I've received interesting pictures from a Danish rail-fan. He recently traveled the west-side of Japan, and shot many trains. I'm going to show you his masterpieces little by little. My thanks go to Nicolai Okkels, who kindly sent me these photographs.
The top photo is a Iyotetsu train, the EMU 610 series, traveling on the Takahama line. Iyo Railway, also known as Iyotetsu, is a private railway company in Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku Island. This local company owns three railway lines and one tramline network. The total operating length is 43.5 kilometers. When I visited Iyotetsu in 2014, the trains and tramcars had various colored bodies, but the company unified in orange-colored bodies in 2015, because Ehime Prefecture is well known for oranges. This body color is similar to that of the former Chuo line train in Tokyo, isn't it? I love it. Incidentally, the 610 series is Iyotetsu's direct current commuter train for both 600V and 750V tracks. It was launched in 1995 to replace the old model, the EMU 600 series. A total of 2 sets, 4 units, were built by Alna Koki.
The second photo is a must-see spot for rail fans in Matsuyama City. You can see a level intersection of a railway and a tram line. The northbound train, EMU 610 series, is passing through the intersection; meanwhile, the streetcar, 2100 series, is waiting for the passing train. He knows well about the picturesque railway spot in Japan. I was impressed with him.
To be continued...
