Do you see branded trains in your country? In Japan, yes, I often see trains being wrapped by corporate advertisements on the tracks. They are, for example, "Magical Dream Shinkansen" on the JR East Tohoku Shinkansen and "Studio Tour Tokyo Express" on the Seibu line. They are unique, beautiful and eye-catching; however, some of the branded trains are too flashy for me, so, I often hesitate to introduce branded trains in this blog.
I recently came across a new branded train on the Tobu line. Please look at the top photo. That's Set 205 of the EMU Tobu 200 series, nicknamed the "Calpis Express". It's operated between Asakusa and Akagi (or Oota, Isesaki) terminals. Calpis is the most famous probiotic drinks brand in Japan. I have also been drinking Calpis since I was a child. It makes me feel refreshed specifically in the hot summer. The bodies of the Calpis Express also make me feel refreshed. They are two-toned of blue and white... very cool. The illustrations of Calpis bottles are also cute and my favorite.
Incidentally, Set 205 of the EMU 200 series was commissioned in 1992. It had two-toned of red and white-colored bodies. In contrast to its beautiful appearance, the technical specification of the 200 series is rather old. For example, the electric control system is traditional rheostatic. Please look at the photo below. There is a resistor, which creates uncomfortable heat under the floor... but, please don't worry! The bodies of the Calpis Express train will make it refreshing.
