2023 Indonesian Railway Update: Ex-Tokyu 8000 Series

8003F (KuHa 8004 and others) of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8000 series in Indonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli, March, 2023)

I received the news from an Indonesian railfan. The last set of the ex-Tokyu 8000 series is still operated in Jakarta. Furthermore, its front color was recently changed to "red and white". My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the beautiful picture.

Let me quickly review the EMU Tokyu 8000 series. It was a direct current commuter train operated on the Tokyu lines in Japan from 1969 to 2008. 187 cars in total were built by Tokyu Sharyo. After retirement from Tokyu lines, 45 cars were transferred to Izukyu Railway; meanwhile, 24 cars were exported to Indonesia as secondhand trains.

I have a lot of memories of the 8000 series. When I was a high school student in Japan, the 8000 series was an essential vehicle to go to school. Time had passed and the 8000 series became my means of transportation in Jakarta, Indonesia, when I was stationed there from 2007 to 2011. I was always encouraged by this train both in my high school and expatriate days.

The life of the ex-Tokyu 8000 series is eventually coming to an end, but the last set, namely 8003F (KuHa 8004 and others), still remains on the track. It's currently composed of 10 cars. Its color design was modified several times. The face colors were recently changed from "red, yellow and white" to "red and white (top photo)". I would like to thank the local railway engineers in Indonesia, and hope it'll be operated as long as possible.

8003F (KuHa 8004 and others) of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8000 series in Indonesia

(August, 2008)

2023 Cherry Blossom Season in Tokyo

Electric car 9002 of the Toei 9000 series travels on the Arakawa line 

On March 14th, the Meteorological Agency of Japan declared that this year's sakura (cherry) blossoms had started blooming in Tokyo. The agency then reported that they fully blossomed on March 22nd. Spring has sprung! As I posted year after year, Japanese people harbor romantic emotions towards cherry blossoms. Cherry blossom viewing is a part of Japanese culture. This year, I again visited a tram route, the Toei-Arakawa line, to enjoy cherry blossoms and streetcars.

Let me quickly review the Toei-Arakawa line. Tokyo once had a 181-kilometer-long tram network; but most routes were abolished due to heavy traffic jams. Along with the Tokyu-Setagaya line, the Toei-Arakawa line is a precious tramline survivor, as it was constructed as an exclusive track. Connecting Waseda and Minowabashi, its operating length is 12.2 kilometer. The track is 1,372-milllimeter-wide and double. The electric system is 600V DC with an overhead catenary system.

I got off at Omokagebashi stop and visited a row of cherry trees along the Kanda River. They were in full bloom, and providing visitors with some glorious scenery. I came across a tramcar 9002 of the Toei 9000 series at Takato Bridge. The tramcar 9000 series is the retro-inspired model, which was commissioned in 2007. A total of 2 units were built by Aluna Sharyo. Each unit has a different color, namely brownish-red (car number 9001) and indigo-blue (car number 9002). Although the technical specification of the 9000 series is modernized, the exterior design and interior atmosphere of this model remains nostalgic.

A row of cherry trees along Kanda River near Omokagebashi stop

Transportation Bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Toei):

https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/eng/

The Joban Limited Express: Update

Set K15 of the EMU JR East E657 series with "green lake-colored" bodies

I recently visited the JR East Joban line for the first time in a year. What's new with this semi-trunk line in the eastern part of Japan?

Let me quickly review the Joban line to start. The 350-kilometer-long route penetrates the Pacific Ocean side of the Kanto and Tohoku districts. The whole route is electrified with two different systems. The section south of Toride has a 1,500V direct current (DC) system; meanwhile, the north of Fujishiro is electrified with a 50 hertz of 20,000V alternate current (AC) system. It's because the direct current has a negative impact on the observation at Kakioka Geomagnetic Observatory of the Japan Meteorological Agency, which is located near the track. There is a "dead section" (a section in which power supply is cut off) between Toride and Fujishiro stations.

Now let's head to the main topic. I found that the body color of set K15 of the EMU E657 series has been changed to a greenish color (official color name: green lake). The E657 series is the AC-DC train on the Joban line. It's operated as a limited express named Hitachi and Tokiwa. According to JR East, this color change is a part of the regional tourism campaign being held by JR East and Ibaraki Prefecture. The "new" color was taken from the "old" E653 series, which was retired from the Joban line in 2013. JR East plans to launch four more nostalgic E653 series-colored trains. Their colors will be scarlet blossom, blue ocean, orange persimmon and yellow jonquil. I'm looking forward to their debuts.

Set K9 of the EMU JR East E657 series with standard-colored bodies

Official information about the limited express Hitachi and Tokiwa:

https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/hitachi.html

The 20th Anniversary of the Rinkai Line: Part 2

EMU JR East E233-7000 series stands at Osaki station on the Rinkai line

Let's continue where I left off last post.

The Rinkai line of Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit, Inc. penetrates the central part of the Tokyo Bay area. The track is constructed mainly underground the reclaimed islands, and several submarine tunnels connect these islands to each other.

There are several tourist resorts on the Rinkai line. My favorite is Odaiba-kaihinkoen (Odaiba seaside park). The nearest station is Tokyo Teleport on the Rinkai line and the Odaiba-kaihinkoen on the Yurikamome line. It's an artificial beach on the reclaimed island. I recently revisited there, and took a walk at the water's edge of the beach while looking at the night view. What jumped into my eyes was Rainbow Bridge. It's a double decked suspension bridge connecting the downtown area and New Tokyo Waterfront Subcenter. I remembered that the bridge was being illuminated colorfully in 2013 in celebration of the decision to host the 2020 Olympic Games. I can't believe it's been 10 years since then.

Well, this is a railway blog, so, let me introduce a train on the Rinkai line here. Along with the EMU 70-000 series, the E233-7000 series is a train on the line. It's JR East's train, and is directly operated from the JR East Saikyo line via Osaki station. It was commissioned in 2013 to replace the old EMU 205 series. 38 sets, 380 units in total, were built by JR East Niitsu Factory and J-TREC Yokohama Factory. Its shining stainless-steel body with green-colored stripes stands out on the Rinkai line.

Night view of the Tokyo Rainbow Bridge

The 20th Anniversary of the Rinkai Line

Set Z1 of the EMU TWR 70-000 series travels on the JR East Saikyo line

On December 1st, 2022, Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit, Inc. (TWR) celebrated the 20th anniversary of the whole line opening on the Rinkai line. In commemoration of the anniversary, the company held several events.

Let me quickly review the TWR-Rinkai line. It was originally planned and partly constructed as a freight line by the Japanese National Railways (JNR). After privatization of JNR, the route was replanned as a passenger line, and fully opened in 2002 under the newly established company, namely TWR. Connecting Oosaki on the JR East Yamanote line and Shin-Kiba, a transfer station to the JR East Keiyo and the Tokyo Metro-Yurakucho lines, the route length is 12.2 kilometers. The trains on the Rinkai line are directly operated onto the JR East Saikyo and the other lines.

Now, let's get down to the main topic. I recently found that the 20th anniversary memorial plate is displayed on the train front. It's set Z1 of the EMU 70-000 series. "Rinkaru", who is the mascot of the Rinkai line, is designed on the plate. According to TWR, Rinkaru is a dolphin boy, who appeared in Tokyo Bay in 2007. He always wears a railway cap, which was gifted by the stationmaster of Tokyo Teleport station, and likes candies and popcorn. His nickname, Rinkaru, was sought from the public. Rinkaru is always a boy, and said to be NOT getting to grow old. That scenario is a bit forced, isn't it?

Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the Rinkai line!

The 20th anniversary memorial plate of the Rinkai line

Advent of Spring on the Odakyu-Tama Line: Part 2

Karakida Railyard on the Odakyu-Tama line

Continuing with what I covered last time, I'm going to show you an advent of spring on the Odakyu-Tama line today.

After enjoying walking on the hill ridge footpath, I reached a viewing spot named Miharashi-hiroba (viewing plaza). I could see a suburban residential area against the 1,000 to 1,600-meter-class Tanzawa mountains from there. The shape of the ridge line was almost the same as the view from my home, but it was clearer, since it's closer to the mountains. It was not as superb as the view spots in the national nature parks, but good enough as a place close to the city center of Tokyo. I was so glad that I had come.

Well, I can't be written off here as this is a railway blog. On the way back to Karakida station, I stopped by the other observatory. It was just a nameless spot among non-rail-fans, but a sacred site for rail-fans like me. I could overlook Karakida Railyard of Odakyu Electric Railway from there. Karakida Railyard was established in 1990, when the Tama line was inaugurated. It's relatively small-scale, but one of four major railyards on the Odakyu lines. Fortunately, it was sunny, so, I could see the shining faces of Odakyu commuter trains under the spring sunlight. They were one set of the EMU 1000, and two sets each of the 4000 and 5000 series.

Odakyu trains, get a good rest! Starting in the evening, you'll be busy again for transporting commuters on the way home.

Miharashi-hiroba (viewing plaza) near Karakida station on the Odakyu-Tama line

Advent of Spring on the Odakyu-Tama Line

EMU Odakyu 4000 series arrives at Kurihira station on the Tama line

Finally, winter has gone and spring is here in Tokyo. The sun is getting stronger, and the temperature has risen. The maximum daytime temperature is nearly 20 degrees Celsius. I visited the Odakyu-Tama line to find the advent of spring.

Let me quickly review the Odakyu-Tama line to start. The Tama line connects Shin-Yurigaoka, a transfer station from the Odakyu-Odawara line, and Karakida, a terminal station in the western part of Tama New Town. As I posted before, Tama New Town was developed in the Tama Hills area by the central and the metropolitan governments in the 1960s. The current population is nearly 200,000.

During my short trip, I stopped by Kurihira station, and enjoyed shooting trains. A 10-car train, EMU 4000 series, soon approached me drawing a gentle curve on the track. The 4000 series was commissioned in 2007 to consider about the future direct operation onto the JR East Joban line. For that purpose, the technical specification of the 4000 series is in line with the JR East E233 series. It was just a familiar train to me, but very beautiful on that particular day under the basking gentle spring sunlight.

After arriving at Karakida terminal, I started walking along the hill ridge. It was nice and warm. I found the blooming of a red plum tree on the footpath to a golf course. It indicated the advent of spring. I saw golfers enjoying themselves playing golf. I haven't played golf recently, so, it's nostalgic. Have a great time!

Red plum flowers are in full bloom on the Tama Hills near Karakida station

EMU Izu-Hakone Railway 3000 Series: Update

Set 3501 of the EMU Izu-Hakone Railway 3000 series with revival-colored bodies

Following the EMU 7000 series, I'm going to show you the current figure of the EMU 3000 series on the Sunzu line of Izu-Hakone Railway today.

To start, let me quickly review the Sunzu line and the EMU 3000 series. The Sunzu line is one of the local railway routes operated by Izu-Hakone Railway. Connecting Mishima, a city in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture, and Shuzenji, a 1,200-year-old hot spring town, there are 13 stations over a total operating length of 19.8 kilometers. The entire route is an electrified single track. The EMU 3000 series is one of the commuter trains operating on the line. It was commissioned in 1979 to replace the decrepit small-sized trains. A total of six sets, 18 units, were built by Tokyu Sharyo. The first four sets (set 3501 to 3504) have steel bodies. On the other hand, the second two sets (set 3505 and 3506) have stainless-steel bodies.

Now let's head to the main topic. I found that the body colors of set 3501 of the 3000 series have been changed. Set 3501 originally had white-colored bodies with blue-colored stripes, but was modified to two tones of green and cream as a special set. Why? That's because Izu-Hakone Railway celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Sunzu line. In commemoration, set 3501 was changed to "the revival-colored train", which had been operated until 1963. What a nostalgic color design it is! It's similar to the Enoden 300 series in Kamakura City. It's definitely my eye candy.

Set 3501 with standard-colored bodies travels on the Sunzu line (January, 2017)

The 900 Series: Work Train on the Keio Line

From left to right, DeYa 901, KuYa 900 (DAX), SaYa 912 and DeYa 902

Following the "TOQi", I'm going to show you the other work train in Tokyo today.

The Keio 900 series is a train for internal non-revenue use by the railway operator. Only one set is operated on the Keio line. It consists of four cars, namely DeYa 901, KuYa 900, SaYa 912 and DeYa 902. All cars were built by Tokyu Sharyo. DeYa 901 and 902 of these four cars are traction vehicles. They're also operated as a snow-removing train, because they have snow plows. These two cars were built in 2015 to replace the old model, DeWa 600 series. On the other hand, KuYa 900 is an inspection car for track and catenary maintenance. It was built in 2007 as Keio's first authentic inspection vehicle. It's operated with the same speed as commercial trains, so, the nickname of KuYa 900 is DAX (Dynamic Analytical eXpress). DAX is pulled by DeYa 901 and 902, as it doesn't have motors. Finally, SaYa 912 is an open freight car. It was built in 2015 to replace the old model, ChiKi 290. Its main mission is to transport rails.

Keio doesn't release timetables of the work train, so whether I can meet the 900 series or not depends on my luck. I recently came across it at Chitose-Karasuyama and Takahatafudo stations by chance. I took out my camera hastily, and shot it immediately before it passed in front of me. It was under backlight condition, but I could manage to get the picture. Thank goodness!

From left to right, the Keio 900 series, 5000 series and 9000 series

Wood-grain Floor: You’ll be Healed Safely

EMU Odakyu 5000 series passes through Soshigaya-Okura station

Following the Romance Car VSE, I'm going to post a topic of the Odakyu line today.

What's new with the Odakyu line? The latest model, the EMU 5000 series, has been increasing in numbers. The 5000 series is a commuter train commissioned in March, 2020. The debut of new commuter train on the Odakyu line was for the first time in 12 years. Three years after the debut of the 5000 series, it has become a large group of the Odakyu commuter trains fleet. Currently, a total of 12 sets, 120 cars, are operated on the line.

Three years ago, I posted that the wide bodies are a distinctive feature of this commuter train. It's about 10 centimeters wider than that of existing trains. It's only 10 centimeters, but considered important for passengers, who use packed trains during peak hours every day. This time, I would like to introduce the interior of the 5000 series. It has a bright and spacious atmosphere, but more importantly, the floor is classical wood-grain, which heals me even if I'm tired. That's definitely my cup of tea. The only concern for passengers like me was its safety, because wood is flammable. Please don't worry. It's not made of wood, but made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). They're non-flammable. I was surprised that the material of those floors was PVC. To all appearances, it was true wood. New technological innovations are being created, aren't they?

Getting on the EMU Odakyu 5000 series, you'll be healed safely.

Interior of the EMU Odakyu 5000 series

Carrot Tower and the Tokyu-Setagaya Line

Set 310 of the electric car Tokyu 300 series travels on the Setagaya line

I went to Carrot Tower for the first time in eight years. Carrot Tower is a high-rise building located in Sangenjaya, Setagaya-Ward of Tokyo Metropolis. There's a branch office of Setagaya Ward over there. After finishing my paperwork, I visited an observation deck of Carrot Tower.

What jumped into my eyes was the Tokyu-Setagaya line tracks. Along with the Toei-Arakawa line, Tokyu-Setagaya line is the traditional tram route in Tokyo Metropolis. Connecting Sangenjaya and Shimo-Takaido (5.0 kilometetrs), the whole route is an exclusive double track. The electric system is 600 V DC overhead. The gauge size is 1,372 millimeters. Sangenjaya station on the Tokyu-Setagaya line is integrated into the ground floor of Carrot Tower.

On the way back home, I walked along the Setagaya line. I came across many tramcars. They were the electric car 300 series, which is the only model operated on the line. The 300 series was commissioned in 1999 to replace old models such as the 150 series. The train is articulated and composed of two cars. A total of 10 sets are operated on the line. Each set has different colored or different designed-bodies. They are classic-blue, apple-green, morning-blue, cherry-red, relief-yellow, burnt-orange, turquoise-green, ex-Tamaden color, SDGs and happy-maneki-neko. The tram runs leisurely through residential areas in Setagaya Ward. This time, I'm going to show you the turquoise-green-colored tram, which is set number 310, as the top photo.

I enjoyed Carrot Tower and the Tokyu-Setagaya line all day that day.

A view from the observation deck of Carrot Tower Building