Utsunomiya’s Hidden Treasure: The Preserved EF57

Electric locomotive Unit 7 of Class EF57 preserved in Utsunomiya City

Utsunomiya is the main city of Tochigi Prefecture, located about 110 kilometers north of Tokyo. It sits in the northern part of the Kanto Plain, and is widely known for its machinery and food industries. Speaking of railways, you may remember that Japan’s newest tramline opened in Utsunomiya last August. The cumulative number of passengers reached six million on November 19th this year—four months earlier than expected. It has been a great success.

Utsunomiya is certainly an advanced railway city, but it also has its own nostalgic charm. If you walk around the city, you may come across a precious old locomotive. Please take a look at the photos. This is Electric Locomotive (EL) Unit 7 of Class EF57, preserved in Utsunomiya-higashi Park. The Class EF57 is a 1,500V direct-current electric locomotive with a 2C+C2 (AAR) wheel arrangement. It was developed by the Ministry of Railways in 1940 for hauling express trains on main trunk lines. Its maximum speed was 95 kilometers per hour. A total of fifteen units were built by Hitachi and Kawasaki Sharyo.

Unit 7 was manufactured by Hitachi in 1942 and retired from the Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1978. It is the only surviving member of the Class EF57 and has been preserved in this park since 1980.

Please look at the top photo again. The pantograph sticking out from the body is really cool! The special deck in front of the cab is also unique. I was truly fascinated by this precious EL.

Front view of Unit 7, JNR Class EF57

Deja Vu Colors Return to the Shin-Keisei Line

Set N838 of the Shin-Keisei N800 series, revival-color livery

You may remember my post from last year, where I mentioned that Keisei will absorb the Shin-Keisei Electric Railway in April 2025. How is the merger project progressing now? I recently visited the Shin-Keisei Line for the first time in two years, and saw the changes with my own eyes.

Let me briefly review Keisei Electric Railway and Shin-Keisei Electric Railway. Keisei is one of the major private railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Its network stretches 152.3 kilometers across eastern Tokyo and northern Chiba Prefecture. Shin-Keisei, on the other hand, is a Keisei affiliate based in Chiba Prefecture, operating a 26.5-kilometer route. Last year, Keisei made Shin-Keisei a wholly owned subsidiary through a share exchange. As the second step, Keisei will fully absorb Shin-Keisei next year to accelerate decision-making and improve business efficiency. After the merger, the Shin-Keisei Line will be renamed the Keisei Matsudo Line.

Now, onto the main topic. I found that two Shin-Keisei trainsets have recently been repainted in their original colors. They are Set N838 of the N800 series EMU and Set 8808 of the 8800 series EMU. In my memory, both sets were repainted into the newer pink-and-white livery only about two years ago. So why return them to their former colors now? It seems to be a way for Shin-Keisei to look back on its history as it approaches the end of its independent era. I fully enjoyed seeing these “déjà vu” trains running again on the Shin-Keisei Line.

Set 8808 of the Shin-Keisei 8800 series, revival-color livery

Related links:

・Official information about the N800 series revival-color train (in Japanese)

・Official information about the 8800 series revival-color train (in Japanese)

"Magical Journey Shinkansen" Train

Set U6 of the JR East E5 series EMU, “Magical Journey Shinkansen”

On June 6th this year, Tokyo Disney Resort held the grand opening of Fantasy Springs. To promote tourism to this brand-new theme park, the resort’s owner, Oriental Land, has begun operating a special poster-wrapped train called the “Magical Journey Shinkansen” on the Tohoku Shinkansen in cooperation with JR East.

Let me start with a quick look at Fantasy Springs. This new area consists of three themed lands—Frozen Kingdom, Peter Pan’s Never Land, and Rapunzel’s Forest. For instance, visitors to Frozen Kingdom are welcomed into the kingdom of Arendelle from the film Frozen. Needless to say, Frozen was a major hit in 2013. The film received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, and went on to win two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, among many other accolades.

Characters from Fantasy Springs appear on the side bodies of the Magical Journey Shinkansen. They include Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Peter Pan, and others.

You may remember when I previously introduced the “Magical Dream Shinkansen" which was Set J69 of JR East’s E2-J series EMU. In contrast, the new “Magical Journey Shinkansen” is Set U6 of the JR East E5 series. The E5 series is currently the fastest train in Japan, operating at a maximum speed of 320 km/h (198.8 mph). Thanks to its advanced body-tilting technology, it can maintain high speeds even on tight curves. JR Hokkaido's H5 series is a sister train to the E5.

Side view of the "Magical Journey Shinkansen"

Related link:

“Magical Journey Shinkansen” by JR East (in Japanese)

Final Chapter of the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 Series in Indonesia

05-110F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series in Jakarta, Inodonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I know I’ve been jumping from one topic to another lately, but allow me to stay in Jakarta just a little longer. After writing about the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series on November 14th, I couldn’t help introducing another “endangered species” that continues to fascinate railfans. As always, my heartfelt thanks go to Faris Fadhli for sharing his wonderful photos.

Take a look at the top picture. This is set 05-110 (hereafter 05-110F) of the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series, now running quietly in Indonesia. The 05 series made its debut on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line back in 1988. A total of 240 cars were produced by Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo, and several other manufacturers. Over the years, 130 of them retired from the Tozai Line, 12 cars found a new role on the Kita-Ayase branch line after modification, and 80 cars crossed the sea to Indonesia to begin their second life. According to Faris, only two sets—05-108F and 05-110F—are still bravely holding on.

I still remember the excitement as if it were yesterday. When the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series arrived in Indonesia in 2010, I visited the Port of Tanjung Priok with several passionate Indonesian railfans. Together we watched the freshly arrived 05 series being unloaded, feeling as though we were welcoming an old friend to its new home (see the photo below).

Just like the ex-Tokyu 8500 series, the 05 series is now approaching the final chapter of its long journey. Even so, two sets continue to run firmly on Indonesian soil. I’m deeply grateful to the local railway engineers who have supported these trains for so many years, and I sincerely hope the 05 series will keep running for as long as possible.

05-107F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series just after arriving at Tanjung. Priok Port

(August 14th, 2010)

2024 Late Autumn Visit to Hakone

Gondola Number 2,"Komagatake", Hakone-Komagatake Ropeway

Autumn begins to deepen in Japan. The leaves have begun to turn red, brown and yellow in the Tokyo metropolitan area. One of the most famous places for enjoying autumn leaves is Hakone in a western suburb of Tokyo. I recently visited this resort area with my family. Our destination was Mt. Komagatake, which is one of the peaks of the central cone of Hakone Caldera. Its peak is 1,356 meters above sea level.

To visit Mt. Komagatake, Hakone Komagatake Ropeway is convenient. The route was originally opened by Izu-Hakone Railway in 1963, and currently operated by Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Company. It's a four-cables cross type aerial tramway. Connecting Hakone-en on the shore of Lake Ashinoko and Komagatake-chojo station at the summit of Mt. Komagatake stations, its route length is 1,783 meters. The height difference between the two stations is 590.8 meters. Its maximum inclination is 30.3 degrees. The gondola is operated every 20 minutes. It takes about 7 minutes to go one way. The present gondolas, namely Ashinoko (Number 1) and Komagatake (Number 2), were built by CWA in 1986 as the 2nd generation ones. Each gondola can accommodate up to 101 passengers.

After arriving at the Komagatake-sancho station, we enjoyed beautiful autumn leaves of Mt. Komagatake and adjacent Lake Ashinoko. In addition to that, we could clearly see Mt. Fuji (3,776 meters above sea level) in the northwest. There was less snowfall than average this year, so, we couldn’t see a snow-capped peak. Was it an effect of global warming?

A view of Mt. Fuji (3,776 meters above sea level) from Mt. Komagatake 

Final Chapter of the ex-Tokyu 8500 Series in Indonesia

8618F of the EMU KAI Commuter (ex-Tokyu) 8500 series in Jakarta, Indonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I've received the latest picture from an Indonesian railfan. It's the last active set named 8618F of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series being operated in Jakarta. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the beautiful picture.

Let me quickly review the EMU Tokyu 8500 series. They were direct current commuter trains operated on the Tokyu lines in Japan from 1975 to 2023. 400 units in total were built by Tokyu Sharyo. After retirement from Tokyu Electric Railway, 29 units were transferred to Nagano Electric Railway, Chichibu Railway and Izukyu; meanwhile, 64 units were exported to Indonesia as secondhand trains. These exported trains have been used by a local railway company, PT. Kereta Commuter Indonesia.

Now, let's head to the main topic. Please look at the top photo. It’s 8618F… the last active set of the 8500 series in Indonesia. It’s kept in a good condition, isn’t it? When I lived in Jakarta from 2007 to 2011, I often used trains. I still clearly remember the time when 8618F arrived at Indonesia in 2008. I visited Bukit Duri Railyard on August 24th with several enthusiastic Indonesian railfans, and welcomed 8618F (see the photo below). 16 years have passed since then. Time really flies. The 8500 series' second life is coming to an end... but 8618F still remains on the track and carries lots of commuters every day. I would like to thank the local railway engineers in Indonesia, and hope it'll be operated as long as possible.

8618F has just arrived at Bukit Duri Railyard, Jakarta, Indonesia

(August 24th, 2008)

The 90th Anniversary of Hachiko Line: Part 2

JR East KiHa112-204 displays the 90th anniversary plate of the Hachiko line

You may remember that I posted about the 90th anniversary of Hachiko line last month. I am going to follow up this topic a little bit more today.

After observing the EMU E231-3000 series, which was displaying special memorial plates on the front and back of the train, I moved to the northern half section of the Hachiko line. As I posted before, the JR East Hachiko line is composed of two different sections. The southern section, between Hachioji and Komagawa (31 kilometers), is a commuter route in an urban area. It is electrified at 1,500 V DC. On the other hand, the northern section, between Komagawa and Kuragano (61 kilometers), is a local route in a suburban area. It is non-electrified. The DMU KiHa110 series is commissioned.

I found a train displaying the 90th anniversary plates on the northern half section of the Hachiko line as well. That was a 2-car train, KiHa111-204 and KiHa112-204 of the DMU KiHa110 series. Incidentally, KiHa110 series is composed of three types namely Type KiHa110, KiHa111 and KiHa112. What's the difference between three types? Type KiHa110 has two cabs, so, it is possible to be operated as a train with only one car. On the other hand, Type KiHa111 and KiHa112 have one cab only, so, they have to be operated as 2-car train or more. Type KiHa110 and KiHa111 have toilets; meanwhile, Type KiHa112 doesn’t have a toilet. Learning such subtle differences between trains is the pleasure for trainspotters like me.

Close up of the 90th anniversary plate

Tama Riverside Walking: Part 12, Minami-Tama

Set N24 of the EMU JR East E233-8000 series crosses Tama River

It’s November already. The weather has become cooler, so, it’s the best season for a stroll. I resumed walking along Tama River. My destination this time was Inagi City of Tokyo Metropolis. After getting off Minami-Tama station on the JR East Nambu line, I headed to Tama River.

Let me quickly review Inagi City to start. It’s located in the midstream of Tama River, and a new residential area developed in the 1970s. When I was a child, I sometimes came here with my school teacher and classmates for picking pears in autumn. My teacher told us that Inagi City is suitable for pear cultivation, because the land is well-drained. The main part of the city is situated on the Tama riverbed.

As soon as I started walking on the embankment, a 6-car train crossed the railway bridge. It was a northbound train, Set N24 of the EMU JR East E233-8000 series, on the Nambu line. All the trains on the Nambu line have stain-less steel bodies with yellow, orange and black-colored stripes. This train is familiar to me, but the figure of crossing Tama River is refreshing. I continued walking upstream. Three minutes later, a container train pulled by a blue-colored electric locomotive (EL) passed through another bridge for freight trains. It was Unit 337 of the Class EF210-300, "Momotaro", operated by JR Freight. I tried to shoot the whole train, but I was too optimistic. The train was longer than the railway bridge, so I couldn’t. Instead, I shot a close-up of the EL.

A container train pulled by a EL, Unit 137 of the Class JR Freight E210

New-colored Trains on the Daiyuzan Line

Set 5507 of the EMU Izu-Hakone 5000 series, Gentian Train

I can't take my eyes off the Daiyuzan line. New-colored trains were recently commissioned one after another. I am going to show you these beautiful trains today.

Let me quickly review the Dauyuzan line to start. The Daiyuzan line is operated by Izu-Hakone Railway, which is one of the Seibu Group companies. The route was opened in 1925 between Odawara and Daiyuzan stations to transport worshippers to the famous Saijo-ji Buddhist temple. Currently, the passengers are not only worshipers, but also local commuters and students going to Odawara, Yokohama, and other cities. The route length is 9.6 kilometers. The track is 1,067 mm-size single and electrified. The electric system is 1,500 V DC with an overhead line. Trains are operated every 12 minutes on average. 

Now, let's head to the main topic. Firstly, "Gentian Train" debuted on April 5th using Set 5507 of the EMU 5000 series. Gentian is the flower of Minami-Ashigara city on the Daiyuzan line. The purpose of Gentian Train is to promote tourism to this beautiful city. Its light-purple-colored body is gentle. "Orange Train" was then commissioned on August 29th using Set 5503 of the EMU 5000 series. Oranges are the specialty of Odawara City on the Daiyuzan line. The purpose of Orange Train is to promote tourism to this fruit city. Its body color is brilliant.

Incidentally, the EMU 5000 series is the main fleet of the Daiyuzan line. It was launched in 1984. A total of 7 sets, 21 units, are operated on the line.

Set 5503 of the EMU Izu-Hakone 5000 series, Orange Train

Official information about Gentian Train by Izu-Hakone Railway (in Japanesea):

https://www.izuhakone.co.jp/sunzudaiyu/sunzudaiyu-news/p010225_d/fil/railway_news_20240329.pdf

Official information about Orange Train by Izu-Hakone Railway (in Japanesea):

https://www.izuhakone.co.jp/izu-group/izu-news/railway_news_20240821_d/fil/railway_news_20240821.pdf

The 60th Anniversary of Tokyo Monorail

60th anniversary train, Set 10041 of the EMU Tokyo Monorail 10000 series

On September 17th, 2024, Tokyo Monorail Company celebrated the 60th anniversary of their Haneda Airport line. In commemoration, the company held several events.

Let me review the Haneda Airport line to start. It is an airport access monorail line from downtown Tokyo to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda). This route was opened in 1964 as the second oldest monorail line in Tokyo. There are 11 stations over a total operating length of 17.8 kilometers. The entire route is a double track. The electric system is 750V DC. The best thing about Tokyo Monorail is its high speed. The maximum train speed is 80 kilometers per hour. “Haneda Express” train connects Hamamatsu-cho in the downtown area and Haneda Airport International Terminal without stopping in only 13 minutes. This express train overtakes the local train at Showajima station.

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary, Tokyo Monorail has been operating a special-colored train since September 14th, using Set 10041 of the EMU 10000 series. The body color has been returned to the original state, which was adopted when the Haneda Airport line was opened. It is ivory-colored with light-blue and dark-blue-colored stripes. We can see the 60th anniversary sticker as well on the front of this train.

Incidentally, I still remember the 50th anniversary train on the Haneda Airport line in 2014. It was a special-colored EMU 1000 series train with red-colored stripes. That color design was taken from the EMU 500 series, which had already been retired from the track. Ten years have passed since then. Time really flies.

The 60th anniversary sticker of the Haneda Airport line, Tokyo Monorail

Official information about the 60th anniversary, Haneda Airport line, Tokyo Monorail (in Japanese):

https://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/news/campaign/60th_anniversary/