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| Set 5505 of the EMU Izu-Hakone 5000 series travels on the Daiyuzan line I recently visited Odawara City in Kanagawa Prefecture, as I had something to do there. After finishing my meeting, I stopped by a short railway route, the Daiyuzan line, for the first time in two years. What was new with this local line? I found a special mint-colored train, set 5505 of the EMU 5000 series. Set 5505 was originally a blue colored train, but its body color was changed to mint in commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Daiyuzan line. It's called the Mint Spectacle Train, and definitely my cup of tea. The 5000 series is the main fleet on the Daiyuzan line. It was launched in 1984 replacing old deteriorated models. Seven sets were built by Tokyu Sharyo. Only the 1st set (5501) is steel, while the other six sets, including set 5505, are stainless-steel. One set is composed of three cars. Car number 2 of set 5505 is my favorite, because it is equipped with comfortable cross seats. For your information, the Daiyuzan line is operated by Izu-Hakone Railway, which is one of the Seibu Group companies. It was opened in 1925 between Odawara and Daiyuzan stations to transport worshippers to the famous Saijo-ji Buddhist temple. Currently, the passengers are not only worshipers, but also local commuters and students going to Odawara, Yokohama, and other cities. The route length is 9.6 kilometers. The track is 1,067 mm-size single and electrified. The electric system is 1,500 V DC overhead. Trains are operated every 12 minutes on average. To be continued... |
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| Interior of car number 2, set 5505 of the EMU Izu-Hakone 5000 series |