I recently visited the JR East Hachiko line for the first time in three years. What was new with this local line in the western part of the Tokyo metropolitan area?
I found that the two models, namely the EMU 205-3000 and 209-3000 series, had disappeared from the track. The 205-3000 series was transferred to the Hachiko line in 2005 to replace the EMU, 103 series, which used to be operated on the Yamanote line in the downtown Tokyo area. The 205-3000 series was the first stainless-steel train on the Hachiko line. It had contributed to the modernization of the Hachiko line, but was eventually retired in July, 2018. Another retired model, the 209-3000 series, was introduced to the Hachiko line in July, 1996. It was built as new cars by Tokyu Sharyo and Kawasaki Heavy industries. The white colored frame on the front showed a simple square design. This group had an orange and light green colored stripes on the body. The 209-3000 series was retired from the Hachiko line in February, 2019.
On the other hand, a new model named the 209-3500 series was introduced to the Hachiko line in May, 2018. This model was originally operated on the Sobu-Chuo local line under the name of the 209-500 series, but transferred to the Hachiko line after several modifications. This transfer was originally caused by the introduction of the new model, the E235 series, onto the Yamanote line in the downtown Tokyo area.
To be continued...
