tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57766070651664896452024-03-19T07:38:43.450+09:00Tokyo Railway LabyrinthIntroduction to railways in the Tokyo metropolitan area / 外国人のための東京鉄道案内Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comBlogger1735125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-52222393031913589632024-03-17T00:00:00.050+09:002024-03-17T01:05:26.290+09:00Joetsu Shinkansen: New Shuttle’s Neighbor<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodKxIdYdQVc70D7uQD3wGo6_tE81pfz_5cZ6faAyqY6W60GyRi5xR2-WxyW4RuaMOAGFNvRtQuBvVeVuCW9Kg7TRnBu85qpISM2cG_hHH4XuL1HEkI9cHn0c2N4BwUt7owDozyOrkmlbCtMUfz2BXepS_w0HAByaq9SuUFdDbZgcTuqsQCx27e4am0BU/s640/F24JREE7640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodKxIdYdQVc70D7uQD3wGo6_tE81pfz_5cZ6faAyqY6W60GyRi5xR2-WxyW4RuaMOAGFNvRtQuBvVeVuCW9Kg7TRnBu85qpISM2cG_hHH4XuL1HEkI9cHn0c2N4BwUt7owDozyOrkmlbCtMUfz2BXepS_w0HAByaq9SuUFdDbZgcTuqsQCx27e4am0BU/s16000/F24JREE7640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>The Joetsu Shinkansen train is seen from Hanuki station on the New Shuttle line</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">This is the sequel of my last post. After enjoying the 40th anniversary memorial trains on the New Shuttle line, I shifted my attention to the adjacent track. That's JR East's Joetsu Shinkansen. </span><span style="color: #444444;">Let me quickly review the Joetsu Shinkansen to start. It's the main transportation artery between Tokyo Metropolis and Niigata Prefecture. Its operating length is 334 kilometers. </span><a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2020/02/emu-e7-series-for-joetsu-shinkansen.html" target="_blank">The EMU E7 series</a><span style="color: #444444;"> is the representative model on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Its maximum operating speed is 275 kilometers per hour.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Hanuki station platform on the New Shuttle line is one of the best places to observe the Joetsu (and Hokuriku) Shinkansen trains, because the New Shuttle track and the Shinkansen track are the same height. We can easily shoot the Shinkansen trains, especially southbound ones running with high speed. Trains are operated every 15 minutes on average. For your information, a suitable sunlight condition for photographers is around noon. It's a fairly famous shooting spot among rail-fans.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Another recommended spot is the riverside of Haraichinuma River, 0.5 kilometer southwest of Maruyama station on the New Shuttle line. It's not a famous spot, but I like it. We can observe 3-story tracks there. They are, from top to bottom, the southbound Joetsu Shinkansen track, the northbound Joetsu Shinkansen track and the northbound New Shuttle track. Sitting on the riverside, I could fully enjoy the hurtling Shinkansen train, whose total length is 300.25 meters. Early spring scenery in the suburban area was also my favorite. Spring has sprung in the Tokyo metropolitan area!</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I_5j18tjA7pT0nXWgiTVYK884arzBt4LVdPSLssyQRX-Rj4drsfYbPWZZzaifWjtj4rvttZmc8F1Evk9HlxwvVyd0SBgri88P8len3URzKqZwc_EyKMpeuy5jSDCoyl0D7hIIKc1KqJrEiCBAZZ6hEYvD-OdGXe99LN7lniiolDVMSNBaItRPJ9x3d8/s640/E7JREHaraichinumaRiver640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I_5j18tjA7pT0nXWgiTVYK884arzBt4LVdPSLssyQRX-Rj4drsfYbPWZZzaifWjtj4rvttZmc8F1Evk9HlxwvVyd0SBgri88P8len3URzKqZwc_EyKMpeuy5jSDCoyl0D7hIIKc1KqJrEiCBAZZ6hEYvD-OdGXe99LN7lniiolDVMSNBaItRPJ9x3d8/s16000/E7JREHaraichinumaRiver640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Distant view of the EMU JR East E7 series traveling on the Joetsu Shinkansen</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Official information about the Joetsu Shinkansen:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/routemaps/joetsushinkansen.html">https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/routemaps/joetsushinkansen.html</a></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Official information about the JR East E7 series (in Japanese):</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="https://www.jreast.co.jp/train/shinkan/e7.html">https://www.jreast.co.jp/train/shinkan/e7.html</a></i></div></span><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-82418828194737818702024-03-14T00:00:00.060+09:002024-03-14T00:00:00.134+09:00The 40th Anniversary of the New Shuttle <p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws3btzkTZ5rwge7OMf4OVFdEbTzUyf-OCPh4HRUEOhJs8lxMJzGgTu0yiRm31y-xTkN5p4WILcVXZBrjtvnNIe-KktsNc1xm87vPCCTu3iiTsXf6ZljD5yurGw_papRh5l7rZPSVPnUoBxyrBrNWTts0_dLLa1BongKEzlu9xaMzJhfjk5rtIoBDo1ps/s640/23FnewShuttle40th640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws3btzkTZ5rwge7OMf4OVFdEbTzUyf-OCPh4HRUEOhJs8lxMJzGgTu0yiRm31y-xTkN5p4WILcVXZBrjtvnNIe-KktsNc1xm87vPCCTu3iiTsXf6ZljD5yurGw_papRh5l7rZPSVPnUoBxyrBrNWTts0_dLLa1BongKEzlu9xaMzJhfjk5rtIoBDo1ps/s16000/23FnewShuttle40th640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>The New Shuttle track has 3 rigid wires for power supply and a guide rail (lower left)</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I recently visited the New Shuttle for the first time in two years. What's new with this AGT (Automated Guideway Transit) line?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Let me review the New Shuttle. It's a rubber-tyred automated guideway transit (AGT) system in Saitama Prefecture, about 30 kilometers north of Tokyo. The formal name is the Ina line of Saitama New Urban Transit Company. Connecting Omiya and Uchijuku, its operating length is 12.7 kilometers. The route was opened in 1983 beside <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-new-shuttle-shinkansens-neighbour.html" target="_blank">the JR East's Tohoku and Joetsu Shinkansen track</a>. The track is mostly double, but partly single. The power supply is 600V three-phase alternate current. Instead of an overhead catenary, three rigid wires are installed along the track. Unlike the other AGT lines such as <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-yurikamome-line-update.html" target="_blank">the Yurikamome</a>, <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2012/04/nippori-toneri-liner-escape-from-lonely.html" target="_blank">Nippori-Toneri Liner</a> and <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-kanazawa-seaside-line-update.html" target="_blank">Seaside Line</a>, a driver operates each train. It's not a driver-less operation. For your information, the definition of the Automated Guideway Transit is a transportation system that runs on rubber tires by applying guide wheels to the guide rails in the center or side walls of the track. It doesn't necessarily mean driver-less operation. You can see three rigid wires for power supply and a guide rail in the top photo.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In commemoration of the 40th anniversary, all trains of the New Shuttle have been displaying 40th anniversary stickers since last August. We can see illustrations of both the retired model, EMU 1000 series (later modified to <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2011/05/emu-new-shuttle-1010-series-kawaii.html" target="_blank">the 1010 series</a>), and the latest model, <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2017/03/saitama-new-shuttle-update-new-model-on.html" target="_blank">EMU 2020 series</a>, on the sticker. Time really flies. Congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the New Shuttle!</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECWNU6TvtkIkRZKFSravQiyEWdicOWuZQ5lsY2pYdXbXmtmGI9gExrig0M1NVor4YuwHSvLeMeV8WqEJvmmq8VvMcf9BQ0k8blEQeyndCLQmsBzw8lHjl_l_kuqlW_9MXf9SVgKujZSswujPptP60M9b8NMlDPsmaK3bWL-Kb5IinmBmjl95WJBeE758/s640/2104NewShuttleFV640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECWNU6TvtkIkRZKFSravQiyEWdicOWuZQ5lsY2pYdXbXmtmGI9gExrig0M1NVor4YuwHSvLeMeV8WqEJvmmq8VvMcf9BQ0k8blEQeyndCLQmsBzw8lHjl_l_kuqlW_9MXf9SVgKujZSswujPptP60M9b8NMlDPsmaK3bWL-Kb5IinmBmjl95WJBeE758/s16000/2104NewShuttleFV640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>The 40the anniversary sticker of the New Shuttle train</i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i><br /></i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i><i>Official website, the New Shuttle (in Japanese): </i></i></span><i style="color: #444444;"><i><a href="https://www.new-shuttle.jp/">https://www.new-shuttle.jp/</a></i></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-23375680321871776112024-03-11T00:00:00.029+09:002024-03-11T00:00:00.343+09:00The 2nd Generation SDGs Train: Part 2<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNqKMVfLTvSoLqCmaq_pwUmgqv2Kvx-kZFJUVD5Y4pcYN5D1-6bOnZEOSYlczLBWQB1Mi34GJqpG09D0WpO3TZGIzTWUBHbAjuXBi17SITtrUN_f2-0XPKquQm1CVV1VpyRUhI9z2eThmU1e06CE3v-nXG_Z7Z9vqP3XbPAynuIL07qjj6jT-hVppqDE/s640/3822TokyuSDGs640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNqKMVfLTvSoLqCmaq_pwUmgqv2Kvx-kZFJUVD5Y4pcYN5D1-6bOnZEOSYlczLBWQB1Mi34GJqpG09D0WpO3TZGIzTWUBHbAjuXBi17SITtrUN_f2-0XPKquQm1CVV1VpyRUhI9z2eThmU1e06CE3v-nXG_Z7Z9vqP3XbPAynuIL07qjj6jT-hVppqDE/s16000/3822TokyuSDGs640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>The 2nd generation SDGs train, set 3122 of the EMU Tokyu 3020 series</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This is the sequel of the 2nd generation SDGs train on the Tokyu lines. In April, 2023, Tokyu Railways launched the 2nd generation SDGs trains on their four routes, namely the Toyoko, Setagaya, Meguro and Den-en-toshi lines. The former two have already been posted, so, I'm going to show you the latter two today.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Let me review the concept of SDGs Trains to start. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all United Nations Member States to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. In accordance with SDGs, Tokyu commissioned the special poster trains named <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2022/01/sdgs-train-on-toyoko-line.html" target="_blank">"(the 1st generation) SDGs trains"</a> in 2020. Those trains were substantially powered by renewable energy, but Tokyu's initiative was not limited to the partial use of renewable energy. In 2023, the company then started the use of 100% renewable energy for all trains. In commemoration of this goal achievement, Tokyu commissioned the 2nd generation SDGs trains.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Please look at the photos. The top image shows the new SDGs train for the Meguro and its directly operation lines, set 3122 of <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2022/03/emu-3020-series-latest-model-on-tokyu.html" target="_blank">the EMU 3020 series</a>. On the other hand, the photo below shows the new SDGs train for the Den-en-toshi and its directly operation lines, set 2150 of <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2018/08/emu-2020-series-new-model-on-den-en.html" target="_blank">the EMU 2020 series</a>. These trains are ornamented with the 17 goal colors of SDGs. The gradation represents co-creation of the goals. These 2nd generation SDGs trains are also vivid and beautiful. Observing trains is really fun.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVJYYme-aPD7eQKUSyMkFg4r7DQcqjc3ICazox71BT2bRDDY8g5xkpAzYQhmq8tMnVrafgzkmvx9MKYuDozHjRZVqbXx-DXqaVdmzNFvTUllP5W918Py8VYPSmGuhJgRqNzI93N-B4PlkenFDbAb1TTRRlT1n_kM5YhyphenhyphenjUN3IAdn45Rw9GfwBKwLDt-o/s640/2050TokyuSDGs640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVJYYme-aPD7eQKUSyMkFg4r7DQcqjc3ICazox71BT2bRDDY8g5xkpAzYQhmq8tMnVrafgzkmvx9MKYuDozHjRZVqbXx-DXqaVdmzNFvTUllP5W918Py8VYPSmGuhJgRqNzI93N-B4PlkenFDbAb1TTRRlT1n_kM5YhyphenhyphenjUN3IAdn45Rw9GfwBKwLDt-o/s16000/2050TokyuSDGs640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>The 2nd generation SDGs train, set 2150 of the EMU Tokyu 2020 series</i></span></div></span><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-86208541977654897062024-03-08T00:00:00.063+09:002024-03-14T08:08:47.307+09:00Kenty Skyliner: The Prince of Keisei Escorts Passengers<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrGtzG46k9rDQ_eMXTdGDleCPLr_8amC3A6xRcBhFJ1D8-x9ERcob_hlnXVLecs6GtiRQ-4QQSAbeuxBXa5SgtuZ716lEgumcFaDfqbbqlU56ka2r0irfQFYR8hrOdzNs18gYh7AxzgdEZN95muvTWGn9CC1qwztcQ7faewrCoEKp3GvHNWcoubZUjXo/s640/KentySkylinerKeisei640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrGtzG46k9rDQ_eMXTdGDleCPLr_8amC3A6xRcBhFJ1D8-x9ERcob_hlnXVLecs6GtiRQ-4QQSAbeuxBXa5SgtuZ716lEgumcFaDfqbbqlU56ka2r0irfQFYR8hrOdzNs18gYh7AxzgdEZN95muvTWGn9CC1qwztcQ7faewrCoEKp3GvHNWcoubZUjXo/s16000/KentySkylinerKeisei640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set AE4 of the EMU Keisei AE series, "Kenty Skyliner"</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area are in competition to attract passengers. For that purpose, many companies have their own mascot characters, such as Odakyu's <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/12/mokoron-mascot-character-of-odakyu-line.html" target="_blank">"Mokoron"</a> and Sotetsu's <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/12/sounyan-10-years-of-service.html" target="_blank">"Sounyan"</a>, to refine the value of their lines. In addition, several companies use celebrities for their advertising campaigns. For instance, Tokyo Metro, which is a subway operator, has been using a famous actress, Ishihara Satomi, for their TV commercials. On the other hand, Keio Electric Railway recently uses a young emerging actress, Kiyohara Kaya, for their TV ads and digital signages at the stations.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The celebrities contributing to railway companies are not only females. Keisei Electric Railway uses a famous young male idol, Nakajima Kento, for their face of the company. He acts as "the Prince of Keisei", and promotes the airport access train "Skyliner" on the TV commercials. Needless to say, the rival of Skyliner is JR East's <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2022/08/jr-east-narita-express-nex-update.html" target="_blank">"Narita Express"</a>. Keisei is operating a special poster train, named "Kenty Skyliner", as well. That's Set AE4 of <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2011/09/keisei-skyliner-spirit-of-local-railway.html" target="_blank">the EMU Keisei AE series</a>. As you probably have noticed by now, "Kenty" is the nickname of Nakajima "Kento". This train displays a gold-colored "Kenty Skyliner" sticker on the front. Furthermore, large posters of Kenty, who is dressed as the Prince of Keisei, are also displayed on the side bodies. It means that Kenty, the prince of Keisei, escorts passengers in the likeness of princesses. I hope that many passengers, specifically young girls, use Kenty Skyliner to be escorted by the Prince of Keisei.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdSwCsaxE-SGGSaVd7iRdUzpAk-Rsey1SCf5O_EU_f3cr5t54IfSQ89EkKgj1gu2bv7WfeOEYzz3vr34p2_QH4m0JI5Kz_cEYvIjTZu8KvVHRvjMPqRRKao4N8XlIbnBgm9AVUj7tJaOEGN1AcWWpnVFhRodrIRQsg5P7_Cmtkw2c1BVDJwhyphenhyphenXpDatVs/s640/KentySkylinerKeisei640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdSwCsaxE-SGGSaVd7iRdUzpAk-Rsey1SCf5O_EU_f3cr5t54IfSQ89EkKgj1gu2bv7WfeOEYzz3vr34p2_QH4m0JI5Kz_cEYvIjTZu8KvVHRvjMPqRRKao4N8XlIbnBgm9AVUj7tJaOEGN1AcWWpnVFhRodrIRQsg5P7_Cmtkw2c1BVDJwhyphenhyphenXpDatVs/s16000/KentySkylinerKeisei640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Side body of "Kenty Skyliner"</i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i><br /></i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Official website, "Kenty Skyliner" (in Japanese):</i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/jp/kentyskyliner/">https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/jp/kentyskyliner/</a></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-55159229669712220092024-03-06T00:00:00.041+09:002024-03-06T00:13:42.991+09:00Small Topics on the Chuo Rapid LIne<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE8HBoZqz34korVGgNaJlP7kvZOfcw_7vIVHiTNDEfretMagp48OUSy3JCsWn5RJyuLul6cx3Em6rAxanVUcHzA_cpTEVcwBzcAAUYS_tZxjw8boBy_-7ZaPO3WBYJoIAfMed5sSEr8TkkgkfoARwlBeuLMKmeO2Ty_UzBU9KBAddvDwitZccYRHiNRY/s640/PotentialFansYotsuya640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE8HBoZqz34korVGgNaJlP7kvZOfcw_7vIVHiTNDEfretMagp48OUSy3JCsWn5RJyuLul6cx3Em6rAxanVUcHzA_cpTEVcwBzcAAUYS_tZxjw8boBy_-7ZaPO3WBYJoIAfMed5sSEr8TkkgkfoARwlBeuLMKmeO2Ty_UzBU9KBAddvDwitZccYRHiNRY/s16000/PotentialFansYotsuya640a.jpg" /></a></div></i></i></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>Nursery school children observe the EMU JR East E233 series</i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It is said that there are 2 million rail-fans in Japan, according to sociological research. It's 1.6 percent of the total population. They are ride-on rail fans, train spotters, rail photo lovers, model train lovers, ticket collectors, sound rail fans, timetable rail fans, train lunch lovers, train driving simulator lovers and so on. This is just out of curiosity, but... "What was the catalyst for them to start enjoying railways?"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I recently found a root of rail-fans. Please look at the top photo. Local nursery school children on <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2011/10/the-chuo-rapid-line-tokyos-main.html" target="_blank">the JR East Chuo Rapid line</a> are observing trains accompanied by their teachers. That's one of the important events during strolling. When I pricked up my ears, I could hear children's conversation. "<a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2018/06/hachioji-castle-ruins-silence-in-city.html" target="_blank">The E233 series</a> is coming." "That's a rapid train bound for Tokyo." Exactly! That's great! Where did you learn that? I am convinced that they are potential rail-fans either way. Their future looks bright.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You may feel like something is missing from this post, so, I'm going to show you one more topic on the Chuo Rapid line. JR East and Ibaraki Prefecture are jointly promoting a regional tourism campaign named Ibaraki Destination Campaign. As a part of this campaign, a train with special plates on the front and back was operated on the Chuo Rapid line from October to December, 2023. After coming across this train, I visited Ibaraki Prefecture, and enjoyed amazing anglerfish hot pot, dried sweet potatoes, fragrant strawberries and rich plum wines. I only talked about foods. Sorry!</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><i style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQyyAQnDGBrUn3iIK1WY5JYk-7UA_8PVtL3eL5_yRLM6ZrxfJkwp02aKDzE2sis5b8Inl_KW1SF49ICVZi-OcKM32a5L_dAEjEMjjXHOauXMOEudu4XappyM68vK0zSrBNpmuFUh2ewUY96MBFIpdoVT1gPlcL_s-4WpxkaxbzNsBTZ7-GCMPvlw6iYU/s640/IbarakiCJREE233640a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQyyAQnDGBrUn3iIK1WY5JYk-7UA_8PVtL3eL5_yRLM6ZrxfJkwp02aKDzE2sis5b8Inl_KW1SF49ICVZi-OcKM32a5L_dAEjEMjjXHOauXMOEudu4XappyM68vK0zSrBNpmuFUh2ewUY96MBFIpdoVT1gPlcL_s-4WpxkaxbzNsBTZ7-GCMPvlw6iYU/s16000/IbarakiCJREE233640a.JPG" /></a></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>Set T25 displays "the Ibaraki Destination Campaign" plate on the front </i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-22821706734415170222024-03-03T00:00:00.000+09:002024-03-03T00:00:00.139+09:00Not so much a Strawberry as an Orange<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB3yjxLJ17bWllw1ZwPPIv795lC6758Gg_xrKDqLMXuZA3x4onatYceKqGJX28FDxmuNJJ4UDpl0097CtWnBdbczFCzvEt1qChRom5mrN6GMx3uuSpZym7MnZc1qelgWp-ggqfnWf2wPKCig8KKFxVaKEAOjLLDvzm8WedNqCgxOnVtXYDncg1LcqEzU/s640/StrawberryLinerTobu640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB3yjxLJ17bWllw1ZwPPIv795lC6758Gg_xrKDqLMXuZA3x4onatYceKqGJX28FDxmuNJJ4UDpl0097CtWnBdbczFCzvEt1qChRom5mrN6GMx3uuSpZym7MnZc1qelgWp-ggqfnWf2wPKCig8KKFxVaKEAOjLLDvzm8WedNqCgxOnVtXYDncg1LcqEzU/s16000/StrawberryLinerTobu640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set 109 of the EMU Tobu 100 series, "Ichigo Spacia"</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I'm not a native English speaker, so, writing English compositions is difficult even posting an English blog for many years. The structures of English and Japanese are different. The title of today's post is a specifically difficult phrase for me to use... "Not so much a strawberry as an orange".</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In June, 2023, people in Tochigi Prefecture celebrated the 150th anniversary of their prefecture. To commemorate this, Tobu Railway, which has an extensive railway network in Tochigi Prefecture, started to operate a memorial train, named "Ichigo Spacia" (set 109 of the EMU 100 series, <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2022/06/emu-tobu-100-series-spacia-update.html" target="_blank">“Spacia”</a>) on the Nikko, Kinugawa and Isesaki lines. Strawberry, also known as Ichigo in Japanese, is a local specialty in Tochigi Prefecture. I have a thing for strawberries. My favorite variety is "Tochiaika" produced in Tochigi Prefecture. It's large and sweet. I recently found a beautiful strawberry poster on the side body of an Ichigo Spacia train. That was a promotion of Tochiaika produced in Tochigi Prefecture. Please look at the photo below. It looks delicious!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">According to Tobu Railway, the body coloring of the Ichigo Spacia train was designed in accordance with a strawberry; however, I feel that the body stripes are not strawberry-colored. Several rail-fans commented, "Strawberry-colored train images will be able to be obtained, if we shoot it on cloudy days", so, I followed their suggestions. Please look at the top photo. What color do you see it in the image? I see it... "Not so much as a strawberry but an orange". Sorry, let's not say something so rigid.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGUciEwryhpG-jZbplF0csJLibI2rHkAsmBiETAdSSbuJ0l_jYX1vVPRIAKnsCOR51c0DNj8SPT9U4L7ycdSzdM_ibjaoapmk8X1tvfi-3PYvEG7aae2XJ34YhXwadwW-btUcEN-xrWoC_FQ0aSxLwc1bskTD77DLG21_iX6746n3LrspT5rfhFF9nhQ/s640/StrawberryLinerTobu640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGUciEwryhpG-jZbplF0csJLibI2rHkAsmBiETAdSSbuJ0l_jYX1vVPRIAKnsCOR51c0DNj8SPT9U4L7ycdSzdM_ibjaoapmk8X1tvfi-3PYvEG7aae2XJ34YhXwadwW-btUcEN-xrWoC_FQ0aSxLwc1bskTD77DLG21_iX6746n3LrspT5rfhFF9nhQ/s16000/StrawberryLinerTobu640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Strawberry poster on the side body of the Tobu "Ichigo Spacia" train</i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i><br /></i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Official information about the Tobu "Ichigo Spacia" train (in Japanese):</i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i><a href="https://www.tobu.co.jp/cms-pdf/releases/20231207172230RF_TR0B9Qvjbg1pKOXe0Ig.pdf">https://www.tobu.co.jp/cms-pdf/releases/20231207172230RF_TR0B9Qvjbg1pKOXe0Ig.pdf</a></i></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-16064006247396327772024-02-29T08:31:00.001+09:002024-02-29T08:31:07.786+09:00The 115th Anniversary of the Yokohama Line<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8YsQE49iyxykTCjDjZCjkeZiVFpdY17oK3eADcLWPCEc19pOvQyKnhFRRtqmlMzPNVN6zBO1buNBiqw0-fc3yQVCo3TkzHLaLYwirHFmknE_P8E1QGJUNI0lEeFvR73uwHcFA44JgUueg7nLL0ZiFuyZfHNpqXb71dN8aqfawX1H5wT_WAG1T4rWjrE/s640/115thYokohamaLineJRE640a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8YsQE49iyxykTCjDjZCjkeZiVFpdY17oK3eADcLWPCEc19pOvQyKnhFRRtqmlMzPNVN6zBO1buNBiqw0-fc3yQVCo3TkzHLaLYwirHFmknE_P8E1QGJUNI0lEeFvR73uwHcFA44JgUueg7nLL0ZiFuyZfHNpqXb71dN8aqfawX1H5wT_WAG1T4rWjrE/s16000/115thYokohamaLineJRE640a.JPG" /></a></div>Set H001 of the EMU JR East E233-6000 series travels on the Yokohama line</span></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This is going back a bit, but JR East celebrated the 115th anniversary of the Yokohama line on September, 23rd in 2023. I'm going to introduce this topic today.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">To start, let me review the Yokohama line. That's one of the main transportation arteries in the eastern part of Kanagawa Prefecture and the southwestern part of Tokyo Metropolis. It was opened in 1908 to transport silk from the inland sericultural area to Yokohama port. Connecting Hachioji and Higashi-Kanagawa, its route length is 42.6 kilometers. One of the features of this line is its arrangement. The Yokohama line forms part of the outer ring railway in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Its route intersects many lines, namely JR Central's Tokaido Shinkansen, Yokohama Municipal Subway, Keikyu, Tokyu, Sotetsu, Odakyu, Keio and some other JR East lines. The track is double and electrified with 1,500 V direct current. Some of the trains are directly operated onto the Keihin-Tohoku and Negishi line to Ofuna terminal via Yokohama station. An 8-car train, named <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2014/04/train-in-yokohama-new-model-on-yokohama.html" target="_blank">the EMU E233-6000 series</a>, is a sole model on the line.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Celebrating the 115th anniversary, a train with memorial plates on the front and back has been operating on the Yokohama line since September 25th, 2023. We have heard very little news lately on the Yokohama line, so, I'm happy about this memorial train. According to JR East Yokohama Branch Office, this train will be operated until late March this year. Congratulations on the 115th anniversary of the Yokohama line!</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kuO8a9X_zgSk06vzoJGQH2HH5fru90TJ1dNZaEFO9R18vCT7sSen-BxHWxHBfE-6qMPEsbkX15D40zMaUkSnX3UCp-jikvnnyKCkeLp1qzgX51imHHpv32QtjrVd81i_BxOLv0QzkspBCHMIEyJdHd_I9-49P76u0Krmhuvf6eb_iKYON4YBks1tLTg/s640/H001E233JREYokohamaLine115th640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kuO8a9X_zgSk06vzoJGQH2HH5fru90TJ1dNZaEFO9R18vCT7sSen-BxHWxHBfE-6qMPEsbkX15D40zMaUkSnX3UCp-jikvnnyKCkeLp1qzgX51imHHpv32QtjrVd81i_BxOLv0QzkspBCHMIEyJdHd_I9-49P76u0Krmhuvf6eb_iKYON4YBks1tLTg/s16000/H001E233JREYokohamaLine115th640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-align: left;">Special plate of "the 115th anniversary of the Yokohama line"</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-align: left;">Official information about the 115th anniversary of the Yokohama line (in Japanese):</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2023/yokohama/20230907_y0%EF%BC%92.pdf">https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2023/yokohama/20230907_y0%EF%BC%92.pdf</a></span></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-91583698448196550532024-02-27T00:00:00.000+09:002024-02-27T00:00:00.130+09:00Tokyo Night Walk: Hibiya Moat<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvow-dVVTyYkcFyRXNqg7FawPIMWWwoaKDlDKZJ4eH0pHx7iNelp3mC6Hn9yB2MTaFFx3utaCEZPxheRyMpegvWIddoZxYuApdeBEIse9I52cZUpoHsRxcFdBhgG-YXDqgEaWnjQW35DSk5xBNE0VyXcvs1JAuJpfMUMEVnLTWrjlpVlNw9a5RZsO0-MY/s640/K5JREE657Nighr640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvow-dVVTyYkcFyRXNqg7FawPIMWWwoaKDlDKZJ4eH0pHx7iNelp3mC6Hn9yB2MTaFFx3utaCEZPxheRyMpegvWIddoZxYuApdeBEIse9I52cZUpoHsRxcFdBhgG-YXDqgEaWnjQW35DSk5xBNE0VyXcvs1JAuJpfMUMEVnLTWrjlpVlNw9a5RZsO0-MY/s16000/K5JREE657Nighr640a.jpg" /></a></div>EMU JR East E657 series, limited express "Tokiwa", stands at Tokyo station</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It's getting warmer in Tokyo. The maximum daytime temperature is about 15 degrees Celsius. It has started to be a good season for a stroll not only in the daytime but also in the evening. I visited the Hibiya moat near Tokyo station after sunset, and enjoyed a night view of the Hibiya area. Please look at the photo below. You can see a beautiful stone wall on the left. It was completed in 1608 as a part of the Edo castle. I was surprised that the stone wall was lit up. This illumination was designed by a female lighting designer, Ishii Motoko, in 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 calamity. To protect the ecosystem of the moat, the light doesn't shine on the water surface. Thanks to that, visitors can enjoy both the lit-up stone wall and the reflection image of the Hibiya downtown area in the still water. What a fantastic night view it is!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">After enjoying the night walk, I returned to Tokyo station, and enjoyed shooting trains for a while. Please look at the top photo. <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2013/08/emu-e657-series-capybara-express-on.html" target="_blank">The EMU JR East E657 series</a>, limited express "Tokiwa", stands at the station. Tokiwa is operated between Katsuta on the Joban line and Shinagawa terminal in Tokyo. Its travel distance is 133.7 kilometers. Tokiwa is a convenient train for people in Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures, because it's directly operated to Tokyo central station, which is the starting station of Shinkansen trains and Shinagawa, which is a transfer station to the Tokyo International Airport (Haneda).</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnskC1dfFcpczHfo-hfLh-cQhIR5MmoWGx2DYjwusDTscAmjxSJzlF437mjXluN6ss-kSu-SLd6fdmvVKdKwVmvWci_n-AmLl6ueX3C8pAp61aLdj0CWaYA4TMrq7_vOZsuDZnAOU5VV9pV7y4F_XTVZTJmsVa1taymyoayLWTyTj4Ial598lMqHrJDk/s640/Otemachi640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnskC1dfFcpczHfo-hfLh-cQhIR5MmoWGx2DYjwusDTscAmjxSJzlF437mjXluN6ss-kSu-SLd6fdmvVKdKwVmvWci_n-AmLl6ueX3C8pAp61aLdj0CWaYA4TMrq7_vOZsuDZnAOU5VV9pV7y4F_XTVZTJmsVa1taymyoayLWTyTj4Ial598lMqHrJDk/s16000/Otemachi640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Night view of Hibiya Moat</i></i></span></div>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-20919485773299814102024-02-24T00:00:00.044+09:002024-02-24T09:11:49.151+09:00East i-D: Extra Rare Inspection DMU<p><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNms6TjcMlUMwKaVRvyhbEkPPDnn2nm_BBsMuC1kyW-DNB-XSQPTp1kDqh1IYrhIA8U4remsFd6b7_rsvmeu4kpCnyjaKYifC_l6NgeDsBZ_DJNdfgGnlFYUdBRxx_pjC3rGiHW343wn3XAnfPQz7O7xTPp2gZBcl57jZO6xGV3GAOyNJSXtxRPd-BlMU/s640/KiYaE193JRE640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNms6TjcMlUMwKaVRvyhbEkPPDnn2nm_BBsMuC1kyW-DNB-XSQPTp1kDqh1IYrhIA8U4remsFd6b7_rsvmeu4kpCnyjaKYifC_l6NgeDsBZ_DJNdfgGnlFYUdBRxx_pjC3rGiHW343wn3XAnfPQz7O7xTPp2gZBcl57jZO6xGV3GAOyNJSXtxRPd-BlMU/s16000/KiYaE193JRE640a.jpg" /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">JR East's inspection DMU, "East i-D", travels on the Musashino line</span></i></span></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You may remember that I posted JR East's inspection train for narrow gauge electrified tracks, namely <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2015/12/east-i-e-inspection-emu-for-narrow.html" target="_blank">East i-E (EMU E491 series)</a>, in 2015. At that time, I promised...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"JR East has an inspection train, called East i-D, for unelectrified tracks as well. It's also a very rare train. I'm going to upload the photograph, if I luckily find it."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Nine years has passed since then. Time really flies. I finally came across East i-D the other day. Please look at the photos. That's East i-D. Its formal name is the DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) KiYa E193 series. East i-D was commissioned in 2002 to replace the old inspection train, DMU KiYa 191 series. Only one set was built by Niigata-tekko. The mission of East i-D is to inspect signals and tracks mainly for unelectrified tracks, but it can inspect the electrified tracks as well, because it has pantographs. The top car, KiKuYa E193-1, has a track inspection system. This car doesn't have a driving engine. The middle car, KiYa E192-1, has pantographs to inspect overhead wires on electrified tracks. The tail car, KiYa E193-1, has a signal inspection system.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">JR East does not release the timetable of East i-D, so, it's difficult to take pictures of this extra rare train. Fortunately, I could come across it at Minami-Nagareyama station on <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-musashino-line-tokyos-outer-ring.html" target="_blank">the Musashino line</a>. Needless to say, as soon as East i-D came into sight, I took out my camera, and clicked the shutter intently. I barely made it!</span></p><p><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uRmZrnsoMdqdDcaZOWE4L54SslTkifr5RKw9q831ME0HMjXonBugLiqs4fOq2TBxFEeWrqryCjk04mYNFyNC2oPAJ5m-4giynb2TQGNDVspnn6byiLmguKDCLqAJHydlHM4C6ovDqLykj17Y0dliPk9gPj_WYDN4McskNbkrywk_ppx0YYd8TqZORAc/s640/KiYaE193JRE640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uRmZrnsoMdqdDcaZOWE4L54SslTkifr5RKw9q831ME0HMjXonBugLiqs4fOq2TBxFEeWrqryCjk04mYNFyNC2oPAJ5m-4giynb2TQGNDVspnn6byiLmguKDCLqAJHydlHM4C6ovDqLykj17Y0dliPk9gPj_WYDN4McskNbkrywk_ppx0YYd8TqZORAc/s16000/KiYaE193JRE640b.jpg" /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">From left to right, KiKuYa E193-1, KiYa E192-1 and KiYa E193-1</span></i></span></i></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-42000552406091319802024-02-21T00:00:00.050+09:002024-02-21T00:00:00.134+09:00Toy Story on the Disney Resort Line<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQGzn8zFS85GmW0SU3EtSL91cB_MncmLmkXDLVlvf3iG2b5EoOvE0_W_4gLwVYP7gcyzgTK2zQ_3A2KEa_H8I_WyowS4sL4Nt4bnWM0Wiyr0WKS7iM-ANIW3RthTz-Ie0gCau9CHDIT5L75cK-DlejJtaqWTFzDcF_Ds2ZdmJoBkRrXq-yAwp8D10IUA/s640/ToyStory103Disney640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQGzn8zFS85GmW0SU3EtSL91cB_MncmLmkXDLVlvf3iG2b5EoOvE0_W_4gLwVYP7gcyzgTK2zQ_3A2KEa_H8I_WyowS4sL4Nt4bnWM0Wiyr0WKS7iM-ANIW3RthTz-Ie0gCau9CHDIT5L75cK-DlejJtaqWTFzDcF_Ds2ZdmJoBkRrXq-yAwp8D10IUA/s16000/ToyStory103Disney640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>Set 103 of the EMU 100 series (Type-C), "Toy Story Liner"</i></span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Toy Story is a 1995 American film produced by Pixar Animation Studios, and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. It's known as the first entirely computer-animated feature film. Taking place in a world where toys come to life when humans are not present, the plot of Toy Story focuses on the relationship between an old-fashioned cowboy doll named Woody and his friends of toys.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It's a bit old news but a special poster train, named "Toy Story Liner", was operated on the Disney Resort line from January 23rd, 2023 to January 19th, 2024. It was a collaboration event between the railway operator and JCB, which is the international payment brand based in Japan. The vehicle for Toy Story Liner was Set 103 of the EMU 100 series (Type-C), which originally debuted in 2022. The character of Toy Story such as Sheriff Woody Pride, Jessie and the Aliens are drawn on the side bodies of the train. These characters are eye catching backed by the blue colored waves on the train bodies.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Incidentally, Type-C train is the latest model on the Disney Resort line. It was launched in 2020 to replace the old model, namely <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2022/11/final-chapter-of-disney-type-x.html" target="_blank">EMU 10 series (Type-X)</a>. Type-X and Type-C look alike, but the latter has color shades on the body stripe. Specifications of Type-C is not clear, but one set is 84.9 meters long, and can carry 564 passengers. The maximum operating speed is 50 kilometers per hour. A total of 5 sets, 30 cars, were built by Hitachi.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9uGUIgVkpD8Uhq4V8ZxdTSzVf6th8CdALsSsiB2Z3bWCiR7DIksLyIdRgbTDjVRABU_TS7wr2Kw42qUf7tdppayWLHjkPe4DuuqbWlZhsPzKTOGaWW1SHeFlN_jUkfKwqiyLcJKDGEj1obEa4hZYC3g0Bb7pGSRdHqpbj3vOypgMHPKQJHccwbEvXOc/s640/ToyStory103Disney640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9uGUIgVkpD8Uhq4V8ZxdTSzVf6th8CdALsSsiB2Z3bWCiR7DIksLyIdRgbTDjVRABU_TS7wr2Kw42qUf7tdppayWLHjkPe4DuuqbWlZhsPzKTOGaWW1SHeFlN_jUkfKwqiyLcJKDGEj1obEa4hZYC3g0Bb7pGSRdHqpbj3vOypgMHPKQJHccwbEvXOc/s16000/ToyStory103Disney640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Side view of "Toy Story Liner"</i></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-37339260937252267922024-02-18T00:00:00.018+09:002024-02-18T00:00:00.128+09:00Preserved Passenger Car in Nagareyama City<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqD-5037Bq9tXDICyuTmOI0AMMk6AeU1UCzLKL3dAOOzvdCZVZKNcq54hdpy-Pr5Gglp4LsxwvOsy8kFDwpvtTyCYsrTjniKDyGNSEWFp-XH2-ud8-MvdglVZ0zm2XeKFISZ8wzmTWoWk4To4Dse8t37kS67FdYN9ZbmPBM6qpWyKfSCGOzMbwU1dckaQ/s640/KiHa31Nagareyama640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqD-5037Bq9tXDICyuTmOI0AMMk6AeU1UCzLKL3dAOOzvdCZVZKNcq54hdpy-Pr5Gglp4LsxwvOsy8kFDwpvtTyCYsrTjniKDyGNSEWFp-XH2-ud8-MvdglVZ0zm2XeKFISZ8wzmTWoWk4To4Dse8t37kS67FdYN9ZbmPBM6qpWyKfSCGOzMbwU1dckaQ/s16000/KiHa31Nagareyama640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Passenger car, KiHa31, is preserved in Nagareyama Sports Park</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Japan's population has entered into a decreasing phase, but <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2014/11/old-artificial-river-on-tx-line.html" target="_blank">Nagareyama City</a> in Chiba Prefecture is known as a city with a rapidly growing population. Today, we can see the newly constructed residential quarters, shopping malls, schools, childcare facilities, parks and so on in the city. Local people keep their eyes on the development of Nagareyama City, but they don't neglect the preservation of historically valuable items as well. Please look at the top photo. That's an old passenger car, KiHa31, once operated on the Nagareyama Railway (present <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/10/ryutetsu-trains-2023-update.html" target="_blank">Ryutetsu</a>). KiHa31 was built in 1933 by Kisha-seizo Company. It was originally a gasoline-fueled car with a Ford's type-BB engine. Regarding the technical specifications, it's a two-axle car with a semi-steel body, 9.2 meters long, and weighs 8,200 kilograms. The engine output is 34.5 kW.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">KiHa31 was a precious gasoline-fueled car, but it had to be pulled by a steam locomotive during WWII. Needless to say, it was because of the fuel shortage. Another bit of bad luck for KiHa31 was the electrification of the Nagareyama Railway in 1949. The engine was removed at that timing and it was modified to a trailer pulled by electric cars. After operating for 30 years, it was eventually retired from the track in 1963. KiHa31 is currently preserved in Nagareyama Sports Park. It's maintained in very good condition by a local volunteers' group named the Preservation Society of D5114 and KiHa31. I would like to thank everyone involved in preserving KiHa31 in Nagareyama City.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4CD-TwzK5psl5ezPtsYP1yUNuwv94Qq3yx5GdIb4z0mgLT78T-3MRP0dmz6fk5lP6vVP7cKBKcsQqh2I65S1G2Ltuo2LBnkH8Fs8OIUDh-kdOB2E-dbgrz_OUFEJakFxVMtj08ts6LID3yoyfbxDyySZcEyWYLBh2YfH5eo3RSQMlYpl3D9x34PbYfs/s640/KiHa31Ryutetsu640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4CD-TwzK5psl5ezPtsYP1yUNuwv94Qq3yx5GdIb4z0mgLT78T-3MRP0dmz6fk5lP6vVP7cKBKcsQqh2I65S1G2Ltuo2LBnkH8Fs8OIUDh-kdOB2E-dbgrz_OUFEJakFxVMtj08ts6LID3yoyfbxDyySZcEyWYLBh2YfH5eo3RSQMlYpl3D9x34PbYfs/s16000/KiHa31Ryutetsu640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>KiHa31 is a simple </i></i></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>two-axle car</i></span></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-16080980011644046712024-02-15T00:00:00.035+09:002024-02-15T00:00:00.161+09:00When the Season Changes on the Odakyu Line...<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkAGoVjHzs0USBjWFWjfvSDU7x6LR_V0EMzSBB7-HHKQRKOYkRNO3Xrsm50nMZ1TBuBvWyIWZggPbcQQuVMLFZkSSumUCkLo1frqPCjD43PyxPqzcuLeoK9GnjiIDxFngTrj8SP4cWzpWeX5tj_PLDWujKkxDSuUBYt9z9VPZm60d91T-3mR_vxWw9KM/s640/5055OdakyuMokoronSnow640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkAGoVjHzs0USBjWFWjfvSDU7x6LR_V0EMzSBB7-HHKQRKOYkRNO3Xrsm50nMZ1TBuBvWyIWZggPbcQQuVMLFZkSSumUCkLo1frqPCjD43PyxPqzcuLeoK9GnjiIDxFngTrj8SP4cWzpWeX5tj_PLDWujKkxDSuUBYt9z9VPZm60d91T-3mR_vxWw9KM/s16000/5055OdakyuMokoronSnow640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>Odakyu's mascot train, "Mokoron", approaches Kurihira station on the Tama line</i></span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It's still cold in Tokyo. In this season, the mountains block the cold, wet wind blowing from the northwest, which causes heavy snow to fall on the Japan Sea side. Then, only dry air comes to the Pacific side such as Tokyo. It basically stays clear in Tokyo every day, but not so always. Once a low-pressure system approaches the Pacific side, Tokyo also experiences snowfall.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Last week, a strong low-pressure system hit Tokyo. We saw 9 centimeters of snow. It was a hard time for railway employees, as they got sucked into the snow shoveling in the railway facilities. Thanks to their hard work, I could visit my favorite train shooting spot, <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/03/advent-of-spring-on-odakyu-tama-line.html" target="_blank">Kurihira station, on the Odakyu-Tama line</a>. I could shoot Odakyu's mascot train, <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/12/mokoron-mascot-character-of-odakyu-line.html" target="_blank">"Mokoron"</a>, backed by the snow-covered world. Please look at the top photo. You can see the large stuffed Mokoron boarding on the train. I had chills, but it was worth the wait.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Two days later, the weather improved. It was a warm and sunny day. I enjoyed taking a walk near <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/02/long-time-no-see-odakyu-romance-car-vse.html" target="_blank">Chitose-funabashi station</a> on the Odakyu line. When I passed by a small park, I found an early-blooming cherry tree there. It blossomed earlier than usual this year. Beautiful! Just like last year, a white-eye was coming to the tree. Judging from the belly stripe pattern, it's female. She was keen on sucking the nectar. Its green-colored head was brilliant.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">When the season changes on the Odakyu line, we can enjoy both winter and spring scenes.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfYmjzAzw7TL5Sb-izb3Fx3A9jn-kNyt2Ro8hz7QrU87yMde2Uln2A6COyAN3PAE2nNqgwRvv7AyqqEYftdhr5o9S8-mvALhArr37LBJf-OrDkg9xvywSRJNJkZAReW0LnK-Z-2JBM-NvJfwxtDz3PHfPmbRxJP-UEQofAxAn2MZh2QyWmnPQLJHa95U/s640/WhiteEyeOdakyu640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfYmjzAzw7TL5Sb-izb3Fx3A9jn-kNyt2Ro8hz7QrU87yMde2Uln2A6COyAN3PAE2nNqgwRvv7AyqqEYftdhr5o9S8-mvALhArr37LBJf-OrDkg9xvywSRJNJkZAReW0LnK-Z-2JBM-NvJfwxtDz3PHfPmbRxJP-UEQofAxAn2MZh2QyWmnPQLJHa95U/s16000/WhiteEyeOdakyu640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>A white-eye sucks nectar of early-blooming cherry blossoms</i></span></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-10542788330470676592024-02-12T00:00:00.036+09:002024-02-12T00:00:00.140+09:0052 Seats of Happiness<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIZfHM1Y36g7dO7TqJvOBeU-h2zi8KsYI0GPRSf4iBZwwM1sOVpXxdKO1vh2c2UGL4Tmmo08hyphenhyphenf7z1HpmDuZPNyC5xcldEEuMFj8annVIAfQXTi9__HWXZYI-k4Bi16XgJZUKMVZPyLEH7GLPRjDI8gY1zcY004HYmp9W0KyutjnZRRN4Xwk2aQuogBs/s640/52Seibu640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIZfHM1Y36g7dO7TqJvOBeU-h2zi8KsYI0GPRSf4iBZwwM1sOVpXxdKO1vh2c2UGL4Tmmo08hyphenhyphenf7z1HpmDuZPNyC5xcldEEuMFj8annVIAfQXTi9__HWXZYI-k4Bi16XgJZUKMVZPyLEH7GLPRjDI8gY1zcY004HYmp9W0KyutjnZRRN4Xwk2aQuogBs/s16000/52Seibu640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set 4009 of the EMU Seibu 4000 series, "52 Seats of Happiness"</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">After posting <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2024/01/final-chapter-of-seibu-4000-series.html" target="_blank">"Final Chapter of the Seibu 4000 series"</a>, I remembered that another type of the 4000 series is operated on the Seibu lines. That's the Seibu restaurant train, named "52 Seats of Happiness". I'm going to introduce to you this special train today.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">52 Seats of Happiness was developed by Seibu Railway in 2016 celebrating their 100th anniversary. That's basically a sightseeing train like JR East's <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2012/11/irodori-485-n201-freeza-train-485n201.html" target="_blank">"Irodori"</a> and <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2015/06/reunion-with-copper-pheasant.html" target="_blank">"Resort Yamadori"</a>, but it also functions as a restaurant train. All seats are reserved and passengers can enjoy luxurious meals on the train. As its name suggests, the maximum capacity of the vehicle is only 52 passengers. 52 Seats of Happiness is operated between downtown Tokyo and Seibu-Chichibu on an irregular basis. It takes about two hours and a half each way. It's very slow because passengers need sufficient time for dining. It costs 100 USD per person on average with a meal. The vehicle for 52 Seats of Happiness is set 4009 of the EMU Seibu 4000 series. It's the 4-car train consisting of two passenger coaches, one kitchen car and one multi-purpose car. Technically, it's composed of two control trailers and two motorcars. Its specifications are rather old, because it's a renovated train originally built in 1989. For example, its electric control system is traditional rheostatic.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You may ask, "Have you ever been on 52 Seats of Happiness?" Unfortunately, not yet. It quickly fills up with reservations before I know... I'm always busy and... (so many excuses!).</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevRrGwqMN7zV2-bS4mO6c7Fh-nBezfAqbkk-7f9Burl8aUUvdJdQQ7Wl2IEoRT6LX0Ob5-6sp78OTMKNlnvu63Eq-NoLC5eLf2zcwnPCbb1Yd26AMdb-x7isz7HK2AkS6h21QSgv2wqTsD1q85qJPuc9jsm8NvQmKnKWWtl-FkV6Ahhbfb-F1na3ukhM/s640/52Seibu640b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevRrGwqMN7zV2-bS4mO6c7Fh-nBezfAqbkk-7f9Burl8aUUvdJdQQ7Wl2IEoRT6LX0Ob5-6sp78OTMKNlnvu63Eq-NoLC5eLf2zcwnPCbb1Yd26AMdb-x7isz7HK2AkS6h21QSgv2wqTsD1q85qJPuc9jsm8NvQmKnKWWtl-FkV6Ahhbfb-F1na3ukhM/s16000/52Seibu640b.JPG" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Top car of "52 Seats of Happiness"</i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i><br /></i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Official information about the Seibu restaurant train, "52 Seats of Happiness" (in Japanese):</i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i><a href="https://www.seiburailway.jp/railways/seibu52-shifuku/en/">https://www.seiburailway.jp/railways/seibu52-shifuku/en/</a></i></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-90733188614642311942024-02-09T00:00:00.010+09:002024-02-09T00:00:00.139+09:00Winter Scenery on the Gotemba Line<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ796y-1Mw5IGsh09G1uC78yHMxnqvSqg1vG8Rb7_pWUMkrwTHfsZSitj3lrPPCWqjiw6vFTvSiovRYWrIuOq3znFiuc6pqAGbWQ4tzO_KGOMx0eWYkodx-LII7oyeC5HRGPc7VMbSNJLOiC8HTNzCZRw6n9n3wYMbPG3gs54EU-E8TNP1PfwKMkQxPI4/s640/V9JRC313640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ796y-1Mw5IGsh09G1uC78yHMxnqvSqg1vG8Rb7_pWUMkrwTHfsZSitj3lrPPCWqjiw6vFTvSiovRYWrIuOq3znFiuc6pqAGbWQ4tzO_KGOMx0eWYkodx-LII7oyeC5HRGPc7VMbSNJLOiC8HTNzCZRw6n9n3wYMbPG3gs54EU-E8TNP1PfwKMkQxPI4/s16000/V9JRC313640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set V9 of the EMU JR Central 313-3000 series travels on the Gotemba line</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It's still cold in Tokyo, but the sunlight is getting stronger. I can't keep fidgeting at home. My next destination was the JR Central Gotemba line.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Let me review the Gotemba line. It's a local route straddling Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures. Connecting Kozu and Numazu, its route length is 60.2 kilometers. Both Kozu and Numazu are transfer stations for <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2011/10/tokaido-line-japans-oldest-railway-20m.html" target="_blank">the Tokaido Main line</a>. In other words, Gotemba line is a bypass route of the Tokaido Main line. The thing is, the Gotemba line was opened in 1889 as a part of the Tokaido Main line, but in 1934, the short cut route was opened. The former Tokaido Main line was remained for the local people after that under the new name of Gotemba line.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I got off at Matsuda station, and enjoyed walking along the foot of Shibusawa Hill. After reaching the bank of Kawaoto River, I enjoyed looking the pellucid stream, wooded hills, blue sky and railway bridge. They were diffidently beautiful, but it's lacking something. Ten minutes later, a train was approaching me. This is the one! It was JR Central's local train, <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2014/05/scenic-waterfall-on-gotemba-line.html" target="_blank">EMU 313-3000 series</a>. Five more minutes later, the other train crossed the river. It was the EMU 313-2600 series. If I remember correctly, the former has cross-seats. On the other hands, the latter has only long- seats. You may ask "So what?" Please don't say things like that.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I enjoyed the winter scenery and trains on the Gotemba line to my heart's content.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxFMBxrT79DSSspXRCLPQuElxrupnDkiZfURdiRdnB-G-NPpkS6r4DKnzHg1d7fcQPTBF7AmGoSFarkCfoItnHelcN-Ic9h4tWBKtQ7FcpCCEadMaJYBLiDSqRNUh7XKkIKjxuN68l-Dor754iSklDoLMpIcYRb9G3fs7l_hslaanWKg61aw9J4upP_Y/s640/313SVJRC640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxFMBxrT79DSSspXRCLPQuElxrupnDkiZfURdiRdnB-G-NPpkS6r4DKnzHg1d7fcQPTBF7AmGoSFarkCfoItnHelcN-Ic9h4tWBKtQ7FcpCCEadMaJYBLiDSqRNUh7XKkIKjxuN68l-Dor754iSklDoLMpIcYRb9G3fs7l_hslaanWKg61aw9J4upP_Y/s16000/313SVJRC640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-align: left;">Set N2 of the EMU JR Central 313-2600 series travels on the Gotemba line</span></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-64066751209556325362024-02-06T00:00:00.027+09:002024-02-06T00:00:00.147+09:00Deja Vu on the Odakyu Line<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZPP_GES35mr0Ps41t43qlZO1muFYpHDEWLJTL3PnEqrtL_XPq1Sa1gtsPo-jSfnlELRJQ6s4sK6HKeXOtlYGA5dthxE6FHWL4EYQUYmukzOxkmN-ftxW61riGK-Y68ibrJX9eY3oGosUsNjPI9ab1k3hXbROqYyMpCO_iFM3Iw2hy7X8EVPxIKWqhoU/s640/70000OdakyuShibusawa640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZPP_GES35mr0Ps41t43qlZO1muFYpHDEWLJTL3PnEqrtL_XPq1Sa1gtsPo-jSfnlELRJQ6s4sK6HKeXOtlYGA5dthxE6FHWL4EYQUYmukzOxkmN-ftxW61riGK-Y68ibrJX9eY3oGosUsNjPI9ab1k3hXbROqYyMpCO_iFM3Iw2hy7X8EVPxIKWqhoU/s16000/70000OdakyuShibusawa640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>EMU Odakyu 70000 series passes through the Second Shobu Tunnel</i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Second Shobu Tunnel is the shortest tunnel on the Odakyu line. It's only 60.3 meters long. Almost all the Odakyu trains are longer than 60.3 meters, so, even when the top car passes through the tunnel, the very last car hasn't entered it yet. What makes the story of the Second Shobu Tunnel even more interesting is that this tunnel is located on a gently curved track. As a result, we can take a unique photo in this spot. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Please look at the top photo. You can see <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-5th-anniversary-of-gse.html" target="_blank">the EMU Odakyu 70000 series</a>, which is bisected by the tunnel. Isn't it unique? Isn't it interesting?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I know that nobody likes my bragging, so, I would like to move on to the next topic. When I shot the Odakyu train and the Second Shobu Tunnel, I had a strange feeling. I felt that I've seen this scenery before. Is this deja vu? I wonder what caused it. Three days later, I abruptly remembered it. Evidence is better than debate. Please look at the photo below. It was shot near Meidaimae station on the Keio-Inokashira line. You can see <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2011/04/emu-keio-1000-series-new-rainbow.html" target="_blank">the EMU Keio 1000 series</a>, which is bisected by the bridge of National Route 20. The structure is not a tunnel but a road bridge; however, you can see similar scenery in both photos. Two obtained images are very similar, aren't they?</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcrX-ffAvUB-D5yfpSjibiCIGprRQ1MIVtiZTa2B_0Ubf4H-2KpIDHqQSaZSBmJuGM2bTXxhgD-d_-7BWR3ZZr8dGbNw_iAx8perOdYvoISU52nton9dxaudiyH_r-qUndCanQmIwbNzCoX4l7qbSbYUJvePfNfC6-T4lwhFk_0ACpgJ-wFV7lD009DY/s640/1760KeioMeidaimae640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcrX-ffAvUB-D5yfpSjibiCIGprRQ1MIVtiZTa2B_0Ubf4H-2KpIDHqQSaZSBmJuGM2bTXxhgD-d_-7BWR3ZZr8dGbNw_iAx8perOdYvoISU52nton9dxaudiyH_r-qUndCanQmIwbNzCoX4l7qbSbYUJvePfNfC6-T4lwhFk_0ACpgJ-wFV7lD009DY/s16000/1760KeioMeidaimae640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>EMU Keio 1000 series passes through the bridge of National Route 20</i></span></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-79881857117499761742024-02-03T00:00:00.021+09:002024-02-03T00:00:00.155+09:00Winter Roses on the Arakawa Line<p><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVma4vOifP_H9GEG3LpxVAryO-NBRZvr12y_ZBaCZXZd721Ptcf1P55eMWLfXml3Nuw1UcOceb2N1leolSLuYIFTIWdHhtwoe0sR-wzSzD4QfS73DVd19wv1Jn7me_PtPK9M3CxxBOpAGpn3kPqnWmRuO0YmVrIvA77JZxFsFrcOYvmJMMsLjySlQzpYc/s640/8804ToeiArakawa640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVma4vOifP_H9GEG3LpxVAryO-NBRZvr12y_ZBaCZXZd721Ptcf1P55eMWLfXml3Nuw1UcOceb2N1leolSLuYIFTIWdHhtwoe0sR-wzSzD4QfS73DVd19wv1Jn7me_PtPK9M3CxxBOpAGpn3kPqnWmRuO0YmVrIvA77JZxFsFrcOYvmJMMsLjySlQzpYc/s16000/8804ToeiArakawa640a.jpg" /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Electric car unit 8804 of the </span></i><span style="text-align: left;">Toei 8800 series and the rose blossoms</span></span></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It is mid-winter in Japan. In this season, the backbone mountains block the cold and wet wind blowing from the northwest, which causes heavy snow to fall on the Japan Sea side. In contrast, it's clear every day in Tokyo on the Pacific Ocean, because the only dry air jumped over the backbone mountains. The maximum daytime temperature is lower than 10 degrees Celsius in Tokyo; however, I found that the roses were blooming beautifully here and there outside the downtown area. One of the examples is on the Arakawa line, which is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Toei).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Let me review the Arakawa line. It's a precious survivor of the tram route in Tokyo. It was once operated as two routes, namely Routes 27 and 32; however, they were merged into one route, the Arakawa Line, in 1974. Connecting Waseda and <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2015/05/stop-and-smell-roses-on-arakawa-line.html" target="_blank">Minowabashi</a>, its route length is 12.2 kilometers. The track is 1,372 millimeter-size gauge and double. Its electric system is 600 V DC with catenaries.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">After looking at the magenta-colored rose blossoms, I decided to shoot both the roses and the magenta-colored tram in the same image. If my memory serves me correctly, there are 7 units of magenta-colored trams on the line, namely unit 8801 to 8805, <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2019/11/chrysanthemum-season-on-arakawa-line.html" target="_blank">8905</a> and 8906. Five minutes later, the tram, which I was looking for, was approaching me. That's unit 8804 of <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2015/03/toei-8800-series-colorful-trams-on.html" target="_blank">the electric car 8800 series</a>. Its body color was completely same as those of the roses beside the track (top photo). Hooray!</span></p><p><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGEITA1xjkI2rtAZfqBkMri1E9NwFIojg13sbHPM7oaja-8nB4xS7nFdcC1keAUGVJUET8ehOEVxf-fMC3kvrKA4VScxLxsmyZcCljRY2H3OvoKBFBLe-24XcY0z2_X5VgUfhTWt4BLVqgcu2AjQ-EC5Lu2-uuTLkU8dHYCLN-hYGZgjasmJGtSalLdA/s649/7701_7707ToeiArakawa640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="649" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGEITA1xjkI2rtAZfqBkMri1E9NwFIojg13sbHPM7oaja-8nB4xS7nFdcC1keAUGVJUET8ehOEVxf-fMC3kvrKA4VScxLxsmyZcCljRY2H3OvoKBFBLe-24XcY0z2_X5VgUfhTWt4BLVqgcu2AjQ-EC5Lu2-uuTLkU8dHYCLN-hYGZgjasmJGtSalLdA/s16000/7701_7707ToeiArakawa640b.jpg" /></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>Electric car Toei 7700 series and the rose blossoms</i></span></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-7458676698542921792024-01-31T00:00:00.022+09:002024-02-13T07:18:01.200+09:00Final Chapter of the Seibu 4000 Series<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj3VeirPmpIZX8t5EfaSgMgfPgp0sAbsbt6q3AFSQAr-qnvwkHuZCIqHnYXm__DRBIv1Xr_AmD1ZAq-MJxBil7YoepthCQznU5XxKJi97hc-PflVlytmQXzSyMJG9myOyqkP8LRGeQLC_s55P_ZM7VZCyitpOCTWEVx556LCKHrh7jOmTAoOOGoQ-Fq4/s640/4019SeibuHIgashihannno640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj3VeirPmpIZX8t5EfaSgMgfPgp0sAbsbt6q3AFSQAr-qnvwkHuZCIqHnYXm__DRBIv1Xr_AmD1ZAq-MJxBil7YoepthCQznU5XxKJi97hc-PflVlytmQXzSyMJG9myOyqkP8LRGeQLC_s55P_ZM7VZCyitpOCTWEVx556LCKHrh7jOmTAoOOGoQ-Fq4/s16000/4019SeibuHIgashihannno640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set 4019 of the EMU Seibu 4000 series travels on the Chichibu line</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">What are the joys of railway travelling? For me, one is <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2011/06/ekiben-unique-railway-culture-in-japan.html" target="_blank">"ekiben"</a>, which is a lunch box sold at train stations, and another one is passing scenery from train windows. Today, I'm posting about the latter.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The EMU Seibu 4000 series is a standard local train operated on the Chichibu line in the countryside of the metropolitan area. It was commissioned in 1988 for direct operation between the Seibu-Chichibu line and the Chichibu main line of Chichibu Railway. It's still a main fleet on the Chichibu line. Different from the other Seibu commuter trains, which have commonplace long-seats, the 4000 series has comfortable cross-seats and large windows to capture the beautiful outside. I definitely prefer cross-seat trains to long-seat ones. Taking in the view is the great pleasure of railway travelling for me; however, ...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Seibu Railway recently made a press release announcing that approximately 100 units of used trains will be moved from Tokyu Railways and Odakyu Electric Railway in the near future. Among these trains, <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2013/09/emu-tokyu-9000-series-update.html" target="_blank">the Tokyu 9000 series</a> is planned to be introduced onto the Chichibu line. The Tokyu 9000 series is high performance and energy saving cars, but urban commuter trains. Regrettably, its seats are mostly long-seats. It isn’t designed to evoke feeling of travel.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">On January 11th, the first retiree of the 4000 series, namely set 4015, disappeared from the commercial line. The remaining 11 sets will also be retired step by step. The final chapter of the 4000 Series has started. Time will quickly pass me by.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAgDDP5QZR7jhvtJZBPCdphIc76Y73tvxGOXDi7N_2lV7Ds5Pl0ASZhhE9CskpEx_5DXbqOazRvGOLpPIcwrUU-GYhmMrNnMeOvzFp6tQ4gLYMwPsc6CotHRsJS0CPU7VuHshnYDJoSUgsD7Rdv77Uc9TZ-nRAtqdSi5I8GJqyTr5DWDIzeimSs-mYQc/s640/4000SeibuInterior640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAgDDP5QZR7jhvtJZBPCdphIc76Y73tvxGOXDi7N_2lV7Ds5Pl0ASZhhE9CskpEx_5DXbqOazRvGOLpPIcwrUU-GYhmMrNnMeOvzFp6tQ4gLYMwPsc6CotHRsJS0CPU7VuHshnYDJoSUgsD7Rdv77Uc9TZ-nRAtqdSi5I8GJqyTr5DWDIzeimSs-mYQc/s16000/4000SeibuInterior640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Interior of the EMU Seibu 4000 series</i></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-24486324719752354192024-01-28T00:00:00.012+09:002024-01-28T17:31:43.602+09:00Hansha-tetsu: A New Trend of Rail-fans, Part 2<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStc3t_B8shsFxGTA79_MOZnXk3VxHSTlpl2JjyK1ThFdacwymemStjylSlnqlp01pUwjPNdco2R-fjQJQGvE-F9quEw-OvCFF5SuAWqsWXU_Uk7lsXMoxqOPK06uJ-QJA4Ic6oFRAq4K2T-LQLMfLgmeUi8MuIZ8dn09cSXm7cwd0qt0RhPdttgscDiw/s640/8000OdakyuReflection640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStc3t_B8shsFxGTA79_MOZnXk3VxHSTlpl2JjyK1ThFdacwymemStjylSlnqlp01pUwjPNdco2R-fjQJQGvE-F9quEw-OvCFF5SuAWqsWXU_Uk7lsXMoxqOPK06uJ-QJA4Ic6oFRAq4K2T-LQLMfLgmeUi8MuIZ8dn09cSXm7cwd0qt0RhPdttgscDiw/s16000/8000OdakyuReflection640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>EMU Odakyu 8000 series travels on the Odawara line</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Three months have already passed since I introduced you to a new trend of rail-fans namely <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/10/hansha-tetsu-new-trend-of-rail-fans.html" target="_blank">"hansha-tetsu"</a>. Do you still remember this strange Japanese coined word? Let me report my 2nd activity as a "hansha-tetsu" today.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Please look at the top photo. When I took the Odakyu line the other day, I found that a white colored train, <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-last-of-steel-body-train-on-odakyu.html" target="_blank">the EMU Odakyu 8000 series</a>, was accompanying my train on another track. This urban section is a double-double track, so, I sometimes see accompanying trains; however, something strange at that time. For example, the accompanying train was being operated perfectly at the same speed as my train. More surprisingly, the blue-colored "Odakyu" logo on the accompanying train seemed like a flipped image. To make matters worse, the accompanying train had a dent on the side of the body! It was dangerous! What was happening?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Now you get it, don't you? The gimmick is in the photo below. You can see the reflection image of the train on the windows of the building! "Hansha-tetsu" means a rail-fan who loves reflection images of trains. Incidentally, "hansha-tetsu" might have originated from "mizu-kagami (water mirror)", which is one of the traditional techniques of railway photography. It's a train image reflected on the smooth water surface, such as a quiet lake without ripples or a paddy field before rice planting. Railway photographers love shooting both a real train and a reflected one in the same image. I'll show you an example of mizu-kagami one day.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5oOldMQL70b5yMcP8Pft7dPLino0UWo5xXoZ7D8jDBFv13ZOS2gMCTacfgHXAxtdv-ecxjzBFS2xm0FIlNBbDXWgIb1132oFUfKPGylOmqS3hMD8t4rjDh_HtVD1zQakr_O9b_7NglDFxtmhgB5plgK7EFlAtS5LR3J8jHRKhrQPkD4GkG5Dg1h5A2Y/s640/8000OdakyuReflection640b1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5oOldMQL70b5yMcP8Pft7dPLino0UWo5xXoZ7D8jDBFv13ZOS2gMCTacfgHXAxtdv-ecxjzBFS2xm0FIlNBbDXWgIb1132oFUfKPGylOmqS3hMD8t4rjDh_HtVD1zQakr_O9b_7NglDFxtmhgB5plgK7EFlAtS5LR3J8jHRKhrQPkD4GkG5Dg1h5A2Y/s16000/8000OdakyuReflection640b1.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-align: left;">Gimmick of the top photo</span></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-29379146240886330122024-01-25T00:00:00.050+09:002024-01-25T09:33:12.820+09:00My “Soul Train” on the Jomo Line<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFAm8OC5mcApRQoYO3YYWDTM8uKmuttr6Z0m8wlt08lqxMtxLJc_X809-Yifup34RlixwjCnG7r4o4ISWdwQA-ZtbAzkmHk-tYx3f_YJzRJheszF8sjIsMdaPt7jI5MO5BK3156_WcGu8uyLsARRalP5NTnDzYPfpyyTsPblKZAIJLat6UwY28i-4x4k/s640/727Jomo640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFAm8OC5mcApRQoYO3YYWDTM8uKmuttr6Z0m8wlt08lqxMtxLJc_X809-Yifup34RlixwjCnG7r4o4ISWdwQA-ZtbAzkmHk-tYx3f_YJzRJheszF8sjIsMdaPt7jI5MO5BK3156_WcGu8uyLsARRalP5NTnDzYPfpyyTsPblKZAIJLat6UwY28i-4x4k/s16000/727Jomo640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set 717 of the EMU Jomo 700 series (mint green)</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Is there any food in particular you crave for once in a while? Yes, I sometimes crave for sushi, and go to a reasonable restaurant. Next question. Do you have any train you crave for riding once in a while as a rail-fan? Yes, I sometimes crave for riding the EMU 700 series on the Jomo line.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;">Let me review the Jomo line and the EMU 700 series. Jomo Electric Railway is a local company in Gumma Prefecture about 110 kilometers north of Tokyo. This company owns the Jomo line, which connects Chuo-Maebashi and Nishi-Kiryu (25 kilometers). Its track is single and electrified with a 1,500V DC. The EMU Jomo 700 series, which is the former Keio 3000 series, is the flagship train on the line. After retirement from <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2013/11/autumn-color-on-inokashira-line.html" target="_blank">the Inokashira line</a>, 16 cars were transferred to the Jomo line in 1998. They have different colors on the front, namely</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial;"> <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2011/10/emu-jomo-700-series-reunion-with-old.html" target="_blank">jewel pink, golden orange</a>, <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2018/09/ex-keio-train-time-stands-still.html" target="_blank">phoenix red, fjord-green</a>, sunlight yellow, pastel blue, mint green (top photo) and royal blue (the photo below).</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">When I was a child, I often used these trains on the Inokashira line. They were brand spanking new, and shining brilliantly. Even now, I can meet with it at <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2015/04/emu-3000-series-in-keio-rail-land.html" target="_blank">Keio Rail Land (Keio's railway museum)</a> in Tokyo; however, the exhibited car there has not kept its original style. It's a modified car. In contrast, the 700 series on the Jomo line has kept its original style.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Jomo 700 series (ex-Keio 3000 series) is my "soul train".</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDqqIQXrwD83BxQrPERnJM-6iZZqtC2HlQaLrA7-VzlTteeJN4E1rbPzT4AcjkAccPnsFXWDjYvhkdatQwK3RUQI1rVwQly8r0n4rGIJwOWMJdmRhNB1dnw9zmeG2VEvGegfiIJni97ExkzDkScgmDN1_B2H6rgV1v95nUi7Pn65rysK5vcRFiuebmMY/s640/722Jomo640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDqqIQXrwD83BxQrPERnJM-6iZZqtC2HlQaLrA7-VzlTteeJN4E1rbPzT4AcjkAccPnsFXWDjYvhkdatQwK3RUQI1rVwQly8r0n4rGIJwOWMJdmRhNB1dnw9zmeG2VEvGegfiIJni97ExkzDkScgmDN1_B2H6rgV1v95nUi7Pn65rysK5vcRFiuebmMY/s16000/722Jomo640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set </i><i>712 of the EMU Jomo 700 series (royal blue)</i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i><br /></i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Official information about the trains on the Jomo line (in Japanese):</i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://jomorailway.com/train_guide.html">https://jomorailway.com/train_guide.html</a></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-64158191034587947292024-01-22T00:00:00.027+09:002024-01-23T08:09:42.686+09:00Special-colored Train on the Seaside Line<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDr7KDhHYAICV_WvHGoPG5C3vYh_bAUdnPrDG4u8Up8hkqfZvYbop-v8lMTydxhFbN291_HngiMdYME0Pkqb1y5kjHY2JLF8Mk2PoZp8neAswZe_46mRzArYPZrqWQfFCRsvcbpJ6_VjAxWhmSZ7LReD8d1EegFpYuo9g3PJCgz6nH1htR91CaP9FTyk/s640/48SEasideline640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDr7KDhHYAICV_WvHGoPG5C3vYh_bAUdnPrDG4u8Up8hkqfZvYbop-v8lMTydxhFbN291_HngiMdYME0Pkqb1y5kjHY2JLF8Mk2PoZp8neAswZe_46mRzArYPZrqWQfFCRsvcbpJ6_VjAxWhmSZ7LReD8d1EegFpYuo9g3PJCgz6nH1htR91CaP9FTyk/s16000/48SEasideline640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set 48 of the EMU Kanazawa Seaside Line 2000 series</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Why do I like trains? Because, I like to travel and like the travelling sound of trains. They may be true, but I think that there is one more reason. The answer is the beautiful coloring of the train bodies.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Let's look concretely. Please look at the top photo. Set 48 of <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2019/11/kanazawa-seaside-line-update.html" target="_blank">the EMU 2000 series</a> is the special-colored train on the Kanazawa Seaside line in Yokohama City. It was introduced onto the line in 2019, when the Seaside line was extended to <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-kanazawa-seaside-line-update-part-2.html" target="_blank">Kanazawa Hakkei terminal</a>. Different from the other trains on the line, set 48 has blue-colored bodies, on which the seaside wave is designed. The train bodies are solid; meanwhile, the wave design on the bodies has a round shape... well-balanced. In addition, the designs on the front and the side bodies are connected. They totally express sea waves. It's well thought out. Set 48 gracefully runs on the elevated track backed by the marina of Kanazawa-hakkei. It fits the sea of Yokohama City.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Incidentally, Kanazawa Seaside line is a rubber-tired AGT (Automated Guideway Transit) transportation system in the southern part of Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, about 40 kilometers south of Tokyo. It was opened in 1989 by Yokohama Seaside Line Company. Connecting Shin-Sugita on <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2011/12/keihin-tohoku-line-sky-blue-trains.html" target="_blank">the JR East Negishi line</a> and Kanazawa-hakkei on the Keikyu main line, its route length is 10.8 kilometers. Its electric system is 750V DC. The ATO (Automatic Train Operation) system is adopted, so, there is no driver and conductor on the train.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJTnWmnEFaAF5j0_e9SBxkfzPbLcYsmc94BXx1wcyFpO5DEx6nMLAWaErrPHguUQEzsDL6D9F9sKGiTMboypBn7uTMayubD47PhHZfBUQSiaNdzfABCiLKMdJiNsuPNsd4GxZIBNAtFTLDxhCnttPaBpnnAeJjLAFTRZTD3hhG_GgmDjBKarwvRksjvA/s640/48SSeasideline640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJTnWmnEFaAF5j0_e9SBxkfzPbLcYsmc94BXx1wcyFpO5DEx6nMLAWaErrPHguUQEzsDL6D9F9sKGiTMboypBn7uTMayubD47PhHZfBUQSiaNdzfABCiLKMdJiNsuPNsd4GxZIBNAtFTLDxhCnttPaBpnnAeJjLAFTRZTD3hhG_GgmDjBKarwvRksjvA/s16000/48SSeasideline640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set 48 runs on the elevated track backed by the marina of Kanazawa-hakkei</i></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-73072867041214590092024-01-19T00:00:00.037+09:002024-01-19T21:28:14.480+09:00Quintuplets in Different Colors<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoGdg9hhq-xpytnN0ZNliShyeRD1lH_SN2m-9ILcCMm_BkEwyrjzxxoaX1Y5SGi0bfiHO6_uwDDslNlThLrmqsmfiBVaOJpt5qfFGxNOXRdLmp2jJDTxnkc8zQMr12LHkuTYYUoJwbTqq_kYAybh3Um1JwuXlTRT3wptBuRABTDj7eNss_015FWdYRZM/s640/105DisneyResort640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoGdg9hhq-xpytnN0ZNliShyeRD1lH_SN2m-9ILcCMm_BkEwyrjzxxoaX1Y5SGi0bfiHO6_uwDDslNlThLrmqsmfiBVaOJpt5qfFGxNOXRdLmp2jJDTxnkc8zQMr12LHkuTYYUoJwbTqq_kYAybh3Um1JwuXlTRT3wptBuRABTDj7eNss_015FWdYRZM/s16000/105DisneyResort640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><i><i>Set 105 of Type-C train (</i></i></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span><i>EMU 100 series</i></span></span><i><i>) travels on the Disney Resort line</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I'm not a native English speaker, so I often come across unknown English words. The latest example was "quintuplets". It's not a common word, but I would like to remember it using a real example. On New Year's Day, 2024, a green-colored monorail train debuted on the Disney Resort line in Chiba Prefecture. That's the 5th set of Type-C train. As a result, a total of five-colored Type-C trains were eventually commissioned onto the line. They are "quintuplets" in different colors.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Disney Resort line is a straddle type monorail line. It's a public transport under the Railway Business Act, not an attraction inside the resort. The route is a looped single track running through amusement facilities, official hotels and JR East Maihama station. There are four stations over the total operating length of 5.0 kilometers. The trains run counterclockwise throughout the day. The Type-C train is the latest model, and has been increasing its number. <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2021/12/type-c-train-new-model-on-disney-resort.html" target="_blank">Set 101</a> has yellow-colored bodies. <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/11/type-c-trains-profusion-of-colors.html" target="_blank">Set 102 has pink, Set 103 has blue</a>, Set 104 has purple and Set 105 has green-colored bodies. The Disney Resort line is filled with a profusion of colors!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">What happens next on the Disney Resort line? It's a pity, but the last survivor of the old model, namely <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2022/11/final-chapter-of-disney-type-x.html" target="_blank">Set 4 of Type-X train</a>, will be retired from the track soon. According to a station attendant on the Disney Resort line, it will be around September this year. The monorail operator will announce it once it's been decided.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhK_abEDjDeapQuCrKyc7zPkvQ4Gfp1pWJP-WvFUxJEEzBJaSkJuEJvBIDMW6WnXDvxDn57MmSJipexfoU6Hw0c6kJdxAz4pBjOB2nYjeDIGlrLatyDWYAAwxkdZDbocexP_HgAMqqLI3iUnYAcvqIVN6GWVBhDAxyW9ACQD6S4gOUiTOpXmOk7XoDivU/s640/104DisneyResort640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhK_abEDjDeapQuCrKyc7zPkvQ4Gfp1pWJP-WvFUxJEEzBJaSkJuEJvBIDMW6WnXDvxDn57MmSJipexfoU6Hw0c6kJdxAz4pBjOB2nYjeDIGlrLatyDWYAAwxkdZDbocexP_HgAMqqLI3iUnYAcvqIVN6GWVBhDAxyW9ACQD6S4gOUiTOpXmOk7XoDivU/s16000/104DisneyResort640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span><i><i>Set 104 of Type-C train (</i></i></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span><i>EMU 100 series</i></span></span><i><i>) arrives at Resort Gateway station</i></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-83608013041211990812024-01-16T00:00:00.031+09:002024-01-16T00:00:00.144+09:00New Model on the Tsurumi Line<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguz3aP4EwzDCFIR8cBShoDBosmAkrSf5uo_M7Ch2HIqBJee6hJwJJUEWEtq4_AVGaTrreg4hXebQvhp-uIoObCwAcBvEZ19oKWBNXqUP_trM5QD1Gtzas7xdoDxpaJyd9EI9H5i9hU1wcZ-JOiX4ti98zLHjlkuV3qFkGUlgHQv1UnEl5xPnojYQ8RiH8/s640/T3JREE131Tsurumi640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguz3aP4EwzDCFIR8cBShoDBosmAkrSf5uo_M7Ch2HIqBJee6hJwJJUEWEtq4_AVGaTrreg4hXebQvhp-uIoObCwAcBvEZ19oKWBNXqUP_trM5QD1Gtzas7xdoDxpaJyd9EI9H5i9hU1wcZ-JOiX4ti98zLHjlkuV3qFkGUlgHQv1UnEl5xPnojYQ8RiH8/s16000/T3JREE131Tsurumi640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>EMU JR East E131-1000 series travels on the Tsurumi line</i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Let me continue from where I left off my last post. On December 24th, 2023, JR East launched a new model, "EMU E131-1000 series", on the Tsurumi line.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The E131 is the direct current commuter train for JR East's local lines, which has a history of four years. The first group, namely <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2021/08/emu-jr-east-e131-series-new-model-in.html" target="_blank">E131-0 series</a>, debuted in 2020 in the Chiba area. The second group, named <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-jr-east-sagami-line-update.html" target="_blank">E131-500 series</a>, was launched in 2021 on the Sagami line. The third group, named <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2022/08/new-train-on-jr-east-nikko-line.html" target="_blank">E131-600 series</a>, was launched in 2022 on the Nikko and Utsunomiya lines. The E131-1000 series, which is today's topic, was commissioned onto the Tsurumi line as the fourth group of the E131 series. One set is composed of 3 cars (1.5M1.5T). A total of 8 sets were built by J-TREC Niitsu Factory.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">What are the differences between the E131-1000 series and the other groups? Firstly, the coloring design of the train bodies is different. Please observe the photos including my previous posts. The second point is the outside width of the train body. It's 2,778 millimeters, which is narrower than those of the other groups. I don't know the exact reason, but it's said that there are facilities that cause obstacles for wide body trains on the Tsurumi line. One more point is the black-colored "gangway" on the front of the train. Different from the other groups, it's NOT a gangway, just a decoration. I hope that to perceive fine differences between similar trains will be fun for you.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdadt7KStbKmlGO1X62gOB3Q9m2ujrCgg-MTslwUQQtmI4wNG6jBAHHWG3bByGSKGH0cX22lu2Gt97c-s8WKadqTMcZZ-Emt_H2NwWlyTE_Lnc8KxZACjDQBvpyssaw0jEztqOgk8hF4tiEI5UtP0_QvQsAO7aQhPKwzeGR46CdwSsNBy6hFGToqaxoc/s640/T3JREE131Tsurumi640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdadt7KStbKmlGO1X62gOB3Q9m2ujrCgg-MTslwUQQtmI4wNG6jBAHHWG3bByGSKGH0cX22lu2Gt97c-s8WKadqTMcZZ-Emt_H2NwWlyTE_Lnc8KxZACjDQBvpyssaw0jEztqOgk8hF4tiEI5UtP0_QvQsAO7aQhPKwzeGR46CdwSsNBy6hFGToqaxoc/s16000/T3JREE131Tsurumi640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>Set T3 of the EMU JR East E131-1000 series arrives at Asano station</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>Official information about the EMU E131-1000 series by JR East Chiba Branch Office (in Japanese):</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2023/yokohama/20231101_y01.pdf">https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2023/yokohama/20231101_y01.pdf</a></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-41847598090366250062024-01-13T00:00:00.031+09:002024-01-13T06:11:47.660+09:00The JR East Tsurumi Line: Update<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DQPi6aa6fY4kKQcjxoh9dSeKBJ2L_B7SgUgh3R6Tf9oIOfb6MkXz4LHhL2L_kmWnDj07vVQhtWjtQ88uYb_R7xhYawLsVihS430ZXnjbKJnxdVmSJUtzbIF9g5OmLmWf1nvot0RvLpP0-fbNl3Jopr6W8eL15hbsngNAFCvulhrA_fPWy_aqQFff/s640/T19JRE205Tsurumi640b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DQPi6aa6fY4kKQcjxoh9dSeKBJ2L_B7SgUgh3R6Tf9oIOfb6MkXz4LHhL2L_kmWnDj07vVQhtWjtQ88uYb_R7xhYawLsVihS430ZXnjbKJnxdVmSJUtzbIF9g5OmLmWf1nvot0RvLpP0-fbNl3Jopr6W8eL15hbsngNAFCvulhrA_fPWy_aqQFff/s16000/T19JRE205Tsurumi640b.JPG" /></a></i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>EMU JR East 205 series travels on the Tsurumi line</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Do you remember that the used cars were introduced onto the JR East Nambu branch line in the Tokyo Metropolitan area last October? That was <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-train-from-niigata.html" target="_blank">the EMU E127 series</a> transferred from the Niigata area. It was curious that the used cars in the countryside were moved to the urban area, but I posted "It makes sense, because it would cost a lot if a new model was introduced" at that time.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sorry, my point of view was wrong. On November 24th, 2023, a new model, EMU E131-1000 series, was introduced onto <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-tsurumi-line-urban-local-route.html" target="_blank">the JR East Tsurumi line</a>. The Nambu branch line and the Tsurumi line are similar, because they are both "urban local lines" in the industrial area. Why was the new model only introduced onto the Tsurumi line? The leading hypothesis among rail-fans this time was the difference of the train operation systems. The trains on the Nambu branch line are operated without conductors; meanwhile, conductors should be on board the trains of the Tsurumi line. It looked reasonable this time for sure, but this hypothesis was again incorrect because JR East recently released that the train operation without conductors will also start on the Tsurumi line on March 16th of this year. Umm... difficult.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">For your information, I'm showing photos of the present model on the Tsurumi line, namely the EMU 205 series and the same model in Indonesia. I'm going to introduce the new model on the Tsurumi line, named the EMU E131-1000 series, in the next post. To be continued...</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwY5bYlK5S_PbA0GorLfDzMO0WkR0sFjKDNk0c_FzN9ZMZgk189sg12HKT-7mSCU8xtZm-omMe52hLeNV7_uQJiR_fs-QaKnl13ILs-N-FPl7iK_NnjKBb5LxewVGa7n-bWpJW1aM8_M49f0LKzJvAqY3yPmWEMPs41l9YXn_prT7Eza4OFIQgXII-/s16000/205KCJNewVolor640a2.JPG" /></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>EMU ex-JR East 205 series in Indonesia, Photo: Faris Fadhli (May, 2022)</i></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><p></p></div>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-33962746424894366452024-01-10T00:00:00.044+09:002024-01-10T00:00:00.137+09:00“Magical Dream Shinkansen” Train<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlaDgAs60U6eR6dJs2BVfkb3LQ9GfY5aJKepgqLBQsfooN3V6_Ztm02uNKCM8Kq-opdc-r6D9gOgL-jOLu8kpCWMGUaP8zxm1Sh6iherNjzdSRowG3HZwyoydB4Dw-Mgh-v9-0tZXUGPD-Ugk3KcnROeDvaOqy1GNBCO9QyItGODtgHpaQ_zPOI4KX1M/s640/69E21000JRE640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlaDgAs60U6eR6dJs2BVfkb3LQ9GfY5aJKepgqLBQsfooN3V6_Ztm02uNKCM8Kq-opdc-r6D9gOgL-jOLu8kpCWMGUaP8zxm1Sh6iherNjzdSRowG3HZwyoydB4Dw-Mgh-v9-0tZXUGPD-Ugk3KcnROeDvaOqy1GNBCO9QyItGODtgHpaQ_zPOI4KX1M/s16000/69E21000JRE640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set J69 of the EMU JR East E2-J (E2-1000) series, "Magical Dream Shinkansen"</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The domestic travel market is growing in Japan. The number of travelers has recently returned to pre-COVID times. In addition, the weak yen contributes to the increase in inbound tourists. Tokyo Disney Resort is no exception. Many holidaymakers flock to the kingdom of dreams and magic. How could railway companies pass it up?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">On December 22nd, 2023, JR East started to operate a special poster train, named "Magical Dream Shinkansen", on their Tohoku Shinkansen. The purpose of this train is to promote tourism to Tokyo Disney Resort from the northern part of Japan. Magical Dream Shinkansen is decorated with Micky Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends on the exterior of the train. They're wearing special costumes to celebrate <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-40th-anniversary-of-tokyo-disney.html" target="_blank">the 40th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort</a>. Following the debut of the poster train, JR East started to deal in a special package tour to Tokyo Disney Resort including the Shinkansen ticket and the hotel staying coupon.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The vehicle of Magical Dream Shinkansen is set J69 of <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-second-anniversary-of-tokyo-railway.html" target="_blank">the EMU JR East E2-J (E2-1000) series</a>. Set J69 is composed of 10 cars, and was originally built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 2005. The timetable of Magical Dream Shinkansen is officially released on JR East's website after 10pm on the day before operation. Last weekend, I could observe it for the first time in Tokyo station, but many passengers and rail-fans were flocking to the platform... very crowded. It's hugely popular, isn't it? Magical Dream Shinkansen will be operated until March 31st, 2024.</span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCC47MTJ_Ndy2YHPVrjW3JIb7oyU15083wvpoQpdSnzOUJ7tJmwgVfZZlZyzsjgGupV2r0nUh-DLSfT6avi51pia6xdaQ1xQFaRwd8ua3Wszr3IoOtry_H6pk4Y29zeLTm26Hukx682ue-vrqISnV2juvwfzB7YhjyKKzTw9MYQMMlPcm9t3WLgXXeDkw/s640/69E21000JRE640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCC47MTJ_Ndy2YHPVrjW3JIb7oyU15083wvpoQpdSnzOUJ7tJmwgVfZZlZyzsjgGupV2r0nUh-DLSfT6avi51pia6xdaQ1xQFaRwd8ua3Wszr3IoOtry_H6pk4Y29zeLTm26Hukx682ue-vrqISnV2juvwfzB7YhjyKKzTw9MYQMMlPcm9t3WLgXXeDkw/s16000/69E21000JRE640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Side view of "Magical Dream Shinkansen"</i></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>Official website, "Magical Dream Shinkansen" by JR East (in Japanese):</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://www.jreast.co.jp/magicaldreamshinkansen/">https://www.jreast.co.jp/magicaldreamshinkansen/</a></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5776607065166489645.post-25062634674751322252024-01-07T07:48:00.001+09:002024-01-07T07:52:02.468+09:00Special Train with JNR Limited Express-colored Bodies<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-texx7DnArPHVkj_TW8h6zWvYTK_IlErQE0pw2n6bIGtdZjfDMlo6zm4lkSnEheGE1Qew6rMwZLXLZ3Bs-8N9v7YCYxvZ-4xFtwDsTClM7dNMo0r31sv1Pju77Poi4-s6gysvyEJjpzFWxMlsZ4A3f66GlrUgx5qiQ3xcB936F058kNvE6QcwUtM1Rp4/s640/K70JREE653Okegawa640a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-texx7DnArPHVkj_TW8h6zWvYTK_IlErQE0pw2n6bIGtdZjfDMlo6zm4lkSnEheGE1Qew6rMwZLXLZ3Bs-8N9v7YCYxvZ-4xFtwDsTClM7dNMo0r31sv1Pju77Poi4-s6gysvyEJjpzFWxMlsZ4A3f66GlrUgx5qiQ3xcB936F058kNvE6QcwUtM1Rp4/s16000/K70JREE653Okegawa640a.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set K70 of the EMU JR East E653 series, "Yunosato Kusatsu-Shima"</i></i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It's mid-winter in Japan. Even if it's mild during the daytime, it gets cold in the morning. The lowest temperature is less than 5 degrees Celsius in Tokyo these days. Japanese people want to go to hot springs in this climate. Needless to say, hot springs are effective for warming the body and relaxing.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In this season, JR East operates a special train, "Yunotabi Kusatsu-Shima (Hot spring tour to Kusatsu and Shima)", between Ueno in Tokyo Metropolis and Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi in Gumma Prefecture. It's of course convenient for tourists, but in addition, very popular among rail-fans. Why? Because, this special train has bodies with nostalgic "JNR limited express colors". JNR, which stands for Japanese National Railways, was once Japan's largest railway operator. It was split into seven railway companies, and privatized as the JR Group in 1987 due to financial difficulties. During the JNR era, plenty of limited express trains had two-toned bodies of red and cream, which was frequently called "JNR limited express color". It fitted into any kind of scenery in Japan from urban business centers to mountain forests. After privatizing, all the JNR's limited express trains were ceded to each JR company. Since then, these trains were gradually scrapped or modified, and lost the original color designs, but many rail-fans are still boisterous about this coloring.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The JNR limited express-colored train of yesteryear is back using set K70 of <a href="https://tokyorailwaylabyrinth.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-e653s-little-side-trip-to-kamakura.html" target="_blank">the EMU JR East E653 series</a>. Let's go to hot springs riding the special train, "Yunotabi Kusatsu-Shima"!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxauS4O8W-3Z_dFlrga5bDx58zCrDmWqCAyvLdQP1-Yyj3oQicPyvVnY9Iam8SKkMlEucK8xhf1ooVFxxKPP3N9X3vxufv3-oMhEy5XG2_hrWrpW2KRKsLfR1hNCXf-y2pFwcLQCMlj4ZUhm1a-f0HmzDxC4ky_uE6SOFbFAw6hhl-r1RCS7fzxKt0qE/s640/K70JREE653Okegawa640b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxauS4O8W-3Z_dFlrga5bDx58zCrDmWqCAyvLdQP1-Yyj3oQicPyvVnY9Iam8SKkMlEucK8xhf1ooVFxxKPP3N9X3vxufv3-oMhEy5XG2_hrWrpW2KRKsLfR1hNCXf-y2pFwcLQCMlj4ZUhm1a-f0HmzDxC4ky_uE6SOFbFAw6hhl-r1RCS7fzxKt0qE/s16000/K70JREE653Okegawa640b.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i><i>Set K70 of the EMU JR East E653 series passes through Okegawa station</i></i></span></div><p></p>Hamada Yasushi(浜田康史)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07026601519961357136noreply@blogger.com