Goodbye to the Sotetsu New 7000 Series

Set 7753 of the Sotetsu New 7000 series arrives at Izumi-chuo station

On November 8th, 2020, Sagami Railway (Sotetsu) held a special event to say goodbye to the EMU New 7000 series in Sagami-Otsuka railyard. Following the 7000 series, the New 7000 series had also finished its role. I couldn't join the farewell event, as the participants were limited and selected by a lottery. It was unfortunate, but it couldn't be helped due to the COVID-19 calamity.

The EMU Sotetsu New 7000 series was commissioned in 1986. A total of 60 cars was built by Hitachi. The appearance of the New 7000 is completely different from the original 7000 series, but the technical specifications of the early 20 cars of the New 7000 series were basically the same as those of the original 7000 series. For instance, they used the traditional right angle cardan systems on the bogies and a rheostatic electric control system with direct current motors.

The late 40 cars of the New 7000 series had different technical specifications. A GTO-VVVF (Gate Turn-Off thyristor-variable frequency drive) electric control system with induction motors was adopted. Mixing the right angle cardan system and the GTO-VVVF electric control system, the late 40 cars generated a unique travelling sound. As a trainspotter, it was fun for me to perceive these unique sounds of the New 7000 series.

The New 7000 series will be replaced by the latest models, namely the 12000 and the 20000 series. Sayonara (goodbye) and arigatou (thank you) to the Sotetsu New 7000 series.

Set 7753 of the EMU Sotetsu New 7000 series leaves Izumi-chuo station