One day in August last year, I got off at Konodai station on the Keisei line to enjoy riverside walking. It was a hot and humid day, but the breeze across the river was very soothing. On my way back home, I came across a rare train at the station. It was similar to the old Tokyu trains such as the EMU 8000 series, but the position of the frontal lights was slightly different. What was that?
The answer is set 3688 (3688F) of the EMU Keisei 3600 series with a revival-colored design. The 3600 series is Keisei's old commuter train launched in 1982. 9 sets, 54 cars in total, were built by Tokyu Sharyo and Nippon Sharyo. Currently, only 2 sets, 10 cars (6-car x 1 set and 4-car x 1 set) are operated on the line. It originally had a field chopper electric control system; but 3688F was modified to a VVVF (variable frequency drive) electric control system in 1999.
The design of the 3600 series is just rustic, as I posted before. Furthermore, only 3688F has a special nostalgic design with a red-colored stripe on the bodies, so, it looks exactly like a typical commuter train in the 1980's. I don't know how long 3688F's current life will continue from now, but hope it will be cherished and operated on the line as long as possible.
I enjoyed both the comfortable riverside walking and the classic rare train on the same day. That summer day served me a double purpose.
