I continue walking along Tama River. After visiting the old railway bridge on the JR East Chuo line, I went downstream to Kawasaki City another day. While I enjoyed the walking, I stopped by a public park to see a precious preserved tramcar, unit 702 of the Kawasaki City Tram 700 series.
Let me quickly explain the Kawasaki City Tram to start. Kawasaki is located southwest of Tokyo, and the second most populated city in Kanagawa Prefecture. Kawasaki once had a 6.7-kilometer-long tramline. It was opened in 1944 by the Transportation Bureau of Kawasaki City. The gauge size was 1,435 millimeters. The electric system was 600 V DC overhead. The Kawasaki City Tram was unfortunately abolished in 1969 for management rationalization. Only one vehicle, namely unit 702 of the electric car 700 series, is preserved in Sakuragawa Park.
Let's head to the main topic. Unit 702 was originally designed for tramlines in Tokyo Metropolis. It was built in 1922 by Nihon-Tetsudo-Jidosha Company. After being operated in Tokyo, unit 702 was transferred to the Kawasaki City Tram in 1947. Its pantograph was replaced by a Z-shaped one in 1959. The electric control system was changed from a direct to an indirect non-automatic system in 1965. Its wooden body was also renovated for fireproofing. After operating for 47 years, unit 702 was retired from the track in 1969, when the Kawasaki City Tram was abolished.
Enjoying the riverside walking and observing the precious tramcar, I spent a great weekend again.
