacement project (Japanese only)