Archaeopteryx Train on the Keisei Line

3828F of the EMU Keisei 3700 series arrives at Makuhari-hongo station 

This is quite sudden, but have you heard of Archaeopteryx? It's an ancient animal of 150 million years ago. The first Archaeopteryx fossil was found in Germany. Seven fossil skeletons have been discovered so far. They look like birds, but also have characteristics of dinosaurs. Archaeopteryx might be an animal in the intermediate stage of evolution from dinosaurs to birds.

The same is true of trains. Please look at the top photo. It's set 3828 (hereafter 3828F) of the EMU Keisei 3700 series. 3828F has stainless-steel bodies with beads on the side surfaces. A gangway and a train type display are located in the center left of the front. They're the same as the standard sets of the 3700 series. On the other hand, the positions of two front lights are upper left and right. Tail lights and express lights are wider and longitudinally arranged on the front. They're different from the standard sets of the 3700 series. They're more like the younger model, namely the 3000 series. In conclusion, 3828F seems a train in the intermediate stage of evolution from the standard 3700 series to the newer 3000 series.

3828F was built in 2000 as the 6th batch of the 3700 series. The newer model, namely the 3000 series, was developed in 2002, just after the manufacturing of 3828F. The design of the new model was inherited from the 6th batch trains of the 3700 series including 3828F. As a trainspotter, it's fun for me to perceive fine differences between trains.

3828F of the EMU Keisei 3700 series leaves Makuhari-hongo station 

Old Bridge Piers on the Chuo Line

An old bridge pier (center) is seen under the eastbound track of Tama River Bridge

Let me continue from where I left off my post on November 10th. After watching the "animal parade" on the Tama Monorail line, I continued walking along Tama River towards upstream. The next railway track was Tamagawa Bridge on the JR East Chuo line.

Tamagawa Bridge was completed in 1889 by ex-Kohbu Railway. It was originally a single track, but, became a double track when a westbound track was added in 1937. The length of the bridge is 444 meters. The most notable point of this bridge is that locally made bricks were used for piers. They were manufactured by Hino Renga Company. This local company was established in 1887, and produced a total of 500,000 bricks in two and a half years. 200,000 of those were used for Tamagawa Bridge. Hino Renga Company unfortunately went out of business in 1891 due to the death of the president. It was a story during the early stages of Japanese modern industries after nearly 700 years of feudal times.

We can still see some brick piers under the eastbound track. They remain original features. I saw that commuter, freight and limited express trains crossed the river one after another. They were the EMU E233 series, the E353 series, electric locomotive Class EH200 and Class TaKi1000 oil tank cars. The locally made bricks from 133 years ago still support the mass transportation of the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Enjoying the riverside walking and studying the local history, I spent a great weekend again.

EMU JR East E233 series travels on the westbound track of Tama River Bridge

The Christmas Lights on the Haneda Airport Line

2021F of the EMU Tokyo Monorail 2000 series travels on the Haneda Airport line

Somehow, I recently often take monorail lines. Following the Tama Monorail line and the Disney Resort line, I'm going to show you what's been happening on the Haneda Airport line this time.

Let me quickly review the Haneda Airport line to start. It's the second oldest monorail line in Tokyo. The route was inaugurated in 1964 as an airport access line from downtown Tokyo to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda). Connecting Hamamatsucho and Haneda Airport Terminal 2, its operating length is 17.8 kilometers. The entire route is a double track. The electric system is 750V DC with rigid conductor lines. The fastest "Haneda Express" train connects Hamamatsucho and Haneda Airport International Terminal (Terminal 3) without stopping in 13 minutes.

Taking the Haneda Airport line, I visited Ohi Racecourse. Am I a gambler? No, I visited there not for betting on horses but for seeing the illuminations (Christmas lights) with my family. This year's illumination season has just started in Japan. Urban streets are nicely decorated with millions of LED lights. Recently, illuminations are more than just street events. Many shopping malls and amusement parks also hold illumination events to attract holiday makers. Racecourses are no exception. My best scene was a simulated rice field. It was an artistic and beautifully lit up scene backed by the real moon.

Finally, I'm showing the recent picture of the EMU 2000 series on the Haneda Airport line. Please look at the top photo. In commemoration of the 25 years' operation, the 2000 series has a special sticker on the front of the train.

A simulated rice field is beautifully lit up in Ohi Racecourse near Ohi-keibajo station

Official movies, Tokyo Monorail Festival 2022:

http://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/news/campaign/festival2022/index.html

Official website, Tokyo Monorail:

http://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/english/

The 150th Anniversary of Japanese Railways: Part 2

Unit 10 of the Class 110 steam locomotive is exhibited at Kyuyoko Gallery

We celebrated the 150th anniversary of Japanese railways on October 14th. Following the Old Shimbashi Station, I'm going to show you the other heritages of the early Japanese railways in this post.

I recently visited Kyuyoko Gallery near Sakuragicho station in Yokohama City. Japan's first railway was inaugurated on October 14th in 1872 between Shimbashi and Yokohama stations. Yokohama station at that time was located at the present Sakuragicho station on the JR East Keihin-Tohoku line. Kyuyoko gallery is a narrow space in a shopping mall, but anyone can observe precious railway heritages for free. The most important exhibition is a steam locomotive (SL) unit 10 of the Class 110. The Class 110 is one of Japan's first SLs imported from the UK in 1871. It's a 2-4-0 (Whyte notation) type tank locomotive built by Meadow Hall Works of Yorkshire Engine Company. After operating for 52 years, it was retired from the track in 1924. A large steam dome on the central part of the boiler catches visitors' eyes.

Another important exhibition is a second-class passenger car, which was originally built in the UK. Even though the exhibition is a replica, visitors can easily imagine the early time of railway travels. Its classical wooden shutters on the windows are nostalgic. The interior lighting equipment is also elegant as it's provided with oil-lamps. I found oil supply ports of the lamps on the roof. They're like ventilators.

I'm sure passengers at that time had a great time on the train.

An old second-class passenger car (replica)

Final Chapter of the Disney Type X

Set 4 of the EMU 10 series (Type X) travels on the Disney Resort line

I recently visited the Disney Resort line in Tokyo Disney Resort for the first time in a year. What's new with this monorail line in the dream and magic kingdom?

Let's quickly review the Disney Resort line to start. It's a straddle-beam monorail route opened in 2001 by Maihama Resort Line Company. The route is a looped single track running through amusement facilities, hotels and JR East Maihama station. There're four stations over the total operating length of 5.0 kilometers. 6-car trains run counterclockwise throughout the day. Using ATO (automatic train operation) system, a train is operated without a driver; meanwhile, a conductor is on board for door operations and guide announcements to passengers.

Let's head to the main topic. I found that most of the old trains, namely EMU 10 series (Type X), had already been replaced by a new model named the EMU 100 series (Type C). The Type X was commissioned in 2001. Five sets in total were built by Hitachi. Each set has a different body color, namely blue, yellow, peach, purple and green. Only the purple (set 3) and the green (set 4) still survive. The company announced that the set 3 will be operated at least by March 2023. On the other hand, some rail-fans are spreading a rumor that the set 4 will be retired on Micky Mouse's birthday, I mean November 18th. I'm fond of the Type X, because it has corner sofa-type seats where I can relax.

Anyway, I quietly await his birthday.

Set 4 of the EMU 10 series (Type X) arrives at Tokyo Disneyland station

Official website, the Disney Resort line:

https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tdr/resortline/about.html

The JR East Sagami Line: Update

EMU JR East E131-500 series arrives at Iriya station on the Sagami line

One year has passed since JR East introduced a new train, the EMU E131-500 series, on the Sagami line. I recently had an opportunity to take the Sagami line. What's new with this commuter line in the western part of the Tokyo metropolitan area?

Let me quickly review the Sagami line to start. The JR East Sagami line penetrates Kanagawa Prefecture from south to north. Connecting Chigasaki, a Pacific City, and Hashimoto, an interior transportation key junction, the total operating length is 33.3 kilometers. The entire route is electrified single track. The Sagami line was opened in 1921 to transport gravel from the Sagami riverbed to large cities for constructions. On November 18th, 2021, JR East introduced a new commuter train named the EMU E131-500 series. The introduction of the new model was for the first time in 30 years on the line.

Now, let's head to the main topic. The old trains, namely the EMU 205-500 series, had already been retired from the Sagami line. The new train, the E131-500 series, has become a sole model instead. A total of 12 sets, 48 cars, of the E131-500 series are currently operated. I also found that one-person operation (conductor-less operation) has started on the Sagami line trains. Of course, it's for the purpose of streamlining. Opening and closing of passenger doors is currently performed by a driver. The E131-500 series has door monitor screens in the cockpit. Drivers on the E131-500 series seem very busy.

The JR East Sagami line... it's changing fast.

Set G07 of the EMU E131-500 series travels on the Sagami line

Animal Parade on the Tama Monorail Line

Lions train: 1107F of the EMU Tama Monorail 1000 series

Following the Seiseki-Sakuragaoka area on the Keio line, I enjoyed walking along Tama River again. It was a clear autumn day, and a perfect season for taking a walk.

I got off at Koshukaido station on the Tama Monorail line. It's about five kilometers above the Seiseki-Sakuragaka area. As soon as I reached the embankment, a train passed the river, and approached me. It was set 1107 (1107F) of the EMU 1000 series. 1107F is a special poster train with animal characters. They're male, female and baby lions in Tama Zoological Park. Yes, the purpose of this poster train is to promote tourism to Tama Zoological Park on the line. I was very happy to come across this rare train. Luckily, it was operated very slowly because of a deadhead train, so, I had enough time to take my camera out... and shooting. Five minutes later, the next train crossed the river. It was set 1115 (1115F) of the EMU 1000 series. 1115F is another poster train with different animal characters. They're giraffes, koalas and elephants... very cute. They're also residents of Tama Zoological Park. I was in high spirits, and fully enjoyed this fortuitous "animal parade".

For your information, Tama Monorail adopts a straddle-beam system like the Haneda line of Tokyo Monorail. Connecting Tama Center and Kamikitadai stations (16.0 kilometers), the route penetrates the western suburb of Tokyo from south to north. The EMU 1000 series has been operating on the line since 1998, when the monorail was opened.

Giraffes, koalas and elephants train: 1115F of the EMU Tama Monorail 1000 series

C50 75: A Low-key SL Preserved in Tokyo

Steam locomotive, C50 75, is preserved in Kita-Shikahama Park, Adachi Ward

In Japan, regular trains pulled by steam locomotives (SLs) were abolished in 1975. Today, we can see them only as sightseeing or special trains on the tracks, but not a lot. You may be asking "Where did the retired SLs disappear to?" Most of the SLs had already been scrapped, but some of them are preserved in museums, schools, parks and so on. I'm going to introduce the Class C50 SL preserved in a park of Tokyo Metropolis.

The Class C50 was developed by the Ministry of Railways in 1929. It's a 2-6-0 (Whyte notation) type SL that has a tender attached. A total of 154 units were built by Kawasaki Sharyo, Kisha Seizo and so on. Although the C50 was developed as the successor to the star SL named the Class 8620, its main tasks were just pulling local trains and shunting vehicles within depots. It's because the railway operator made more heavy use of the Class C57 and C62, which were junior SLs of the C50.

Today, only one unit (C50 75) of the C50 is preserved in Tokyo Metropolis. C50 75 was built by Kawasaki Sharyo in 1929. After operating for 42 years and two million kilometers, it was retired from the track in 1971, and came to Kita-Shikahama Park in Adachi Ward. Although the body is somewhat damaged and the front light is removed, C50 75 still keeps a beautiful appearance with a white-colored stripe.

C50 75... it's a low-key, but a precious preserved SL in Tokyo.

Tender of C50 75

Kamakura in Autumn: Retro Train and Twilight View

EMU Enoden 10 series (left) is operated with the 2000 series (right).

It's the middle of autumn and a good season for a stroll in the metropolitan area. I visited Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture with my family at the weekend. I was going to make do with non-trainspotting strolling, but...

Let me quickly review Kamakura City to start. It's located about 50 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, and a historic city where the Shogunate government was located from 1185 to 1333. There're many old shrines and temples in the city, but Kamakura has another face. It's also famous as a marine resort facing the Pacific Ocean.

To get around the city, Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden), is convenient. It looks like a tramway based on the Act on Rail Tracks (Tramways Act). In fact, Enoden is a railway based on the Railway Business Act. When we're walking along the track, a retro train, named EMU 10 series, passed by us. The 10 series was launched in 1997 in commemoration of the Enoden's 95th anniversary. It's a 25.4-meter-long articulated two-car train with retro bodies. Only one set is operated on the line. As soon as its decorated bodies caught my eyes, I instinctively aimed my camera lens at the train. All right! I got a nice photo. That's why I can't stop trainspotting.

After the sunset, we went down to the beach, and enjoyed the twilight view of the Pacific Ocean. Autumn is the best season for strolling including trainspotting, as the air is crisp and clear. I had a great weekend again.

Twilight view of the Pacific Ocean near Enoden Enoshima station

Official information about the EMU Enoden 10 series (in Japanese):

https://www.enoden.co.jp/train/museum/vehicle/10/

Official website, Enoshima Electric Railway:

https://www.enoden.co.jp/en/

Extra Rare Train on the JR East Line

Test run of the EMU JR East E493 series on the Musashino line

It's fun for me to find rare trains on railway tracks as a trainspotter. It makes me happy even if I take a crowded commuter line during rush hours. Trainspotters are carefree people, aren't they?

I recently came across a test run scene of an extra rare train, EMU JR East E493 series, on the Musashino line. What's the E493 series? It's JR East's next generation work train for direct and alternate current railways. Its main mission is pulling deadhead trains on the lines, and shunting vehicles within depots. One set of the E493 series is composed of two motorcars, and has eight 190kW induction motors. It can pull up to a 10-car train such as the EMU E233 series on the Chuo Rapid line. The E493 series was commissioned in 2021. Only one set was built by Niigata Transys as a prototype. Mass production will start in 2023.

You may come up with a question... "Would existing locomotives be good enough for those missions?" Good question! According to JR East, having both electric cars (EMUs) and locomotives is ineffective and high cost. In fact, most of JR East's locomotives are very old, as they were succeeded from the ex-Japanese National Railways in 1987. It's very expensive to maintain them. The company decision was to replace their old locomotives by new electric cars.

I was happy to see the extra rare train. At the same time, I was a little sad, as JR East's electric locomotives will disappear in the near future.

EMU JR East E493 series passes through Yoshikawa-minami station

Official information about the EMU E493 series by JR East (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2022/20220513_ho04.pdf