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.”
