Another Kiki and Lala Train on the Haneda Airport Line

10031F of the EMU Tokyo Monorail 10000 series, "Kiki and Lala Twinkle Tour"

Following the trainset 10041 (10041F), I'm going to show you another Kiki and Lala train on the Haneda Airport line of Tokyo Monorail Company today.

Let me quickly review the Haneda Airport line to start. It's an airport access monorail 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 direct current.

Tokyo Monorail Company currently operates Kiki and Lala trains. As you may know, Kiki and Lala are Sanrio's popular mascot characters along with Hello Kitty. Kiki and Lala are siblings called Little Twin Stars. Catching onto the popularity of Little Twin Stars, Kiki and Lala trains have been promoting Tokyo Monorail's services to passengers.

The first set, which I introduced to you before, is "Kiki and Lala Kira-kira (sparkly) Star Train". It's 10041F of the EMU 10000 series debuted on September 14th in 2020. We can see Little Twin Stars in Tokyo Monorail uniform both on the outside and the interior of the train. They are very cute and heal the mind of passengers.

The second Kiki and Lala Train was launched on November 29th last year. It's 10031F of the EMU 10000 series, named "Kiki and Lala Twinkle Tour Train". We can see Little Twin Stars going out in each of four seasons. It's not so flamboyant as the first Kiki and Lala train (10041F), but we can fully enjoy the world of fairy tales.

Interior of the "Kiki and Lala Twinkle Tour" train

Official information about Kiki and Lala Trains (in Japanese):

https://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/kikilala-monorail/

The 60th Anniversary of Katsuta Railyard

Set K451 of the EMU JR East E531 series (special "Akaden" color)

On April 1st, 2021, JR East celebrated the 60th anniversary of their Katsuta Railyard. In commemoration of the anniversary, a special-colored train has been operated on the Joban and the Mito lines since November 5th of 2021.

Let me quickly review Katsuta Railyard. It started as the Japanese National Railways' train depot in 1961. Many types of trains such as the EMU 401, 485 and 651 series have belonged to this railyard since it was opened. Currently, the EMU E531 series is one of the representative trains belonging to Katsuta Railyard.

Let's head to the main topic. The anniversry train is set K451 of the EMU JR East E531 series. Its color design was taken from the EMU 401 series of the 1960s. Its nickname was "Akaden (red-colored train)". Akaden had actually not red but rose pink-colored bodies with a cream-colored accent on the front. Passengers of the 1960's affectionately called the 401 series "Akaden"... good nickname!

Incidentally, the modern Akaden, namely set K451 of the E531 series, is an AC-DC dual electric system train built by Tokyu Sharyo in 2005. It's composed of 5 stainless-steel cars. According to JR East, it will be directly operated onto the Tokaido main line to Shinagawa, a subcenter of Tokyo Metropolis, but I seldom see this special-colored train in Tokyo. That's why I stretched my legs far from home, and visited the Mito line. The gleaming body with rose red-colored stripes of the modern Akaden was very beautiful under the winter sunlight.

EMU JR East E531 series (standard color) travels on the Mito line

Official information about the special-colored train commemorating the 60th anniversary of Katsuta Railyard (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2021/mito/20211102_mt01.pdf

The Old Kabuki Theater and the Inter-Island DMU

DMU JR Shikoku 2700 series arrives at Kotohira station on the Dosan line

On the final day of my short trip to Shikoku Island, I visited an old theater named "Kanamaruza" in Kotohira Town. It's a historic theater constructed in 1835 especially for performing kabuki. As you know, kabuki is a Japanese traditional performing art. Its stage makeup is very vivid. Kabuki is usually performed in the urban large theaters; however, Kanamaruza is an exceptionally famous kabuki theater located in the countryside of Japan. I fully appreciated the traditional architecture of Kanamaruza.

It was time to go home. I took the JR Shikoku-Dosan line from Kotohira station. My vehicle was the limited express train, "Nanpu (south wind)", the JR Shikoku 2700 series. Along with "Marine Liner", Nanpu is the inter-island train. Connecting Okayama on the Honshu Island (the mainland of Japan) and Kochi, the major city in the southern part of Shikoku Island, the total operating length is 180 kilometers. The 2700 series is a DMU (diesel multiple unit), because Nanpu is partially operated on the unelectrified track. It was launched in 2019 to replace the old model, the DMU 2000 series. 41 cars in total were built by Kawaski Heavy Industries. One car has two 331kW diesel engines made by Komatsu. The 2700 series is so-called a "pendulum train" with a computer-controlled tilting mechanism. For passing through tight curves in mountain ranges at a high speed, the train automatically tilts its body to mitigate the centrifugal force just before entering the tight curves. Its maximum angle of inclination is five degrees.

Old Kabuki theater, Kanamaruza, near JR Shikoku Kotohira station

Official information about the DMU JR Shikoku 2700 series (in Japanese):

https://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/01_trainbus/lp/2700/index.html#

Ex-Keio Train to the Spiritual Energy Site

EMU Kotoden 1100 series (ex-Keio 5000 series) stands at Sue station

A word, "power spot", is a Japanese-made English. It's a location thought to be flowing with mystical energy. It's said that a person who visits a power spot will obtain energy from the land. Kotohira-gu, also known as "Konpira-san," is a typical power spot on Shikoku Island. It's a Shinto shrine dedicated to the seafaring-associated deity, Omono-nushi-no-mikoto. Located halfway up Mt. Zozu, this renowned shrine has 1,368 stone steps to the innermost shrine. Going up the stairs is Shinto training. Before visiting Kotohira-gu, I had been lacking exercise. I was worried whether I could reach the innermost shrine or not, but strange to say, I didn't suffer, and went up the stairs happily. Was it thanks to the power spot?

To visit this "spiritual energy site", I took the Kotohira line again, and got off at Kotoden-Kotohira terminal. On the way back to Takamatsu, I came across the EMU 1100 series at Sue station. This nostalgic train was transferred from the Keio line in 1997. The former name was the EMU Keio 5000 series. Keio is one of the major private railway companies in Tokyo. The 5000 series was a reputable commuter train in the 1960s through the 1990s. It was the winner of the 1964 Laurel Prize, as the most outstanding technical and designed train which was launched in the previous year. Its curved front windows and double rounded front lights of this over 50-year-old train was nostalgic, but still very cool.

To be continued more...

View from the innermost shrine, Kotohirara-gu, near Kotoden-Kotohira station

Official website, Kotoden:

https://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/kotoden/eg/train.html

Official information about the EMU Kotoden 1100 series (in Japanese):

https://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/kotoden/gallery/date/date.html#A4

The Historic Garden and the Train on Shikoku Island

EMU Kotoden 1080 series (ex-Keikyu 1000 series) stands at Ritsurin-koen station.

After arriving at Takamatsu City, I stayed overnight there, and visited Ritsurin Park next day. Ritsurin Park is a large historic Japanese-style garden, which was completed in 1745. It had been a private garden for local feudal lords, but was opened to the public in 1875. I'm specifically fond of the southern garden, where visitors can appreciate a beautiful pond and an arched bridge. When I passed by the pond, newly-weds were taking commemorative photos on the bridge before their wedding ceremony. They looked good in a kimono (traditional Japanese cloth). Congratulations on your wedding! Best wishes for a happy marriage.

To get to this garden full of happiness, the nearest railway station is Ritsurin-koen on the Kotohira line. This local line is operated by Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railway (hereafter Kotoden). My vehicle was a direct current EMU, named 1080 series. This retro train was transferred from the Keikyu line around the year 1990. The former name was the EMU Keikyu 1000 series. As you know, Keikyu is one of the major private railway companies in Tokyo. Both Keikyu and Kotoden have standard gauge (1,435 millimeter-wide) tracks with a 1,500 V direct current electric system; therefore, it was easy to transfer the Keikyu trains to the Kotoden-Kotohira line. 20 cars in total of the Kotoden 1080 series (ex-Keikyu 1000 series) are currently operated on the Kotoden-Kotohira line.

I enjoyed both the historic garden and the train on Shikoku Island. This is why I love railway travel. To be continued...

The southern garden of Ritsurin Park in Takamatsu City, Shikoku Island

Official information, the EMU Kotoden 1080 series (in Japanese):

https://www.kotoden.co.jp/publichtm/kotoden/gallery/date/date.html#A3

Marine Liner: Inter-Island Train to Shikoku Island

Inter-island train, "Marine Liner", stands at Okayama station

Shikoku is the fourth largest island of Japan. It's located about 800 kilometers west of Tokyo, and has a population of 3.63 million. I sometimes visited there on business or just for sightseeing, but always went by air to save time. So this time, I visited there by train for a change.

Firstly, I took Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo terminal. After arriving at Okayama station, I transferred to a JR conventional line, named the Seto Ohashi line. My vehicle was a rapid service train, "Marine Liner", bound for Takamatsu. Marine Liner is an inter-island train between Honshu (the main island of Japan) and Shikoku Island. It's jointly operated by JR Shikoku and JR West. My train was composed of two sets of direct current EMUs. They were the JR Shikoku 5000 series and the JR West 223 series. The 5000 series had a double-decker Green Car (the first class-car). I used the Green Car this time, since the view from the upper floor is excellent. The Green Car ticket was standard ticket plus 1,000 yen (7.2 USD) including my seat selection fee.

As its name suggests, "Marine Liner" crossed the Seto Inland Sea, and headed to Takamatsu, a major city on Shikoku Island. En route, the train passed over 13.1 kilometers long "Seto Ohashi", which consists of 10 separate bridges. I could enjoy looking at blue sea and green islands from my train window. Marine Liner... there must be something to excite the emotions of railway travelers like me.

To be continued...

Seto Inland Sea is seen through a train window on the Seto Ohashi line

Official information, "Marine Liner" by JR Shikoku (in Japanese):

https://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/01_trainbus/syaryou/marine.shtm

Official information, "Marine Liner" by JR West (in Japanese):

https://www.jr-odekake.net/train/marineliner/

Side View of the Ooedo Line Trains

EMU Toei 12-600 series (the 4th batch) arrives at Tochomae station

Subway trains are annoying for rail photo lovers like me. One of the problems is its dark environment on the railway track. If possible, we wish to shoot subway trains on the surface tracks during the daytime; however, such "subway" tracks are limited in Tokyo. The next hurdle is the design and structure of the station. We wish to shoot the whole train including the bogies. A separate platform is an idealized condition, because we can shoot the whole train from the opposite platform; however, we still have obstacles, which are pillars between our position and the subway train. The third problem is platform doors to prevent passengers from falling off the platform edge at stations. They're essential for the safety of passengers, but, hamper the train photographs.

The Ooedo line is the most difficult subway line in Tokyo for train photography. Specifically, we seldom see the side view of trains. Is there anything that can be done about it? After observing all stations on the Ooedo lines, I found that Tochomae is the best station for photography. Example is better than precept. Please look at the top photo. You can see the side view of the Ooedo line trains at this station. It's not perfect, but I was able to know what the side view of the EMU 12-600 series is like. It had a simple silver-colored body with wine-red-colored accents on the door pockets.

I don't have to think about the side view of the Ooedo line trains anymore. I felt relieved.

EMU Toei 12-000 series arrives at Tochomae station

Autumn Sceneries in Akabane

EMU JR East E5 series and a torii (gate of shrine) near Akabane station 

It's December already. Time really flies. Before introducing the topics of the yearend, I'm going to keep on the subject of this autumn a bit more.

Last month, I visited Akabane in the northern part of Tokyo Metropolis, as something came up. After finishing my meeting, I enjoyed walking around JR East Akabane station. It was a clear autumn day, and a perfect season for strolling. I stopped by a shrine standing on a hill near the station. I was going to make do with non-trainspotting, but...

There was a "torii" (gate of a shrine) on the upward slope to the "honden" (main building). After walking through the gate, I took a glance backward, and found that the Shinkansen track could be contained properly within the torii. This view is picturesque, isn't it? I took my camera out... and waiting for the Shinkansen train bound for Tokyo terminal. Three minutes later, a super-express train, EMU JR East E5 series, "Hayabusa (falcon)", approached and "entered" the torii. It's now or never... shooting. Thank goodness! Please look at the top photo. I was in high spirits, and fully enjoyed this fortuitous trainspotting.

After leaving the shrine, I headed to a local Buddhist temple named Josho-ji, where visitors could see beautiful autumn leaves in the peaceful atmosphere. Leaves were turning red, yellow and brown. Representative red leaves were from maple trees. Some trees remained green. They were also beautiful. Whether it's trainspotting or non-trainspotting, I fully enjoyed the great weekend again.

Autumn leaves in Josho-ji temple

The 150th Anniversary of Japanese Railways: Part 3

Set 15 of the EMU JR East E235 series, "the black Yamanote line" train

We celebrated the 150th anniversary of Japanese railways on October 14th. Following the historical station and steam locomotive, I'm going to show you a special-colored train celebrating the 150th anniversary.

On October 1st, JR East launched a special train on the Yamanote line. The standard trains on the line have silver-colored bodies with light green-colored faces and doors. On the other hand, this special train has jet black bodies. It's named "the black Yamanote line" by JR East. Set 15 of the EMU E235 series is commissioned as "the black Yamanote line". Why is it black? Because it was taken from the color of Japan's first steam locomotive, unit 1 of the Class 150.

I've seen the green and brown-colored special trains on the Yamanote line so far, but never seen the black-colored one. It's very unique. I thought that Japanese passengers might hate the black-colored trains, because black is associated with funerals; however, "the black Yamanote line" is unexpectedly popular among passengers. Many rail-fans currently flock to the stations on the Yamanote line to take photos of this special train. I was being stereotypical. Do you have any black-colored passenger trains in your country?

For your information, the Yamanote line is known as Japan's busiest railway. It's looped through several sub-center areas of Tokyo. The route length is 34 kilometers. The track is double. Each train runs in the same direction throughout the day; clockwise or counterclockwise. The EMU E235 series is the sole model on the line.

Side view of the "black Yamanote line" train

Official information about "the black Yamanote line" train (in Japanese):

https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2022/20220930_ho01.pdf

Class E10: Japan's Largest Steam Locomotive

Steam locomotive unit 2 of the Class E10 (E10 2) is exhibited in Ome Railway Park

I visited Ome Railway Park after a long interval. What most left an impression was the Class E10 steam locomotive (hereafter SL).

The Class E10 was Japan's largest SL for narrow gauge tracks. It's a 2-10-4 (Whyte notation) type tank locomotive developed by the ex-Japanese National Railways in 1947. It's 14.45 meters long and weighs 102,100 kilograms. The diameter of the driving wheels is 1.25 meters. A total of five units were built by Kisha Seizo Company. Their primary mission was to climb up Itaya Pass on the Ou main line in the Tohoku District. For that purpose, the Class E10 has 10 driving wheels. Four of them don't have flanges to improve in curving performance.

Although the Class E10 was a powerful SL, its lifetime was very short. The track over Itaya Pass was electrified in 1949. The Class E10 lost its place, and was transferred to the Hisatsu line on Kyushu Island. It seemed to have a permanent home there, but life was not so easy. The Class E10 was soon replaced by the younger high-spec SL, namely the Class D51. The Class E10 was the star-crossed SL.

The large boiler and a line of five driving wheels were very impressive. I saw the Class E10 climb up a steep track right in front of me, but it was a daydream. The Class E10 was retired from the track in 1962. Only one unit, named E10 2, is currently preserved in Ome Railway Park.

A line of five driving wheels, unit 2 of the Class E10 (E10 2) steam locomotive

Official website, Ome Railway Park: https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/ome/english/index.html

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

"Hakone Tozan Train" in Switzerland

Unit 622, livery of Hakone Tozan Railway, the EL Class Ge 4/4 II in Switzerland

(Photo: Nicolai Okkels)

I've received interesting pictures from an European rail-fan. It's a Swiss narrow-gauge (1,000-millimeter-wide gauge) train pulled by an electric locomotive with a livery of Hakone Tozan Railway. My thanks go to Nicolai Okkels, who kindly sent me the photographs.

Let me quickly review Hakone Tozan Railway. It's a dependable transporter that climbs up Hakone Volcano in the suburban area of Tokyo. Connecting Odawara and Gora, the route length is 15 kilometers. This railway was partially opened as Odawara Horse Tramway in 1888. After electrification in 1900, the entire route was opened in 1919. Engineers of Hakone Tozan Railway at that time learnt advanced technologies from Rhaetian Railway in Switzerland, so, these two companies established a sister railway relationship in 1979.

The top photo shows a train pulled by an electric locomotive (EL) unit 622 of the Rhaetian Railway Class Ge 4/4 II. A large logo of "Hakone Tozan Railway (in Japanese)" on the locomotive body catches passengers' eyes. The Class Ge 4/4 II is a Bo'-Bo' (UIC notation) type alternate current EL with a thyristor phase electric control system. It was built by Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works in 1984.

I'm fond of this vermillion-colored EL with a European taste. The large Z-shaped single-armed pantographs are exotic for Japanese rail-fans. It's also interesting that each EL has its own name and emblem on the front. The name of the unit 622 is Arosa, which is a resort town in the eastern part of Switzerland.

A description of the sister railway relationship is seen on the locomotive body

 (Photo: Nicolai Okkels)