Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but I’d like to continue my story about my recent visit to the Yokosuka Line a little more today.
After enjoying the suburban sceneries along the JR-East Yokosuka line, I headed to Zushi Daiichi Sports Park near Higashi-Zushi Station. My destination was an old train preserved in the park—DeHa 601 of the Keikyu 600 series. When you hear “the Keikyu 600 series,” you may think of the currently active train, but today’s topic is its predecessor, the original 600 series. Please take a look at the photos.
DeHa 601 was built in 1956 by Tokyu Sharyo. Its original classification was DeHa 701 of the 700 series, but it was reclassified as DeHa 601 of the 600 series in 1966. The 600 series mainly operated as Kaitoku (limited express) trains, and all the cars in this series were motorcars. They were Keikyu’s first all-steel trains equipped with a cardan-jointed drive system. The interior was also distinctive, featuring many box seats along with some long bench seats.
After 28 years of service, DeHa 601 was retired from active duty in 1984 and moved to Zushi Daiichi Sports Park. I was particularly fascinated by its front-end design. Its face resembles other classic trains of the era—the JNR 80 series, Tobu 5700 series, Entetsu 30 series, Ooigawa 21000 series, and so on. It truly embodies the style of the 1950s and 1960s.
Incidentally, DeHa 601 has been lovingly maintained by a local volunteer group called the DeHa 601 Preservation Society. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in keeping this historic train in good condition.
