This is the sequel of my last post. After enjoying the latest trains, the EMU 1000 series, on the Iizaka line of Fukushima Kotsu Company, I hit upon a question... "Where have all the old trains gone?" "All scrapped?" Please don't worry! I found that one set of the old train was being preserved at Soneda station. That's Set 7101 of the EMU 7000 series.
Set 7101 is composed of 2 cars, namely DeHa 7101 and DeHa 7202. It's amazing that Set 7101 is preserved as the whole set, not just one car. Even more surprising, Set 7101 is preserved not only as an exhibit, but also utilized as a waiting room for railway passengers and a break room for local people. Please look at the photo below. The inside of the vehicles is kept clean, and equipped with indoor plants. Mellow music is played on a large screen. Paintings, which have been drawn by a local artist, are also exhibited. I fully enjoyed this healing space for a while.
For your information, the EMU 7000 series is the ex-Tokyu 7000 series. A total of 6 sets, 14 cars, were transferred to Fukushima Kotsu in 1991, when the Iizaka line was boosted from 750 to 1,500 V DC. Please look at the top photo. You can see the good old "Pioneer bogies", which were developed in the US, below the body. The brake disks are shining! The EMU Fukushima Kotsu 7000 series, it was great to see you today!
