Following my previous post, I'm going to show you another new limited express train bound for Izu Peninsula... the EMU JR East E257-2000 series, "Odoriko".
The E257-2000 series is a renovated model. It was originally commissioned in 2001 under the name of the E257 series, and mainly used for a limited express train, "Kaiji" on the Chuo main line. A total of 21 sets, 154 units, were built by Hitachi, Kinki-sharyo and Tokyu-sharyo.
19 years late, the renovation of the E257 series was started. The decrepit trains revived under the new name of the E257-2000 series. By April 1st this year, a total of 8 sets, 72 units, were remodeled by JR East Nagano and Akita factories. As a result of the renovation, the color of the body stripe was changed to blue. The Green Car (first-class car) arrangement was also changed from a half car to one car per set. The E257-2000 series is currently operated between the central area of Tokyo on the JR East line and Izukyu-Shimoda on the Izukyu line as a limited express train, "Odoriko".
Incidentally, I found a good time and place for rail-fans to see the new limited express trains. It's around 0.30 p.m. on Monday, Thursday and Friday at Tokyo station. You can see the E261 series at first. It leaves 0.30 p.m. from Platform 8. Just after seeing the E261 series off, the E257-2000 series then comes in on the same platform. It's a must-see event for a railway enthusiast.
The E257-2000 series is a renovated model. It was originally commissioned in 2001 under the name of the E257 series, and mainly used for a limited express train, "Kaiji" on the Chuo main line. A total of 21 sets, 154 units, were built by Hitachi, Kinki-sharyo and Tokyu-sharyo.
19 years late, the renovation of the E257 series was started. The decrepit trains revived under the new name of the E257-2000 series. By April 1st this year, a total of 8 sets, 72 units, were remodeled by JR East Nagano and Akita factories. As a result of the renovation, the color of the body stripe was changed to blue. The Green Car (first-class car) arrangement was also changed from a half car to one car per set. The E257-2000 series is currently operated between the central area of Tokyo on the JR East line and Izukyu-Shimoda on the Izukyu line as a limited express train, "Odoriko".
Incidentally, I found a good time and place for rail-fans to see the new limited express trains. It's around 0.30 p.m. on Monday, Thursday and Friday at Tokyo station. You can see the E261 series at first. It leaves 0.30 p.m. from Platform 8. Just after seeing the E261 series off, the E257-2000 series then comes in on the same platform. It's a must-see event for a railway enthusiast.
