EMU "Seibu" 8000 Series: Start of Commercial Operation

Set 8103 of the EMU Seibu 8000 series travels on the Haijima Line

Do you remember when I introduced Seibu Railway’s new train, which had been purchased second-hand from Odakyu Electric Railway? Three months have passed since then, and Seibu has now put this commuter train into commercial operation under the name “Seibu” 8000 series (see the top photo).

Let me first review the history of this train during the Odakyu era. The Seibu 8000 series originally debuted as the EMU “Odakyu” 8000 series in 1983. A total of 32 sets, 160 units, were built by Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Sharyo, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It is the oldest train still operating on the Odakyu line, and is also known as the last steel-bodied commuter train on the line. Incidentally, after renovation, the 8000 series was equipped with a variable frequency drive electric control system.

Forty-one years later, it was decided that seven sets, 42 units in total, of the Odakyu 8000 series would be transferred to Seibu Railway. This helps Seibu reduce the cost of acquiring new trains. In addition, maintenance costs will also be lower, since the 8000 series is already equipped with a variable frequency drive system, which, as you know, reduces electricity consumption.

Lastly, please don’t forget that the EMU Odakyu 8000 series is still in operation on the Odakyu line (see the photo below). This makes railfans like me happy, as we can ride and compare both the Odakyu 8000 and the Seibu 8000 series. I hope both versions of the 8000 series will continue running for as long as possible.

Set 8262 of the EMU Odakyu 8000 series travels on the Odawara Line

Official information about the EMU Seibu 8000 series (in Japanese):

https://www.seiburailway.jp/railway/encyclopedia/8000/

Seijo Corty: My Neaby Train Observation Deck

View from the train observation deck at Seijo Corty Shopping Mall

I am not a native English speaker, so posting blogs in English is a good opportunity for me to learn a foreign language. I recently learned a proverb: "It’s hard to see what is right under your nose." I’d like to remember this proverb by using a real example.

Last week, I went shopping in Seijo-gakuenmae, my neighborhood. After that, I stopped by the roof garden of the Seijo Corty Shopping Mall. It’s close to my house, but it was actually my first visit. As soon as I arrived at the garden, I found a wonderful train observation deck. I hadn’t realized there was such a nice spot so close to home. “It’s hard to see what is right under your nose.” That’s exactly how it felt.

Enough with the preamble—please look at the top photo. You can see a straight quadruple track on the Odakyu Line. Two trains are running side by side: the EMU Tokyo Metro 16000 series (left) and the Odakyu 8000 series (right). The former is on the express track, while the latter is on the local track. Both shine beautifully in the afternoon sun. Doesn’t it make you excited? Even better, there are comfortable benches surrounded by trees on this deck. Sitting on one of them, I was able to enjoy a relaxing time.

Incidentally, if you have time, please also check out my previous posts about other train observation decks in the Tokyo metropolitan　area: Shimogoindenbashi, Kitatopia, Shibuya Hikarie, Horinouchi, Fuefuki, and so on.

 The roof garden of Seijo Corty Shopping Mall, surrounded by trees

EMU 3200 Series: A New Model on the Keisei Line

Set 3204 + Unit 3205 + Unit 3206 of the EMU Keisei 3200 series

Along with Tobu Railway, Keisei Electric Railway has also introduced a new commuter train: the EMU 3200 series.

Let me start by reviewing Keisei Electric Railway. It is one of the major private railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area. This year, Keisei absorbed Shin-Keisei Electric Railway, and now operates a 178.8-kilometer railway network in eastern Tokyo and northern Chiba Prefecture. Its airport access express, the "Skyliner", is well known as Keisei’s flagship train.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. The first set of the EMU 3200 series debuted on February 22. Keisei plans to introduce a total of 90 units. The main concept of the 3200 series is to improve operational flexibility. A standard trainset consists of eight cars, but it can also be operated as a six- or four-car train. As you know, Keisei experienced a drastic decrease in passengers bound for Narita Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, the number of inbound tourists traveling on the Keisei Line between Narita Airport and downtown Tokyo has increased significantly since 2023. Operational flexibility, depending on demand, is therefore essential for Keisei. For that reason, the 3200 series features couplings between the driver’s cab of the leading car and a middle car (see the photo below). Such irregular train formations have rarely been seen in Tokyo in recent years. Discovering this kind of rarity is one of the greatest pleasures for trainspotters like me.

Coupling between the middle car (left) and the driver’s cab of the leading car (right)

Official information about the EMU 3200 series (in Japanese), provided by Keisei Electric Railway:

https://www.keisei.co.jp/cms/files/keisei/MASTER/0110/NNw70bV7.pdf

Shinmachi Railyard in the Twilight

Set 1469 of the Keikyu 1000 series leaving Shinmachi Railyard

I recently visited Yokohama City to take care of some errands. After finishing my meeting, I stopped by Shinmachi Railyard near Kanagawa-shinmachi Station on the Keikyu Line for a stroll. Since I had spent quite a while in the downtown area, by the time I got off the train at Kanagawa-shinmachi, the sun had already set. It was around 7 p.m. The day had been very hot, but in the evening a pleasant breeze made the air feel refreshing.

As soon as I reached the railway crossing beside Shinmachi Railyard, my eyes were caught by many trains preparing for departure. They were mainly the EMU 1000 and 1500 series. These red-colored trains are, of course, beautiful in daylight, but in the evening they take on a mysterious charm. Under the yard lights and signal lamps, they gleamed brightly. I especially love the contrast between the vivid red trains and the deep-blue twilight sky. It was such a relaxing moment.

Incidentally, Shinmachi Railyard is the second largest depot on the Keikyu network. Opened in 1953, it can accommodate up to 250 train units. The EMU 600, 1000 and 1500 series are based here, along with several work trains—DeTo 11, 12, 17, and 18. The railyard also handles maintenance and inspections for 4- and 6-car formations. Another point worth mentioning is the automatic washing machine. Thanks to this facility, Keikyu trains are always kept shining clean.

Shinmachi Railyard in the twilight

Preparation for ATO: Keio-Inokashira Line

 Trainset 1729 of the Keio 1000 series after ATO modification

As I posted before, Japan's population has entered into a decreasing phase. Railway companies can't keep their arms crossed in this situation. Railway companies have to recruit staff, but not so easy.

ATO (Automatic Train Operation) system is considered as one of the solutions. This technology has already been applied to subways, monorails and so on. Completely unattended trains are operated on the newly constructed AGT lines such as Yurikamome and Nippori-Toneri Liner. It seems easy at first glance, but not so on the traditional routes. Suppose we consider the case of the Keio-Inokashira line. There are many railway crossings. Not only local, but also express trains are operated. These issues are complicated.

Keio Electric Railway aims for Level GoA2 of ATO and conducts verification tests. At the GoA2, only one crew is required on board mainly for train starting and safety monitoring. In parallel, modification of the trains has started. Trainset 1729 of the EMU 1000 series has just been modified. There are many modifications on the train, but I would like to point out two portions as a trainspotter. First, please look at the top photo. The car number “1779” on the front was moved from the gangway to the upper right. Second, please look at the photo below. The window on the partition door between the driver’s cab and the passenger’s cabin became lower. Kids can easily enjoy scenic views through the frontal window of the train. It’s the best solution to secure the future railway employees!

Lowered window on the partition door

Official information on the ATO verification tests by Keio Electric Railway (in Japanese):

https://www.keio.co.jp/news/update/news_release/news_release2024/pdf/nr20250306_jidouunten.pdf

Rotating and Lifting Observation Tower on Mt. Yahiko

Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower

Let me pick up where I left off in my last post. After getting off the Yahiko-yama Climbing Car at the summit park, I enjoyed a superb view for a while. It was a precious time for me, but there was another spectacular lookout on this mountain. Please look at the top photo: you can see a tall column with a cylindrical observation deck. What is it?

The answer is the Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower. This is a rotating and lifting observation tower located right beside the climbing car. The cylindrical deck slowly rotates as it ascends the central column. The tower stands 85 meters high, with the top reaching about 605 meters above sea level—higher than the top of the climbing car track. The Panorama Tower was built in 1970, at the same time as the climbing car, by the Yahiko-yama Ropeway Company. It is the oldest rotating and lifting tower in Japan. The deck accommodates up to 52 passengers, operates every 15 minutes, and each ride lasts about eight minutes. Pets are even welcome at no extra charge—what a wonderful offer!

Now please look at the photo below. I’m really fond of this retro atmosphere. On top of that, the operating sound of the rotating deck somehow feels nostalgic, with its unique rattling noise. The seats inside the cabin are covered with red moquette fabric, reminding me of old commuter trains in Tokyo. From there I fully enjoyed the breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Niigata Plain, Sado Island, and the Sea of Japan. Time really does fly when you’re having fun—eight minutes passed by in the blink of an eye.

Interior of the observation deck, Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower

Official website, Yahiko-yama Ropeway (in Japanese):

https://www.hotel-juraku.co.jp/yahiko/

Retro Climbing Car in Niigata Prefecture

Yahiko-yama Climbing Car in Niigata Prefecture

After returning from my trip to Miyazaki Prefecture, I visited Niigata Prefecture. It was family time, so I had temporarily put my trainspotting activities on hold—but I was soon drawn to a retro climbing car on Mt. Yahiko.

Let me start with a quick overview of Mt. Yahiko. It’s a sheer mountain with a great view in Niigata Prefecture, about 300 kilometers north of Tokyo. The summit rises 634 meters above sea level. The easiest way to reach the summit is by gondola, called the Yahiko-yama Ropeway. I first rode it eleven years ago—please check my previous post.

So, what’s new in this post? To be honest, the “Sancho (summit) Station” of the gondola is not at the actual summit of Mt. Yahiko. You can reach a higher spot using a climbing car. Please look at the top photo: you can see the retro vehicle, the Yahiko-yama Climbing Car, on the mountainside. The climbing car was built in 1970 by the Yahiko-yama Ropeway Company. It’s neither a funicular nor a monorail—it’s an inclined elevator. Connecting the parking lot and the mountain park, its route is 62.4 meters long with a 50-degree incline. The vehicle accommodates 30 passengers and operates at a speed of 0.75 meters per second, taking about one minute to reach the mountain park.

Next, please look at the photo below. Aren’t you curious about the camera angle? It looks like the photo was taken from above the climbing car. Could there be a higher vantage point? To be continued…

The vehicle of the Yahiko-yama Climbing Car arriving at the mountain park

The 20th Anniversary of the TX Line

Set number 2651 of the EMU TX-2000 series displays the 20th anniversary plate

On August 24th, the Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tsukuba Express (hereafter the TX Line). To commemorate this milestone, the company is hosting a variety of events.

Let me start with a quick review of the TX Line. It’s a 58.3-kilometer route connecting Akihabara and Tsukuba. Akihabara, located in downtown Tokyo, is widely known as the “Otaku town.” Otaku is a Japanese word used to describe people who are deeply enthusiastic about anime, video games, computers, or other hobbies. In contrast, Tsukuba is the science city of the metropolitan area, home to numerous national and private research institutes. The TX Line opened in 2005 and plays the role of a "second Jōban Line“. Its track is double and fully electrified.

One of the anniversary highlights is the installation of special commemorative plates on the front of the trains. Please take a look at the photos. They show set numbers 2651 and 2667 of the EMU TX-2000 series. This model is a dual-system train capable of running on both DC and AC power, since the TX Line uses 1,500V DC between Akihabara and Moriya, and 20,000V 50Hz AC between Moriya and Tsukuba. Its maximum operating speed is 130 kilometers per hour.

Set number 2651, a first-batch train introduced in 2005, does not have a red stripe on the front. In contrast, set number 2667, a second-batch train introduced in 2008, features a red stripe. Please enjoy spotting these subtle differences between the two sets. I know you’re just as much of a trainspotter as I am. Congratulations to the TX Line on its 20th anniversary!

Set number 2667 of the EMU TX-2000 series displays the 20th anniversary plate

Official website: "the 20th anniversary of the TX line" by Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company (in Japanese):

https://www.mir.co.jp/tx20/

Railfan’s Super Lucky Day

JR East’s three trains travel side by side on the Sobu line

This may sound sudden, but just imagine: you find out on social media that your favorite idol is at the nearest station. You grab your camera, rush there, and wait at a good viewing spot. Five minutes later, you see him (or her) walking toward you. Then you realize the idol isn’t alone—two other famous, good-looking idols are with them. What a stroke of luck! You manage to capture all three idols in a single shot.

So, what am I trying to say? Sorry, my metaphor was a bit long-winded. Please replace “idol” with “train.” That’s exactly what happened to me. Seeing is believing—just look at the top photo. Three JR East trains, namely the DMU KiYa E195 series (left), the EMU E259 series (center), and the EMU E231-500 series (right), were traveling together. The KiYa E195 is a rail-carrying train—very rare. The E259 is the stylish airport access train. And the E231-500 is the well-known commuter train on the Chuo-Sobu Local Line. I managed to capture all three in one shot at Hirai Station on the Sobu Line. That was my super lucky day. I’m still buzzing with excitement, and I think any fellow railfan would understand exactly how I felt.

Incidentally, for reference, the photo below shows another important Sobu Line train: EMU E235-1000 series.

EMU JR East E235-1000 series (left) and E231-500 series (right)

Nostalgic but New Train on Kyushu Island

EMU JR Kyushu 713 series, "Sunshine Miyazaki", stands at Miyazaki station

This is a continuation of my recent trip to Miyazaki Prefecture. On my way back to Miyazaki Airport, I came across an old, red-colored train stopping at Miyazaki Station (see the top photo). What was that? The answer is the JR Kyushu EMU 713 series.

The 713 series was developed by the Japanese National Railways (hereafter JNR) in 1983. It’s a standard commuter train for the 1,067-millimeter-gauge track with a 20,000 V, 60 Hz AC (alternating current) electric system. One set consists of one motorcar and one trailer (1M1T). What was new about this train? The 713 series was the first equipped with a regenerative braking system for AC tracks. It was a great achievement by JNR, but the good news didn’t last long. Facing a financial crisis, JNR cancelled the mass production of this advanced train. In the end, only four sets were built by Tokyu Sharyo and Hitachi. After the privatization and breakup of JNR, all of the 713 series sets were transferred to JR Kyushu. Currently, they are operated on the Nippo Main Line, Nichinan Line, and Miyazaki Airport Line.

I liked these ex-JNR trains. You can clearly see the characteristics of the so-called "JNR-type" EMUs in the front design: two large, rounded lights, panoramic windows, and a gangway connection. The lower part of the body is narrowed. On the other hand, the 713 series received JR Kyushu’s own color scheme after a modification in 1996. It was reborn as the vivid red-colored train nicknamed “Sunshine Miyazaki.”

Side view of the EMU 713 series, "Sunshine Miyazaki"