On April 17th, 2022, some news shook all rail-fans. The final set of the EMU Tokyo Metro 7000 series was retired from the track without any prior notice. Urban railway companies in Japan recently tend to NOT disclose the retirement date of their old trains. It's because to avoid confusion caused by rail-fans, who flock to stations to say goodbye to the retiring trains.
Let me quickly review the 7000 series. It was launched in 1974, when the subway Yurakucho line was partially opened between Ikebukuro and Ginza-itchome stations. 34 sets, 340 cars in total, were built by Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Sharyo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kinki Sharyo over 15 years. Its futuristic aluminum alloy body with an odd-shaped front mask was my favorite. With regard to the technical specifications, a state-of-the-art AVF (automatic variable field) chopper electric control system was applied to save electric power consumption.
My best memory with the 7000 series trains was the happy reunion with it in Indonesia in June, 2010. One of Indonesian Railways' staff kindly invited me to Bukit Duri Railyard in Jakarta, when the first second-hand 7000 series train arrived there. I lived in Indonesia at that time, so, it was a touching reunion with the 7000 series. Twelve years have already passed since then. Time really flies. For your information, the 7000 series trains are still operated in Indonesia in good condition.
Goodbye to the 7000 series in Japan and thank you to the 7000 series in Indonesia for doing well working.
