On July 15th, Tobu Railway launched a new limited express train "Spacia X", the EMU N100 series. I'm going to introduce this new flagship train to you today.
Spacia X is a successor of the first generation "Spacia", namely the EMU 100 series. Spacia was launched in 1990 for a limited express train between Asakusa terminal in Tokyo and the Nikko-Kinugawa sightseeing area. Because of its unique design and high specifications, Spacia became very popular among tourists. 33 years later, Tobu eventually introduced the long-awaited second-generation Spacia, namely Spacia X.
Spacia X is a 6-car train consisting of 4 motorcars and 2 trailers (4M2T). The bodies are made of aluminum alloy and white-colored. The X-shaped window frames on the first and the last car are very unique and beautiful. It's a motif of Kanumakumiko, which is a traditional woodcraft in Kanuma City on the Tobu line. The interior is gorgeous. One train has a suite room, a cafe lounge, compartments, box seats, premium seats and standard seats. Accessible restrooms and large baggage storages are equipped. Regarding the technical specifications, the state of the art VVVF (variable frequency drive) electric control system with full hybrid-SiC elements is adopted. A total of two sets were built by Hitachi Kasado factory. Two more sets will be introduced by the end of the fiscal year 2023.
I shot this new flagship train at Himemiya station, and was fascinated. Its streamlined and slightly blueish white-monotoned bodies were very impressive. Tobu Railway is going to a new stage.
