News from Indonesia: Revival of "JALITA"

8618F of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series, "JALITA" in Indonesia

Photo: Faris Fadhli

This is a continuation from my post on June 3rd. My thanks again go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the recent picture.

On April 22nd, the 100th anniversary celebration of the Indonesian electric railways was held in Jakarta. Many special trains such as the old electric locomotive “Bonbon” were operated in the Jakarta area. Along with Bonbon, “JALITA" was also stood out on that day. What’s JALITA? It’s a special commuter trainset named by the Transport Minister of Indonesia in 2009 celebrating establishment of the new commuter railway company in the Jakarta metropolitan area. It had a unique tri-toned face (red, black and silver, see the top photo). There are differing opinions on the origin of JALITA. One of them is that JALITA stands for “Jalur Lingkar Jakarta”, in Indonesian, which means Jakarta Loop Line. Another one is that JALITA stands for “Jalan Jalan Lintas Jakarta”, in Indonesian, which means strolling on the Jakarta line. According to a Japanese rail-fan blogger residing in Jakarta, “Pakuan Kyuko (Pakuan Express)”, the latter is correct.

Incidentally, the original JALITA was Trainset 8613 of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series (hereafter 8613F). 8613F was transferred from Japan to Indonesia as a second-hand train in 2009. It was then changed its body color in 2013. 8613F has already been retired from the track in Indonesia as well, but instead, the last survivor of the ex-Tokyu 8500 series, namely Trainset 8618 (hereafter 8618F), became the JALITA-colored train this time. You can also see what 8618F was 16 years ago in the photo below. JALITA… welcome back.

8618F arrives at Jakarta Kota station (February 21st, 2009)

News from Indonesia: The 100th Anniversary of "Bonbon"

Electric locomotive Unit 3201 "Bonbon" of the Class ESS 3200 in Indonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli) 

I'm temporally shelving the topic of Japanese trains and showing Indonesian railway pictures today. I have received news from an Indonesian rail-fan. Indonesia recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of its electric railways. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the recent picture.

To start, let me quickly review the history of Indonesian railways. Indonesia’s first railway was opened in 1867 by a Dutch railway company. 58 years later, the first electric railway was completed in Jakarta in 1925. This year marks the 100th anniversary. I was stationed in Jakarta from 2007 to 2011 as an exploration geologist of a petroleum and natural gas company. There was no greater happiness than enjoying the railways with local rail-fans on weekends back then.

Enough with the preamble. On April 22nd, the 100th anniversary celebration was held in Jakarta and many special trains were operated. One of historical rollingstock was the electric locomotive (hereafter EL) Unit 3201 of the Class ESS 3200 (see the top photo). The ESS 3200 is a '(1B)(B1)' (UIC notation) type EL for 1,500V direct current tracks. It’s called “Bonbon” by local people. A total of 6 units were built by Werkspoor from 1925 to 1927, but only Unit 3201 is preserved.

I still remember when I came across Unit 3201 in April 2009 (see the photo below). It was just after the reopening of Tanjung Priok station. I was fascinated this elegant EL. It had a white-colored body and went well with the same-colored shining platform. Congratulations on the 100th birthday of Indonesian electric railways and Bonbon!

Unit 3201 is exhibited on Track 6 in Tanjung Priok station, Indonesia (April 18, 2009)

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

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

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Sorry for jumping from one topic to another, but I am going to follow up the trains in Jakarta a little bit more. Following the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series, which I posted on November 14th, I am going to show you the other “endangered species” today. My thanks again go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the beautiful picture.

Please look at the top photo. It is 05-110F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series operated in Indonesia. The 05 series originally debuted on the Tokyo Metro Tozai line in 1988. 240 units in total were built by Kinki Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo and others. 130 units out of 240 units had already retired from the Tozai line. 12 units were then transferred to the Kita-Ayase branch line after modification; meanwhile, 80 units were exported to Indonesia as secondhand trains. According to Faris Fadhli, two sets (05-108F and 05-110F) are still operated by the local railway company.

I still clearly remember the time when the ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series arrived at Indonesia in 2010. I visited Port of Tanjung Priok near Jakarta with several enthusiastic Indonesian railfans, and welcomed the 05 series trains (see the photo below). Just like the ex-Tokyu 8500 series, ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series’ second life is coming to an end... but two sets still remain on the track. I would like to thank again the local railway engineers in Indonesia, and hope that the 05 series will be operated as long as possible.

05-107F of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series has just arrived at Tanjung Priok port

(August 14th, 2010)

Final Chapter of the ex-Tokyu 8500 Series in Indonesia

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

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

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

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

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

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

(August 24th, 2008)

The JR East Tsurumi Line: Update

EMU JR East 205 series travels on the Tsurumi line

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 the EMU E127 series 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.

Sorry, my point of view was wrong. On November 24th, 2023, a new model, EMU E131-1000 series, was introduced onto the JR East Tsurumi line. 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.

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...

EMU ex-JR East 205 series in Indonesia, Photo: Faris Fadhli (May, 2022)

2023 Indonesian Railway Update: Ex-Tokyu 8000 Series

8003F (KuHa 8004 and others) of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8000 series in Indonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli, March, 2023)

I received the news from an Indonesian railfan. The last set of the ex-Tokyu 8000 series is still operated in Jakarta. Furthermore, its front color was recently changed to "red and white". My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the beautiful picture.

Let me quickly review the EMU Tokyu 8000 series. It was a direct current commuter train operated on the Tokyu lines in Japan from 1969 to 2008. 187 cars in total were built by Tokyu Sharyo. After retirement from Tokyu lines, 45 cars were transferred to Izukyu Railway; meanwhile, 24 cars were exported to Indonesia as secondhand trains.

I have a lot of memories of the 8000 series. When I was a high school student in Japan, the 8000 series was an essential vehicle to go to school. Time had passed and the 8000 series became my means of transportation in Jakarta, Indonesia, when I was stationed there from 2007 to 2011. I was always encouraged by this train both in my high school and expatriate days.

The life of the ex-Tokyu 8000 series is eventually coming to an end, but the last set, namely 8003F (KuHa 8004 and others), still remains on the track. It's currently composed of 10 cars. Its color design was modified several times. The face colors were recently changed from "red, yellow and white" to "red and white (top photo)". I would like to thank the local railway engineers in Indonesia, and hope it'll be operated as long as possible.

8003F (KuHa 8004 and others) of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8000 series in Indonesia

(August, 2008)

Unit 123: Brother of the Nameless Tramcar

Tramcar unit 123 of the Sendai City Tram 100 series

After uploading my post about "the nameless tramcar" in Seibu-en Amusement Park, I remembered that his "brother" survives in Sendai City.

Unit 123 of the Sendai City Tram MoHa 100 series is one of the precious exhibits in Sendai Tram Museum. He is a little brother of the nameless tramcar in Seibu-en Amusement Park. It was built in 1952 by Niigata Tekko-sho. The MoHa 100 series is a middle-sized (11.9-meter-long) double-axle bogie car, and accommodates up to 88 passengers. It has two 38 kW direct current series motors, and its rated speed is 21 kilometers per hour. The traditional nose-suspension drive system is adopted. Unit 123 was specifically active in the post-WWII reconstruction period. I specifically like the front windows, which are asymmetrical. Unit 123 and the nameless tramcar in Seibu-en Amusement Park... they really look alike, don't they?

Incidentally, unit 123 had a total of 23 brothers. After the abolition of Sendai City Tram in 1976, 5 of them were transferred to Nagasaki Electric Tramway on Kyushu Island to spend their second life. Although they already had been retired from the track in Nagasaki as well, all of them are surviving as exhibits in a park, museums and a kindergarten to spend their third life. As you know, unit 117 is displayed in Seibu-en Amusement Park as the nameless tramcar. Unit 124 is preserved in a kindergarten of Nagasaki Prefecture. More surprisingly, unit 121 is exhibited in Sydney Tramway Museum, Australia under the name of "Nagasaki 1054". That's awesome!

Side view of unit 123

Official website, the Sydney Tramway Museum:

https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/about/the-trams-of-the-sydney-tramway-museum/

Official picture of "Nagasaki 1054":

https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/tramway/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_1694-scaled.jpeg

"Hakone Tozan Train" in Switzerland

Unit 622, livery of Hakone Tozan Railway, the EL Class Ge 4/4 II in Switzerland

(Photo: Nicolai Okkels)

I've received interesting pictures from an European rail-fan. It's a Swiss narrow-gauge (1,000-millimeter-wide gauge) train pulled by an electric locomotive with a livery of Hakone Tozan Railway. My thanks go to Nicolai Okkels, who kindly sent me the photographs.

Let me quickly review Hakone Tozan Railway. It's a dependable transporter that climbs up Hakone Volcano in the suburban area of Tokyo. Connecting Odawara and Gora, the route length is 15 kilometers. This railway was partially opened as Odawara Horse Tramway in 1888. After electrification in 1900, the entire route was opened in 1919. Engineers of Hakone Tozan Railway at that time learnt advanced technologies from Rhaetian Railway in Switzerland, so, these two companies established a sister railway relationship in 1979.

The top photo shows a train pulled by an electric locomotive (EL) unit 622 of the Rhaetian Railway Class Ge 4/4 II. A large logo of "Hakone Tozan Railway (in Japanese)" on the locomotive body catches passengers' eyes. The Class Ge 4/4 II is a Bo'-Bo' (UIC notation) type alternate current EL with a thyristor phase electric control system. It was built by Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works in 1984.

I'm fond of this vermillion-colored EL with a European taste. The large Z-shaped single-armed pantographs are exotic for Japanese rail-fans. It's also interesting that each EL has its own name and emblem on the front. The name of the unit 622 is Arosa, which is a resort town in the eastern part of Switzerland.

A description of the sister railway relationship is seen on the locomotive body

 (Photo: Nicolai Okkels)

Final Chapter of the Old Tokyu Train

8637F of the EMU Tokyu 8500 series travels on the Den-en-toshi line

On April 5th, 2022, Tokyu Electric Railway made a press release announcing that their old EMU 8500 series will be retired from the track in January, 2023... only four months left.

To start, let me quickly review the 8500 series. It's Tokyu's commuter train launched in 1975, when the Tokyu Den-en-toshi line trains started to be directly operated onto the subway Hanzomon line. This model was then introduced onto the Tokyu Oimachi line as well in 1986. 400 cars in total were built by Tokyu Sharyo, but most of them had already been replaced by new models such as the 5000 and 2020 series. Only one set (8637F) is currently operated on the Den-en-toshi line (see the photo above).

The specification of the 8500 series is rather old. The electric motor is traditional direct current compound. The electric control system is old field chopper. The stainless-steel bodies with corrugated structures... but they are very stout and trouble proof. Furthermore, I'm very fond of its growling running sound, which is exactly the train in the 1970's.

My best memory with the 8500 series trains was the happy reunion with it in Indonesia in February, 2009. One of Indonesian Railways' staff kindly invited me to Depok Railyard near Jakarta, when set number 8613 (8613F) of the 8500 series train was imported from Japan. I lived in Indonesia at that time, so, it was a touching reunion with the 8500 series (see the photo below).

Thirteen years have already passed since then. Time goes so fast.

8613F (center) has just arrived at Depok Railyard near Jakarta, Indonesia

(February, 2009)

A Cool Photo from Europe

EMU Rhatische Railway ABe 4/4 III series travels on the Bernina line in Switzerland

Photo: Nicolai Okkels

It's already mid-September, but still hot and humid in Tokyo. Cool mountains are beckoning me, but I have a lot of things to do in this urban heat island at this moment. What else can I do?

I just remembered that one of my blog readers kindly sent to me a photo of a beautiful train in Europe. That train is operated on a mountainous route across Switzerland and Italy. I feel cooler just by looking at it. As you know, the Bernina line is a mountain climbing railway opened in 1908 by Bernina Railway Company. It's currently a part of Rhatische Railway, which has a 384 kilometers line network. Connecting St. Moritz and Tirano, the operating length is 61 kilometers. The route is single and electrified. The gauge size is 1,000 millimeters and the electric system is 1,000 V DC overhead catenary. That's quite easy to remember, right? The Bernina line crosses the Bernina Pass at 2,253 meters above sea level. The maximum inclination of the route is 70 per mil.

In the meantime, Rhatische Railway ties up with Hakone-tozan Railway in Japan, as two railways have things in common. They're mountain climbing railways with very steep tracks. Many tourists are using these lines. As a token of friendship, Hakone-tozan Railway operates Bernina-colored trains, named Bernina I and Bernina II, on the line. I'm specifically fond of Bernina I train (see the photo below), as its red-colored bodies with yellow and silver-colored stripes are very sophisticated and definitely my cup of tea.

Set 1001, "Bernina I", of the EMU Hakone-tozan 1000 series in Japan

Official website, Hakone-tozan Railway:

https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/transportation/hakone-tozan

8610F: Nostalgic Train in Indonesia

8610F of the ex-Tokyu 8500 series arrives at Manggarai station, Jakarta, Indonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli) 

I've received a nostalgic train picture from an Indonesian railfan. It's set 8610 (hereafter 8610F) of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series being operated in Jakarta, Indonesia. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the photograph.

Let me quickly review the EMU Tokyu 8500 series to start. The 8500 series debuted in Japan in 1975, when the Tokyu Den-en-toshi line trains started to be directly operated onto the subway Hanzomon line. It's a direct current commuter train with a field chopper electric control system. 400 cars in total were built by Tokyu Sharyo until 1991. One set is operated on the Den-en-toshi line even now; meanwhile, 8 sets, 64 cars in total, were transferred to Indonesia from 2006 to 2009 as second-hand trains. Three sets, namely 8604F, 8618F and 8610F, are still operated on the local railway in Jakarta. All three sets are currently composed of 12 cars.

Let's head to the main topic, namely 8610F. When I lived in Indonesia from 2007 to 2011, 8610F had blue, yellow and white-colored stripes. I still remember that the train face of 8610F looked like a professional wrestler wearing a lovely mask. Whenever I came across 8610F, I got a chuckle out of its face. Eleven years has passed since then, 8610F currently has a red -colored face with red, yellow and white-colored stripes. Protection nets on the front have been removed. It looks rather old, but still alive and well. I miss 8610F and my days in Jakarta.

8610F arrives at Gambir station, Jakarta, Indonesia. (December, 2010)

The Clear-cut Faces of the Indonesian Trains: Update

Set 6133 of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 6000 series without protection nets

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

This is the sequel of my previous post. Protection nets on the front of Jakarta trains are being removed one after another. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the recent pictures.

Let me quickly review the protection nets of trains in Jakarta, Indonesia. They are made of metal, and protect train drivers from stone throwing. When I lived in Indonesia in the 2000's, I saw that naughty local children were throwing stones at the trains. It was very dangerous, but now, such vandalism has vanished. The protection nets are no longer necessary. As a result, trains with "clear-cut faces" have been increasing.

The top photo shows set 6133 of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 6000 series without protection nets on the fronts. This train was built by Kinki Sharyo in 1988. After operating for 24 years on the subway Chiyoda line in Japan, it was transferred to Indonesia in 2013. Set 6133 is currently composed of 8 cars with the local railway operator's new body color design. It's very clean.

The photo below is set 8618 of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series without protection nets. This train was built by Tokyu Sharyo. Two top cars are the oldest ones, which were launched in 1976. After operating over 30 years in Japan, it was transferred to Indonesia in 2008. Set 8618 is currently composed of 12 cars, which is longer than that of the Tokyu-era.

I look forward to further development of the railways in Indonesia.

Set 8618 of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8500 series without protection nets

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Goodbye to the EMU Tokyo Metro 7000 Series

Set 7120 of the EMU Tokyo Metro 7000 series travels on the Tokyu-Toyoko line

(January, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan)

On April 17th, 2022, some news shook all rail-fans. The final set of the EMU Tokyo Metro 7000 series was retired from the track without any prior notice. Urban railway companies in Japan recently tend to NOT disclose the retirement date of their old trains. It's because to avoid confusion caused by rail-fans, who flock to stations to say goodbye to the retiring trains.

Let me quickly review the 7000 series. It was launched in 1974, when the subway Yurakucho line was partially opened between Ikebukuro and Ginza-itchome stations. 34 sets, 340 cars in total, were built by Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Sharyo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kinki Sharyo over 15 years. Its futuristic aluminum alloy body with an odd-shaped front mask was my favorite. With regard to the technical specifications, a state-of-the-art AVF (automatic variable field) chopper electric control system was applied to save electric power consumption.

My best memory with the 7000 series trains was the happy reunion with it in Indonesia in June, 2010. One of Indonesian Railways' staff kindly invited me to Bukit Duri Railyard in Jakarta, when the first second-hand 7000 series train arrived there. I lived in Indonesia at that time, so, it was a touching reunion with the 7000 series. Twelve years have already passed since then. Time really flies. For your information, the 7000 series trains are still operated in Indonesia in good condition.

Goodbye to the 7000 series in Japan and thank you to the 7000 series in Indonesia for doing well working.

Set 7122 of the ex-Tokyo Metro 7000 series has just arrived at Bukit Duri Railyard

(June, 2010 in Jakarta, Indonesia) 

Indonesian Railway Update: The 203 Series New Color

Set MaTo 66 of the EMU ex-JNR 203 series with the new color design in Indonesia
(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I'm temporally shelving the topic of the Romancecar Museum again, and showing Indonesian railway pictures today. I have received news from an Indonesian rail fan. The EMU ex-JNR 203 series has changed its body color. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the recent picture.

Let me quickly review the EMU 203 series. It's a direct current commuter train developed by the ex-Japanese National Railways (JNR). It was commissioned in 1982 for direct operation between the ex-JNR (present JR East) Joban and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda lines. 17 sets, 170 cars in total, were built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Tokyu Sharyo, Nippon Sharyo and Kinki Sharyo from 1982 to 1986. After 29 years' operation in Japan, the 203 series was transferred to Jakarta, Indonesia to spend a "new life". It was in August, 2011, two months after my leaving Indonesia. The 203 series was modified to the local style and launched at the year-end in 2011. The body was changed from a green-colored stripe to a flashy red-yellow "face" and stripes, an Indonesian style.

In April, 2022, the body color design of the 203 series was changed again by the Indonesian local railway operator. The new design is a light gray-color with red and dark blue-colored stripes. The pictures show the test run of the new colored train, set MaTo 66 of the 203 series, as a 12-car train. It's a simple and beautiful design that passengers won't get tired of. Of course, it's my cup of tea.

Test run of 12-car train, set MaTo 66 of the EMU ex-JNR 203 series in Indonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Final Chapter of the ex-Tokyu 8000 Series in Indonesia

8003F of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8000 series in Jakarta, Indonesia (Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I've received the latest picture from an Indonesian railfan. It's the last active set of the EMU ex-Tokyu 8000 series being operated in Jakarta. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the beautiful picture.

To start, let me quickly review the EMU Tokyu 8000 series. It was a direct current commuter train model operated on the Tokyu lines in Japan from 1969 to 2008. 187 cars in total were built by Tokyu Sharyo. After retirement from Tokyu, 45 cars were transferred to Izukyu Railway; meanwhile, 24 cars were exported to Indonesia as secondhand trains.

When I lived in Jakarta, Indonesia from 2007 to 2011, I often used trains. My favorite one was the ex-Tokyu 8000 series, as it's filled with my school days memories in Japan. When I was a high school student, I used the 8000 series on the Tokyu-Toyoko line to go to school. Whenever I came across the 8000 series in Jakarta, I was always encouraged by this train, because it still worked well in operation, and was in good condition same as in my school days.

As years went by, the 8000 series' second life is coming to an end... but wait a moment! The last set, namely 8003F, still remains on the track and carries lots of commuters every day. It's composed of 12 cars, and has beautiful red and yellow-colored bodies. I would like to thank the local railway engineers in Indonesia, and hope it'll be operated as long as possible.

ex-Tokyu 8003F stands at Bekasi station, Indonesia (February, 2008)

Indonesian Railway Update: The Clear-cut Faces are Back

EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 (left) and 6000 (right) series without protection nets

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

I have received news from an Indonesian rail-fan again. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the pictures.

To start, let me quickly review the railway in Indonesia. As you know, Indonesia is making a remarkable development as a major power in Asia. The railway is no exception. It's expected to ease traffic jams in the urban areas like Jakarta. Lots of secondhand trains have been imported from Japan for enhancing transportation capacity. They are mainly ex-Tokyu, ex-JR East and ex-Tokyo Metro trains.

So, let me get to the point. Protection nets on the front of Jakarta trains are being removed one after another. The protection net is made of metal, and protect drivers from stone throwing. When I lived in Indonesia in the 2000's, I saw that naughty local children were throwing stones at the trains. It was very dangerous, but now, such vandalism has vanished. The protection nets are no longer necessary. As a result, trains with "clear-cut faces" have been increasing.

The photo shows the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 and 6000 series without protection nets on the fronts. The 05 series was once operated on the Tozai line; while the 6000 series was commissioned on the Chiyoda line in Tokyo. The former train (set 05102) was moved to Indonesia in 2010; while the latter one (set 6106) was transferred in 2011. I'm very happy that these trains have been returned to their original faces.

I look forward to their further success in Indonesia.

Set 05102 of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 05 series (without protection nets)

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Indonesian Railway Update: New Manggarai Station

8618F of the EMU KAI Commuter 8500 series arrives at new Manggarai station

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Happy New Year! The year 2022 has begun. I have received news from an Indonesian rail fan. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me the recent photos.

Manggarai station in Jakarta was elevated. Manggarai is located in a subcenter of Jakarta City, and known as the transfer station between the Bogor line and the Loop line. As a result, trains on the Bogor line now arrive at and depart platforms 10, 11, 12 and 13 on the second floor. It's being carried out as part of the double-double track construction project between Manggarai and Cikarang stations.

The top photo shows a train, set 8618 (8618F) of the EMU KAI Commuter 8500 series arriving at elevated Manggarai station. Taking this opportunity, I'm going to review this train. 8618F was operated on the Tokyu line in Japan from 1976 to 2008. After retirement from Tokyu, 8618F was moved to Jakarta to spend its second life. It was a 10-car train in Japan, but has grown longer... 12 cars in Jakarta (temporarily 8 cars at this moment due to a mechanical problem). The body stripes were also changed twice. It has now red and white-colored stripes, which are the standard colors of the local train operator, KAI Commuter. The second life is busier than that of the Tokyu era.

More than ten years have passed since I moved back from Jakarta to Tokyo. Time really flies. Life in Jakarta is now ancient history for me. I miss my days in Jakarta.

Elevated new Manggarai station, Jakarta, Indonesia

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)

Official website, KAI Commuter (in Indonesian):

https://www.krl.co.id/

Simulated Travel to Indonesia: Part 2

Set TB-7 (Indonesia color) of the EMU 8000 series travels on the Izukyu line

Following the outline report of the chartered train event on the Izukyu line, I'm going to be more specific about this chartered train today.

The train, which we chartered from Izukyu Railway, was set TB-7 of the EMU 8000 series. The 8000 series was originally commissioned in 1969 on the Tokyu-Toyoko line. The 8000 series became the big force on the Tokyu lines, but it was then replaced by the new models step by step. The final set was eventually retired from the track in 2008. After retirement from Tokyu, 24 cars were moved to Indonesia; meanwhile, 45 cars were transferred to Izukyu to spend a new life.

Set TB-7 of the 8000 series is a 3-car train on the Izukyu line. Its technical specification is rather old, but it's still one of the leading players on the line. Set TB-7 has stainless-steel bodies without any coloring. We chartered this train, and temporarily changed its front color design to that of the Indonesian Railway namely red and yellow. It was beautiful under the autumn sunshine.

When I was in high school, I used the 8000 series on the Tokyu-Toyoko line every day to go to school. I then ran into the 8000 series again in Jakarta, Indonesia, when I was stationed there 14 years ago. The local railway operator in Jakarta was pursuing the modernization of the trains, and introduced the second-hand 8000 series from Tokyu at that time. I'm probably inseparable from the 8000 series.

EMU Izukyu 8000 series (left) and EMU JR East E257-2000 series (right)

Official website, Izukyu Railway:

https://www.izukyu.co.jp.e.qj.hp.transer.com/index.php

Official photogallery, Izukyu Railway:

https://www.izukyu.co.jp.e.qj.hp.transer.com/gallery/index.php

Simulated Travel to Indonesia Taking the Izukyu Line

EMU 8000 series with the Indonesian Railway logo (left) & color design (right)

Because of the COVID-19 calamity, I can't go abroad this year anymore. I love Indonesian railways as I lived in Jakarta, Indonesia until 2011, but it's going to take some time before I can visit there again. What should I do?

The answer is a simulated travel to Indonesia in Japan. On November 14th, Indonesian railway lovers in Japan gathered in Izukogen railyard of Izukyu Railway. Chartering a train on the Izukyu line, we enjoyed a special travel for pretending to go to Indonesia. Why Izukyu? In Indonesia, there are a lot of secondhand trains from Japan. The EMU Tokyu 8000 series is one of them. After retirement from Tokyu, several sets of the 8000 series were transferred to Indonesia; meanwhile, the other sets were moved to the Izukyu line. We temporally changed the color design of the Izukyu 8000 series to that of Indonesian Railway, and chartered it.

Firstly, we held a photo session at Izukogen railyard in front of the 8000 series in Indonesian style. We then got on the chartered train, and made a round trip to Izukyu-Shimoda station. While on board, we enjoyed a bottle of Indonesian brand beer namely "Bintang (star)". We also took photos together, had lunch together and had a dream-like moment together. Speaking with kindred minds was fun and time flew by. The simulated travel was indeed a great success. I'm truly grateful to the organizer "KLB", the coordinator "Pakuan Ekspres" and all the staff of Izukyu Railway.

To be continued...

Indonesian brand beer, "Bintang (star)"

Official information about the rollingstock of Izukyu Railway:

https://www.izukyu.co.jp.e.qj.hp.transer.com/train/train.php

Official website, "Omoshiro-stationmaster", Izukyu Railway (in Japanese):

https://izukyu-omoshiro.jp/

Indonesian Commuter Train: New Color

Set 32 (new color) of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 6000 series in Indonesia  

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)  

I have received news from an Indonesian rail-fan. My thanks go to Faris Fadhli, who kindly sent me recent photos.

At the end of last year, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI) launched new trains with a new color design on their railway network in the Jakarta metropolitan area. The top photo is set 32 of the ex-Tokyo Metro 6000 series with the new color design. Different from the previous stripes (red and yellow-colored), it has red and white colored stripes on the bodies. As you know, "Red and White" is another name of the Indonesian national flag. Set HaE26 of the ex-JR East 205 series was also changed to the new color design.

Set 32 of the EMU ex-Tokyo Metro 6000 series was operated on the Tokyo Metro-Chiyoda line. It was built as the 32nd set of the 6000 series by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 1986. It consists of five motorcars and five trailers (5M5T). The electric control system is an IGBT-VVVF inverter with induction motors. Set 32 was, then, transferred to Indonesia after retirement from the Chiyoda line in 2017. On the other hand, Set HaE26 of the ex-JR East 205 series was operated on the JR East Saikyo line. It was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 1990. It consists of six motorcars and four trailers (6M4T). The electric control system is a field added excitation with DC motors. Set 32 was, then, transferred to Indonesia after retirement from the Saikyo line in 2013.

Good luck with Indonesian Railways.

Set HaE26 (new color) of the EMU ex-JR East 205 series in Indonesia  

(Photo: Faris Fadhli)