The JR East Joban line has become more colorful. Two more special-colored trains have started to operate on the line. Following train set K15, which has light-green-colored bodies, set K12 and K2 of the E 657 series have also been changed to special-colored trains. Set K12 has become dark-pink-colored (official color name: scarlet blossom); meanwhile, set 2 currently has dark-yellow-colored bodies (official color name: yellow jonquil).
According to JR East, these color changes are part of the regional tourism campaign being jointly held by JR East and Ibaraki Prefecture. The "new" colors were taken from the "old" E653 series, which was retired from the Joban line in 2013. JR East plans to launch two more special-colored trains. Their colors will be "blue ocean" and "orange persimmon". The Joban line will be filled with a profusion of colors. I'm so looking forward to seeing two more special-colored trains.
For your information, The E657 series is the AC-DC dual electric system train on the Joban line. It was commissioned in 2012 to replace the deteriorated 651 and E653 series. One set is composed of 6 motorcars and 4 trailers. A total of 19 sets were built by Hitachi, Kinki-sharyo and J-TREC Yokohama Factory from 2011 to 2019. In addition to fully active suspension on the lead car and Green Car (the first-class car), all vehicles are equipped with inter-body dampers to further improve ride comfort. The E657 series is operated as limited express trains named Hitachi and Tokiwa.
