EMU Seibu 6000 Series: Variations, Part 3

Set 6158 of the EMU Seibu 6000 series without door pocket windows

Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but I would like to follow up and explain the variations of the EMU Seibu 6000 series in a little more detail.

Please take a look at the photos. This train, Set 6158 of the 6000 series, does not have windows in the door pockets. It belongs to one of the last three sets. As I mentioned before, the 6000 series consists of a total of 25 sets (250 cars). They are well known for their great variety (see my posts dated 31/1/2020 and 23/9/2024). For example, the first 17 sets have stainless-steel bodies, whereas the last 8 sets have aluminum alloy bodies. The first 2 sets have silver-colored front faces, while the remaining 23 sets have white front faces. The first 22 sets have windows in the door pockets, whereas the last 3 sets do not.

In short, Set 6158 has aluminum alloy bodies, white front faces, and no windows in the door pockets.

Finally, let me briefly explain the technical specifications. Each set of the 6000 series consists of six motor cars and four trailer cars. It was Seibu’s first train series to adopt variable-frequency drives with induction motors. GTO (Gate Turn-Off thyristor) VVVF inverters were initially used, but they were later replaced with SiC (silicon carbide) VVVF inverters. It was also the first time Seibu adopted bolsterless bogies. More importantly, the 6000 series transformed the image of Seibu Railway’s trains from somewhat dowdy yellow ones into more urban and sophisticated rolling stock.

Close-up of Car 6058 in Set 6158

Revival Colored Trains on the Sotetsu Line

Set 10708 of the EMU Sotetsu 10000 series, "Previous red"

Sagami Railway (hereafter Sotetsu) launched special-colored trains. On May 18th this year, two sets of revival-colored trains were started to operate on the line. One is Set 10708, and another one is Set 10705 of the EMU 10000 series.

Let me review the EMU Sotetsu 10000 series. The 10000 series is one of Sotetsu's main fleets. It was launched in 2002 to replace old models. A total of 8 sets, 70 units, were built by Tokyu Sharyo (present J-TREC) and JR East Niitsu factory. To reduce the manufacturing cost, the 10000 series has common specifications with those of JR East's EMU E231 series. For instance, TIMS (Train Information Management System) is introduced in both the 10000 and the E231 series. One set of the 10000 series train is composed of 10 or 8 cars. MT ratio (the ratio of the number of motorcars to the trailers) is 1 (5M5T or 4M4T). 4 sets had already been renovated to the so-called “Yokohama Navy Blue trains”, but the special-colored trains on today’s topic still keep the original specifications.

Now, let's head to the main topic. Set 10708 (10-car train) has red-colored stripes on the front. This color is named “previous red”, which was taken from the retired Sotetsu train, such as the old-7000 series. On the other hand, Set 10705 (8-car train) has light-green-colored stripes. This color is named “nostalgic grass green”, which was taken from the original color of the 10000 series. Sotetsu is developing a variety of trains.

Set 10705 of the EMU Sotetsu 10000 series, "Nostalgic grass green"

Official information, Operation of specaial-colored trains by Sotetsu (in Japanese):

https://www.sotetsu.co.jp/news/train/info-train-2024-04-02/

EMU Seibu 6000 Series: Variations, Part 2

EMU Seibu 6000 series with aluminum alloy bodies and door pocket windows

Following the EMU JR East E233-8500 series, I’m going to post the other surefire topic for old-school trainspotters today.

The EMU Seibu 6000 series is a commuter train on the Seibu and its direct operation lines. A total of 25 sets, 250 units, were built by Tokyu-sharyo and Hitachi. As I showed you before, the 6000 series is famous for having great variety. Firstly, the early 2 sets have silver-colored front faces; meanwhile, the late 23 sets have white-colored front faces. Secondly, the early 17 sets have stainless-steel bodies (see my previous post); meanwhile, the late 8 sets have aluminum alloy bodies (see the top photo). Thirdly, the early 22 sets have windows on the door pockets; meanwhile, the late 3 sets don’t have such windows. Are you with me so far?

Next, let’s see the early 22 set, which have windows on the door pockets, in more detail. Among the 22 sets, the late 5 sets are extra rare. Their windows on the door pockets are useless! In other words, passengers can’t see out the windows (see the photo below). What happened to this train? The gimmick is as follows. These 5 sets originally had windows on the door pockets; however, the inner windows were then replaced by the walls to display advertisements. Advertising revenue in the train should be larger than the renovation cost of the trains. Seibu must have calculated the specific details of cost performance.

Hats off to Seibu’s business effort!

Door pocket windows of set 6054, the EMU Seibu 6000 series

C57 57: My Neighboring Locomotive

Unit 57 of the steam locomotive Class C57 is preserved in Okura Athletic Park

There is an expression in Japanese that says "it is darkest under the lighthouse". I am not a native English speaker, but “the darkest place is under the candlestick” in English may have similar meanings. For me, Unit 57 of the Class C57 (hereafter C57 57) is exactly the steam locomotive preserved "under the lighthouse”. C57 57 is preserved in Okura Athletic Park in Setagaya Ward of Tokyo Metropolis. This public park is near my house, but I had never been to there until recently. 

Let me review the Class C57 to start. The C57 is a 4-6-2 (Whyte notation) type steam locomotive that has a tender attached. It was developed by the Ministry of Railways in 1937 for pulling passenger trains. It is 20.28 meters long, and weighs 67.5 tons. The driving wheel diameter is 1,750 millimeters. A total of 201 units were built by Kawasaki-sharyo and the other companies. The Class C57 is called "the lady" among rail-fans. I agree with it, because its design is beautiful. For example, the boiler is slender, in contrast, the driving wheels are large.

C57 57 was built in 1938 by Kawasaki-sharyo. It was mainly operated in the northern part of Japan, so, there is a large snow plow on the front. After operating for 38 years, C57 57 was retired from the track in 1976. Its total driving distance was 3,365,110 kilometers, which is equivalent to 4.5 round trips from the Earth to the Moon. C57 57… thank you for your hard work.

Back view of C57 57

Train Viewing from Chiba Port Tower

EMU JR East E233-5000 series travels on the Keiyo line

There are many observation decks where we can view trains in the urban areas of Japan. They are, for example, Kitatopia and Carrot Tower in Tokyo Metropolis and AER Observation Terrace in Sendai City. Thankfully, they are free. Today, I’m going to introduce Chiba Port Tower today. You have to pay an admission fee, but it costs only 420 yen (3 USD), so you should go there. As the name suggests, Chiba Port Tower is located in Chiba Port, about 40 kilometers east of Tokyo. The nearest station is Chiba-minato (Chiba Port) on the JR East Keiyo and Chiba Urban Monorail lines. Visitors can enjoy gorgeous downtown, port and train views from the 113 meters high observation deck.

Please look at the top photo. You can see the EMU JR East E233-5000 series travelling on the elevated track. The E233-5000 series is the major commuter fleet on the line. It was commissioned in 2010 to replace the old models such as the 209-500 series. One set is composed of 10 cars (6M4T). I enjoyed a view of the 200 meters long train from the side. Its bright and vivid colored body stripe is definitely my favorite.

Next, please look at the photo below. You can see a 2-car suspension monorail train, the EMU 0 series, travelling on the Line 1 of Chiba Urban Monorail. The 0 series is the latest model commissioned in 2012. Its nickname is Urban Flyer. I enjoyed watching that Urban Flyer was flying above Port Street.

EMU Chiba Urban Monorail 0 series travels on the Line 1

Official website, Chiba Port Tower (in Japanese): https://chiba-porttower.com/index.php

The 110th Anniversary of the Tojo Line

Set 9107 of the EMU Tobu 9000 series travels on the Tokyu-Toyoko line

On May 1st, 2024, Tobu Railway celebrated the 110th anniversary of their Tojo line. In commemoration, the company holds several events.

Let me review the Tojo line to start. The Tobu-Tojo line is one of the main transportation arteries in the northwestern part of the metropolitan area. Connecting Ikebukuro in Tokyo Metropolis and Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture, it was opened on May 1st in 1914. The route was, then, fully opened in 1925 between Ikebukuro and Yorii. The total line length is, currently, 75 kilometers. It carries about one million passengers per day.

One of the 110th anniversary events is displaying a special plate on the front of set 9107 of the EMU 9000 series. It will be exhibited until October 10th. The words "110th ANNIVERSARY TOBU TOJO LINE" were written in English on the plate. I don’t know why in English… never mind. For your information, the 9000 series was commissioned in 1981 as Tobu’s first stainless-steel train. 100 units in total were built by Tokyu-sharyo, Alna-koki and Fuji Heavy Industries. The 9000 series is directly operated onto the Tokyo Metro and Tokyu lines, so, I could shoot it on the Tokyu-Toyoko line, which is closer to my house. Thank you so much, the 9000 series.

Incidentally, I still remember the 100th anniversary events on the Tojo line in 2014. I saw the grand ceremony in the Ikebukuro station yard and the operation of memorial train. Ten years have passed since then. The time really flies.

The 110th anniversary plate of the Tobu-Tojo line

Tama Riverside Walking: Part 11, Kawasaki

EMU Keikyu 600 series crosses Tama River

I’m going to show you the view of Tama River for the first time in a long time. I enjoyed strolling in the downstream last winter. My destination was Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture, about 20 kilometers away from the city center of Tokyo.

Let me review Kawasaki City. Kawasaki is the second most populated city in the prefecture. The current population is about 1.55 million. The city is full of variety. There are large-scaled downtown, industrial, residential and resort areas. Tama River river flows on the dividing line between Tokyo Metropolis and Kawasaki City.

After getting off the train at Keikyu-Kawasaki station, I passed through the downtown area, and headed to Tama River. As soon as I reached the embankment, a train passed the river, and approached me. That was the EMU 600 series, Keikyu’s commuter train commissioned in 1994. The 600 series partly has comfortable cross seats to provide passengers with good services. The red-colored 600 series made a beautiful contrast with the winter blue sky. After passing under the railway bridge of the Keikyu line, I walked upstream. Five minutes later, a long train passed through the other railway bridge. That was the EMU JR East E231 series. The E231 series is one of the major group trains on the JR East lines, and widely operated in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It was commissioned in 2000. It’s composed of 15 units of 20-meter-long cars. That is to say, 300-meter-long train was passing by me. It was breathtaking!

While observing trains, I enjoyed Tama riverside walking as usual.

EMU JR East E231 series crosses Tama River

Changing of the Seasons: Keio-Inokashira Line, Part 3

Set 1729 of the EMU Keio 1000 series and hydrangeas near Nishi-Eifuku station

Continuing with what I covered in June, I'm going to show you the change of the seasons on the Keio-Inokashira line today.

First, I’m going to show you hydrangeas again. Please look at the top photo. That’s the best hydrangea flowers for me this year. It was shot near Nishi-Eifuku station during a break in the rainy season in June. You can see beautiful blue and purple-colored flowers at the side of the tracks. The train is Set 1729 of the EMU 1000 series. This unique set has a white colored front mask with a rainbow-colored stripe on the side body of the train. Designed posters of several scenic spots on the Inokashira line, such as Inokashira Park and Kanda River, are displayed on the body of this train. It fits into the hydrangea flowers in full bloom.

Next, please look at the photo below. That’s a small rice field near Komaba-Todaimae station. It was shot in the end of August. You can see green-colored heads of rice were drooping. You may feel that it’s a sight you can find anywhere in Tokyo, but in fact, we seldom see rice fields in the central area (twenty-three special wards) of Tokyo. This rice field is known as “Kellner” Rice Fields. Oskar Johann Kellner was a German agricultural scientist. He was invited by the Japanese Government in 1881, and taught people how to improve on agricultural productivity. This rice field had been used for his research activities. Currently, local junior-high and high school pupils maintain this field.

Set 1714 and Kellner Rice Fields near Komaba-Todaimae station

Old Locomotives Used in a Steelworks

Steam locomotive NUS 5 is preserved in Chiba Park

Chiba City is located some 40 kilometers east of Tokyo, and the prefectural capital of Chiba Prefecture. The current population is about 1 million. This large city is famous for heavy industries such as the steel industry. Chiba Steelworks of Kawasaki Steel Company (present JFE Steel Company) is the representative steelwork in the city. This steelwork once had steam locomotives, named NUS 5, 6 and 7. I’m going to show you NUS 5 (the top photo) and 6 (the photo below) today.

NUS 5 and 6 are 0-6-0 (Whyte notation) type tank locomotives. They were built by Kawasaki Sharyo in 1948 for in-yard material transportation. Most notable point of these locomotives are their couplers. These locomotives have two kinds of couplers, namely automatic couplers and Willison couplers. After operating for 20 years, NUS 5 and 6 were retired from the track. Chiba City took over these locomotives in 1977. NUS 5 is currently exhibited in Chiba Park. On the other hand, NUS 6 is exhibited in Komoike Park. Two locomotives are both preserved in good condition. I would like to thank everyone involved in preserving these locomotives in Chiba City.

Incidentally, do you see any difference between the two locomotives? It might be difficult to find, but one of the answers is shape of smokestacks. NUS 5 has a smooth smokestack with a gold-colored ring. On the other hand, NUS 6 has a stepped smokestack. I hope that you will be happy to perceive this kind of fine difference among the locomotives as a trainspotter.

Steam locomotive NUS 6 is preserved in Komoike Park

Sunflower Festival on the Odakyu Line

EMU Odakyu 8000 series stands at Sobudaimae station

It's September already. Time really flies. Before introducing the topics of autumn, I'm going to keep on subjects of this summer a bit more.

Sunflower festivals are popular midsummer events in Japan. Many flower lovers flock to the festival venues. I’m also one of them. This year, I went to check out the sunflower festival of Zama City in Kanagawa Prefecture with my family. In the festival ground, nearly 550,000 flowers were blooming along Sagami River. It was very vivid and gorgeous. Whenever I visited sunflower festivals, I feel strange mood while I walk in the field. To be exact, I feel many eyes watching me. It’s because all the flowers face me. A round shaped sunflower looks like someone's face. Probably, I’m spaced out.

To visit this beautiful sunflower field, we took the Odakyu line, and got off at Sobudaimae station. It took about 50 minutes from Shinjuku, a subcenter of Tokyo. Taking this opportunity, I’m going to show you the EMU 8000 series, the active oldest commuter train on the Odakyu line. The 8000 series is a fully painted steel body train. It was commissioned in 1982 to replace old commuter trains such as the 2600 series. Its clean and beautiful body hasn't faded despite 42 years having passed by. As I recently posted, 40 units of the 8000 series are being transferred to Seibu Railway, another major private railway in Tokyo starting this year. The history of this experienced Odakyu train will keep going on.

Zama Sunflower Festival