Water Hyacinth Field in Kazo City

Unit 24436 of the EMU Tobu 20400 series

I can’t seem to stay away from Saitama Prefecture. After visiting Gyoda, my next destination was Kazo City, located about 60 kilometers north of Tokyo. So, what’s there to see?

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look at the photo below: this is a vast water hyacinth field. Kazo City sits along the Tone River, the second-longest river in Japan, and is home to many aquatic plants. The water hyacinth is a striking example. Though it’s an invasive species that can block waterways in Japan, it’s often cultivated for its beautiful flowers. This particular field is carefully maintained by local residents, and I was deeply impressed by the countless light purple blossoms. It was a truly rewarding sight.

After enjoying the colorful scenery, I stopped by a bank of the Tone River to photograph Tobu trains. Take a look at the top photo. It’s a close-up shot of the lead car (Unit 24436) of the EMU Tobu 20400 series. Notice anything unusual? If so, you’re a true trainspotter. There are two faint outlines of former passenger doors on the car’s side. As I’ve written before, part of the 20400 series once operated in central Tokyo as the EMU 20000 series, with ten doors per car (five doors on per side). After refurbishment, the number of doors was reduced to six per car (three per side). As a train enthusiast, I like in choosing unique details like this as my subjects.

A large water hyacinth field in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture

Official information, Water Hyacinth Flowering Garden, Kazo City:

https://www-city-kazo-lg-jp.translate.goog/soshiki/ootone_nousei/sisetu/24363.html?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja

Train Restaurant in Gyoda City

KuHa 703 of the EMU Tobu 5700 series, Mustard Seed Restaurant

I visited Gyoda City in Saitama Prefecture again. What did I do this time? I stopped by a train restaurant!

Take a look at the top photo... this is “Mustard Seed,” a unique restaurant in Gyoda City built inside a retired Tobu Railway EMU 5700 series train. The 5700 series entered service in 1951 and ran as limited express, express, and special trains for about 40 years. A total of six sets (12 cars) were built by Nippon Sharyo, Kisha Seizo, and Naniwa Koki between 1951 and 1953.

There were two versions of the 5700 series... Early type (2 sets): Two large front windows and Late type (4 sets): Three front windows with a gangway.

The train-turned-restaurant is one of the late-type cars, specifically KuHa 703 and MoHa 5703 (the latter is out of the frame in this photo). I was especially glad to see the rare TT-3 bogie made by Toshiba (see the photo below). Originally, it featured a right-angle Cardan drive mechanism—quite a piece of railway history! If you’re curious about the early type, please check out my previous post as well.

Unfortunately, Mustard Seed was temporarily closed when I visited, which was a pity. Still, I was kindly allowed to photograph this beautiful train and had a wonderful chat with the Chairperson of the KuHa 703 Preservation Society, who was tending the garden. Thanks to him, I learned a lot about the train and the restaurant’s history. Thank you so much, Chairperson! I’ll be back again.

TT-3 bogie

Official Website, Mustard Seed Restaurant (in Japanese):

https://www.sanai-u.com/mustardseed/

EMU 80000 Series: New Model on the Urban Park Line

EMU Tobu 80000 series travels on the Urban Park line

You may remember when I posted about the name change of the Tobu-Noda line in before. Japan's population has entered into a decreasing phase. Railway companies are in competition to attract passengers and have to improve the value of their lines. For that purpose, Tobu Railway gave a nickname of their "Noda line" to "Urban Park line" in 2014. What do you think about the new name, “Urban Park line”? Is it sophisticated? To be honest, I wonder why Japanese people are eager to use English words for their shops', restaurants' and companies' names... even for railway stations' and railway lines' names. 

Enough with the preamble, let's get down to the main topic. I recently understood that Tobu continues improving the value of their lines very seriously. Not only just the name of the line but also the train itself on the line. In token of that, Tobu launched a new sophisticated commuter train, the EMU 80000 series, onto their Urban Park line this year. It's been 12 years since the last model, the EMU 60000 series, debuted. What’s special about the 80000 series? It has an area for families with children. There is a unique seat with a baby stroller parking area named “Tanoseat” (see the photo below). Tanoseat is a compound word of Tanoshii (fun) in Japanese and Seat in English.  A family gets together at Tanoseat, it will be so much fun. I’m running out of space on the page. With regard to the technical specifications of the 80000 series, I’m going to post near future.

"Tanoseat" of the EMU Tobu 80000 series

Official information about the EMU 80000 series by Tobu Railway (in Japanese):

https://www.tobu.co.jp/cms-pdf/releases/202404161247115gFjCdYsG3H5MfjtzUEqxQ.pdf

A Serendipitous Reunion with Tobu 8577F

Set 8577 of the EMU Tobu 8000 series is exhibited in the Railway Museum

I'm not a native English speaker, so I often come across unknown English words. The latest example was "serendipity". It's not a common word, but I would like to remember it using a real example. As I showed in my last post, I recently visited the vast Sherley poppy field in Saitama Prefecture. When I observed this vermillion-colored field, I associated with Tobu Railway’s vermillion-colored train, set 8577 of the EMU 8000 series (hereafter 8577F), which I posted in 2016. Two hours later, I stopped by the Railway Museum in the prefecture and came across 8577F. What a coincidence! This is indeed serendipity, isn’t it?

Why was the Tobu train exhibited in the Railway Museum, which is owned by JR East? The gimmick is as follows. In 2023, the Railway Museum established a partnership with the Tobu Museum in Tokyo. The two museums work together on the fostering of railway culture. As part of efforts, the Railway Museum was temporally exhibiting Tobu Railway’s train, 8577F, in the outdoor venue. According to the Railway Museum, 8577F will be exhibited only one month.

Another question was “How was 8577F transported to the Railway Museum?” The gimmick is as follows. The tracks of Tobu Railway and JR East are connected at Kurihashi station yard. Furthermore, the JR East line is connected with the tracks in the Railway Museum, so, 8577F was transported from Tobu Railway to the Railway Museum pulled by locomotives. Long time no see 8577F! Have you been well?

The JR East line is connected with the tracks in the Railway Museum

The 110th Anniversary of the Tojo Line

Set 9107 of the EMU Tobu 9000 series travels on the Tokyu-Toyoko line

On May 1st, 2024, Tobu Railway celebrated the 110th anniversary of their Tojo line. In commemoration, the company holds several events.

Let me review the Tojo line to start. The Tobu-Tojo line is one of the main transportation arteries in the northwestern part of the metropolitan area. Connecting Ikebukuro in Tokyo Metropolis and Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture, it was opened on May 1st in 1914. The route was, then, fully opened in 1925 between Ikebukuro and Yorii. The total line length is, currently, 75 kilometers. It carries about one million passengers per day.

One of the 110th anniversary events is displaying a special plate on the front of set 9107 of the EMU 9000 series. It will be exhibited until October 10th. The words "110th ANNIVERSARY TOBU TOJO LINE" were written in English on the plate. I don’t know why in English… never mind. For your information, the 9000 series was commissioned in 1981 as Tobu’s first stainless-steel train. 100 units in total were built by Tokyu-sharyo, Alna-koki and Fuji Heavy Industries. The 9000 series is directly operated onto the Tokyo Metro and Tokyu lines, so, I could shoot it on the Tokyu-Toyoko line, which is closer to my house. Thank you so much, the 9000 series.

Incidentally, I still remember the 100th anniversary events on the Tojo line in 2014. I saw the grand ceremony in the Ikebukuro station yard and the operation of memorial train. Ten years have passed since then. The time really flies.

The 110th anniversary plate of the Tobu-Tojo line

Calpis Express: My Favorite Branded Train

Set 205 of the EMU Tobu 200 series, "Calpis Express" branded train

Do you see branded trains in your country? In Japan, yes, I often see trains being wrapped by corporate advertisements on the tracks. They are, for example, "Magical Dream Shinkansen" on the JR East Tohoku Shinkansen and "Studio Tour Tokyo Express" on the Seibu line. They are unique, beautiful and eye-catching; however, some of the branded trains are too flashy for me, so, I often hesitate to introduce branded trains in this blog.

I recently came across a new branded train on the Tobu line. Please look at the top photo. That's Set 205 of the EMU Tobu 200 series, nicknamed the "Calpis Express". It's operated between Asakusa and Akagi (or Oota, Isesaki) terminals. Calpis is the most famous probiotic drinks brand in Japan. I have also been drinking Calpis since I was a child. It makes me feel refreshed specifically in the hot summer. The bodies of the Calpis Express also make me feel refreshed. They are two-toned of blue and white... very cool. The illustrations of Calpis bottles are also cute and my favorite.

Incidentally, Set 205 of the EMU 200 series was commissioned in 1992. It had two-toned of red and white-colored bodies. In contrast to its beautiful appearance, the technical specification of the 200 series is rather old. For example, the electric control system is traditional rheostatic. Please look at the photo below. There is a resistor, which creates uncomfortable heat under the floor... but, please don't worry! The bodies of the Calpis Express train will make it refreshing.

Logo of the Calpis Express and the resistor under the floor

Not so much a Strawberry as an Orange

Set 109 of the EMU Tobu 100 series, "Ichigo Spacia"

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".

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, “Spacia”) 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!

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.

Strawberry poster on the side body of the Tobu "Ichigo Spacia" train

Official information about the Tobu "Ichigo Spacia" train (in Japanese):

https://www.tobu.co.jp/cms-pdf/releases/20231207172230RF_TR0B9Qvjbg1pKOXe0Ig.pdf

The Old Train is Back

Set 8111 of the EMU Tobu 8000 series travels on the Noda line

On October 11th, many rail fans were amazed by a news from Tobu Railway. "An old train, set 8111 (hereafter 8111F) of the EMU 8000 series, will be coming back to the track soon."

Let me review the history of 8111F. It's a 6-car train and the original 4 cars were built by Nippon Sharyo in 1963. After operating for 48 years, it was once retired from the track in 2011, and preserved in working conditions. At the same time, the owner of 8111F was moved from Tobu Railway to Tobu Museum. From 2011 to 2020, this preserved train was sometimes operated as a special train. For example, I saw it at Shimo-Itabashi station, when it was operated as a special train celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Tojo line; however, since 2020, we had never seen 8111F on the lines.

Actually, 8111F was alive! It was moved from the Tojo to the Noda line (Urban Park line), and started to be operated as a commuter train from October 31st in 2023. If 8111F were human, he (or she) would be a 60-year-old worker. He once retired at 48, but came back to his work at 60. Furthermore, he is working full time. That's amazing! Currently, many rail fans flock to the Noda line to shoot and ride this precious train. I was also one of them. When I was waiting for 8111F beside the track, many local people (non-rail fans) asked me, "Is any special train coming?" They showed deep interest in this precious train.

Set 8111 stands at Funabashi station 

Tobu 1: Preserved SL in Itabashi Ward

Steam locomotive Tobu 1 is preserved in Johoku Traffic Park in Itabashi Ward

Itabashi is one of 23 wards of Tokyo Metropolis, and located in the northern part of the metropolis. There are two traffic parks in the ward. Traffic parks are good places for kids to learn traffic rules, while playing and riding bikes and pedal cars, but the role is not only that. We can see preserved vehicles. I recently visited Johoku Traffic Park in Itabashi Ward to observe a precious locomotive.

Tobu 1 is a steam locomotive (SL) built in 1912 by Orenstein & Koppel Company in Germany. It's a 0-4-0 type (Whyte notation) SL, 5.023 meters long, 1.827 meters wide, 3.429 meters high, and weighs 8,630 kilograms. The driving wheel diameter is 585 millimeters. This small SL was originally commissioned in Arita Railway under the name of Arita 1. For your information, Arita Railway was a local route in Wakayama Prefecture in the western part of Japan, but unfortunately abolished in 2003. Arita 1 was transferred to Tobu Railway, and renamed Tobu 1 in 1951. Tobu 1 belonged to Kawagoe Locomotive Depot, but it was operated only for untimetabled trains on the Tojo line. Tobu 1 was retired from the track in 1952 because of its low towing ability. To make matters worse, Tobu 1 only had a handbrake system. I wonder why Tobu had introduced this SL.

Apart from its mundane history, I was fascinated by Tobu 1 as it's lovely, and preserved in very good condition. I would like to thank everyone involved in preserving Tobu 1 in Itabashi Ward.

Back view of Tobu 1

Spacia X: Tobu New Flagship Train

EMU Tobu N100 series, "Spacia X", passes through Himemiya station

On July 15th, Tobu Railway launched a new limited express train "Spacia X", the EMU N100 series. I'm going to introduce this new flagship train to you today.

Spacia X is a successor of the first generation "Spacia", namely the EMU 100 series. Spacia was launched in 1990 for a limited express train between Asakusa terminal in Tokyo and the Nikko-Kinugawa sightseeing area. Because of its unique design and high specifications, Spacia became very popular among tourists. 33 years later, Tobu eventually introduced the long-awaited second-generation Spacia, namely Spacia X.

Spacia X is a 6-car train consisting of 4 motorcars and 2 trailers (4M2T). The bodies are made of aluminum alloy and white-colored. The X-shaped window frames on the first and the last car are very unique and beautiful. It's a motif of Kanumakumiko, which is a traditional woodcraft in Kanuma City on the Tobu line. The interior is gorgeous. One train has a suite room, a cafe lounge, compartments, box seats, premium seats and standard seats. Accessible restrooms and large baggage storages are equipped. Regarding the technical specifications, the state of the art VVVF (variable frequency drive) electric control system with full hybrid-SiC elements is adopted. A total of two sets were built by Hitachi Kasado factory. Two more sets will be introduced by the end of the fiscal year 2023.

I shot this new flagship train at Himemiya station, and was fascinated. Its streamlined and slightly blueish white-monotoned bodies were very impressive. Tobu Railway is going to a new stage.

EMU Tobu N100 series, "Spacia X", passes through Shin-Koshigaya station

Official website, Tobu limited express "Spacia X":

https://www.tobu.co.jp/spaciax/en/

Spot the Difference: Tobu 50070 and 50050 Series

EMU Tobu 50070 series travels on the Tokyu-Toyoko line.

I have already uploaded nearly 1,700 posts in this blog. I thought that all kinds of the existing trains in Tokyo had already been introduced to you here, but it was not true. I recently found that I haven't shown you some more models yet. The introduction to trains in Tokyo is almost endless. Today, I'm going to show you the EMU Tobu 50070 series for the first time. You may think that it's the same as the other Tobu trains such as the 50050 series, which I showed you before. Let's give it a shot. Can you spot the difference between the 50070 series (the top photo) and the 50050 series (the photo below)?

Was it a piece of cake for you? The answer is "the LED displays on the front". The 50070 series has full color LED displays, which can make white-colored light. On the other hand, the 50050 series has conventional LED displays, which can't make white-colored light.

For your information, the 50070 series was launched in 2007 for the direct operation between the Tobu, Tokyo Metro-Yurakucho, Tokyo Metro-Fukutoshin, Tokyu-Toyoko and Yokohohama-Minaomirai lines. On the other hand, the 50050 series was launched in 2006 for the direct operation between the Tobu, Tokyo Metro-Hanzomon and Tokyu-Denentoshi lines. The 50070 and 50050 series are also known as the brothers of the 50000 and 50090 series, which I showed you before in this blog.

It's fun for me to perceive a fine difference between these trains as a trainspotter.

EMU Tobu 50050 series travels on the Tobu line.

Precious Train and Bird on the Tobu Line

EMU Tobu 500 series, "Revaty", travels on the Tobu line backed by Tokyo Skytree

It's late-February already. How quickly time flies! Spring is just around the corner. I recently visited an urban area for strolling. My destination was Sumida Ward. It's famous for Tokyo Skytree and its related sightseeing spots. Tokyo Skytree is a TV and radio broadcasting tower located on the Tobu line. At 634 meters high, the Skytree is known as the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower. I have already been to the observation deck, so, I enjoyed walking about the surrounding area this time.

When I was walking along Kita-Jikken River near the Skytree, Tobu's precious train, EMU 500 series, "Revaty", was approaching on schedule. "Revaty" is a limited express train connecting Tokyo Metropolis and the Nikko sightseeing area in Tochigi Prefecture. "Revaty" is a coined word, synthesized from "variety" and "liberty". This train is basically composed of 3 cars, and easy to couple and decouple each trainset. As a result, Tobu can make "variable" train operations "liberally".

After taking a photo of Revaty backed by Tokyo Skytree, I stopped by at a park nearby. A bird with blue and orange-colored plumage then approached me. That was a kingfisher. I was surprised that the precious wild bird inhabits in an urban area like this. I didn't have a telephoto lens at that time, but managed to take the kingfisher picture by a standard lens. Bird shooting was completely different from that of trains, which are operated in accordance with timetables. I definitely prefer shooting trains to shooting birds.

A kingfisher perches on a tree in a park near Tobu Skytree station

Official information about the Tobu limited express train "Revaty":

https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/express_info/express/revaty.html

Serving a Double Purpose on the Tobu and JR East Lines

Set 81107 of the EMU Tobu 8000 series approaches the 2nd Kubo railway crossing

Here we're in the middle of winter in Tokyo. It's clear every day in the regions here on the Pacific Ocean. Winter is one of the best seasons to take railway pictures in the Pacific Ocean side including the Tokyo metropolitan area. The blue sky gives railway photographers many beautiful subjects.

One day, I headed to the northern suburb. My destination was "the 2nd Kubo railway crossing", where we can take photos of the Tobu Ogose line trains. The Ogose line is a local branch route of the Tobu-Tojo line. A 4-car train, EMU 8000 series, is operated every 15 minutes. After arriving at the railway crossing, the southbound train soon approached. That's a special-colored train, trainset 81107 of the 8000 series. The orange and dark beige colored bodies are a revival of the Tobu trains in the 1960s. It was very beautiful under the winter sunlight.

Is that the end of today's post? No, I'm still in the middle of it. Five minutes later, the other train approached the railway crossing... a diesel railcar, JR East KiHa 110 series, not a Tobu train. What was going on there? The gimmick is as follows. The 2nd Kubo railway crossing is used by two companies, namely Tobu Railway and JR East. Tobu uses one track as the Ogose line, while JR East uses another track as the Hachiko line. The latter is not electrified, so we can see the diesel railcar.

I served a double purpose at the 2nd Kubo railway crossing.

Diesel railcar JR East 110 series approaches the 2nd Kubo railway crossing

Spot the Difference: EMU Tobu 50000 Series

51001F (a prototype set) of the EMU Tobu 50000 series

I'm not a native English speaker, but suppose that "spot the difference" in English is the same as "machigai-sagashi (a mistake-searching game)" in Japanese. Let's give it a try!

The top photo is trainset 51001 of the EMU Tobu 50000 series (hereafter 51001F). It's a prototype of the 50000 series, so, only one set of this type of train is operated on the track. On the other hand, the photo below is trainset 51002 (hereafter 51002F), which is one of the mass-produced sets of the 50000 series. Can you spot the difference between 51001F and 51002F?

The correct answer is listed below. Firstly, 51001F (a prototype) doesn't have a gangway; while, 51002F (one of the mass-produced sets) has a gangway on the left-hand side of the front. Secondly, positions of the front lights are different. They're arranged at the right and left lower ends of 51001F. On the other hand, the positions of the front lights on 51002F are higher than those of 51001F. I'm happy to perceive this kind of fine differences among trains as a trainspotter.

Incidentally, the EMU Tobu 50000 series is a direct current commuter train commissioned in 2005. It's known as Tobu's first aluminum body train. One set is composed of five motorcars and five trailers (5M5T). The electric control system is an IGBT-VVVF (insulated gate bipolar transistor-variable frequency drive) with a regenerative braking system. A total of 9 sets, 90 cars, were built by Hitachi. Their brothers, namely the 50050, 50070 and 50090 series, are also operated on the Tobu lines.

51002F (one of the mass-produced sets) of the EMU Tobu 50000 series

EMU Tobu 1720 Series, “Deluxe Romance Car”: Part 2

MoHa1726 of the EMU Tobu 1720 series is preserved in the Iwatsuki Joshi Park

Let me continue from where I left off my post on June 25th. I enjoyed observing "Deluxe Romance Car (DRC)", the EMU Tobu 1720 series, in Tobu Museum; however, dissatisfaction was left for me, because the exhibit was just a half-cut of one top car. How should I work my frustration off? My answer was to look for a complete exhibit of DRC.

My next destination was Iwatsuki Joshi Park in Saitama City, some 40 kilometers northeast of Tokyo. Iwatsuki Joshi Park is the only place where a "complete" top car of DRC is preserved. It's a municipal park being managed by Saitama City. Unit MoHa1726 of DRC is preserved in a corner of the vast park. MoHa1726 was built by Nippon Sharyo in 1960. After operating for 31 years, it was retired from the track in 1991. MoHa1726 was then donated from Tobu Railway to Iwatsuki City (present Saitama City) in 1994. The carrying expenses from Tobu Railway to Iwatsuki Joshi Park were supported by two local benefactors.

I was really impressed that MoHa1726 is in a good state of preservation despite being outdoors. I had the deepest respect for the preservation work of Saitama City and the local people in the past 28 years. Thanks to the dedicated preservation work, I could fully enjoy observing the nostalgic body design with a large front hood, the dense underfloor equipment such as an array of resistors and the lovely mushroom-type rooftop air conditioners. I was more than satisfied!

Side view of MoHa1726

Preserved Streetcar in Tobu Museum

A streetcar, set 203 of the Tobu 200 series, is exhibited in Tobu Museum

After observing a historical steam locomotive, Class B1, in the exhibition hall of Tobu Museum, I moved to the outdoor exhibition area. What first jumped to my eyes was a lovely streetcar, Tobu 200 series, which had been operated on the Nikko tramway.

Let me quickly review the Nikko tramway. It was a tram route partially opened by Nikko Tramway Company in 1910. The route was then fully opened between Nikko-ekimae and Umagaeshi terminals in 1913. The total route length was 9.6 kilometers. The track was 1,067 millimeter-size single and electrified. The electric system was 600 V DC overhead. The main objective of this tramline was to transport tourists to famous sightseeing spots such as Toshogu-temple and Futarasan-shrine. Nikko Tramway Company was taken over by Tobu Railway in 1947. The tramline was unfortunately abolished in 1968 owing to the progress of motorization.

The streetcar, Tobu 200 series, was launched in 1954 to reinforce the transportation capacity on the Nikko tramway. It's an articulated two-car tram, 18.55 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, and 3.702 meters high. 6 sets in total were built by Kisha-seizo. Each set can accommodate up to 150 passengers. With regard to the technical specifications, the 200 series had a dynamic brake system, as the Nikko tramway was a steep mountainous route. After operating for 14 years, the 200 series was retired from the track in 1968, when the Nikko tramway was abolished. Only one set, namely set 203, is preserved in Tobu Museum.

Interior of the Tobu 200 series

Preserved Steam Locomotive in Tobu Museum

Unit 5 of the SL Class Tobu B1 is exhibited in the Tobu Museum

After observing a preserved limited express train, the EMU 1720 series, I moved to the indoor exhibition hall in Tobu Museum. One of the interesting exhibitions in the hall was a historical steam locomotive (SL), Unit 5 of Class B1.

Class B1 was Tobu's first SL. It was launched in 1899, when the Tobu line was opened. 6 units in total were imported from Beyer, Peacock and Company Limited, UK, in 1898 and 1907. Class B1 is a 4-4-0 (Whyte notation) type SL that has a tender attached. It's 14.217 meters long, 2.305 meters wide, and 3.658 meters high. It weighs 31.4 tons except for the tender. The driving wheel diameter is 1,372 millimeters. Technical specifications of Class B1 are almost the same as those of the ex-Japanese National Railways' Class 5500, but the boiler pressure of Class B1 was decreased from 11.3 to 10.5 kilograms per square centimeter.

After operating for over 60 years, Class B1 was retired from the track in 1963. Two units, namely Unit 5 and 6, are currently exhibited in Tobu Museum. Unit 5 is restored to its original form, and exhibited in the indoor hall; meanwhile, Unit 6 is preserved as its appearance when it was retired, and exhibited outside the hall. The slim body with a gold-colored steam dome made of brass is very beautiful. The red-colored and bow-shaped name plate on the splasher of the first driving wheel attracts the visitor's attention. I fully enjoyed this precious SL in Tobu Museum.

To be continued...

Back view of the SL Class Tobu B1

Official website of Tobu Museum: https://www.tobu.co.jp/museum/en/

EMU Tobu 1720 Series, “Deluxe Romance Car”

Tobu "Deluxe Romance Car" is preserved in the Tobu Museum

After taking pictures of "Spacia" trains, I stopped by the Tobu Museum adjacent to Higashi-Mukojima station for the first time in 9 years.

The EMU 1720 series, also known as "Deluxe Romance Car (hereinafter referred to as DRC)" was Tobu's former flagship train. It was a superstar before "Spacia", EMU 100 series. DRC was launched in 1960 to compete with the Japanese National Railways (present JR East). As I posted before, railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area have been in competition to attract passengers. Tobu and the Japanese National Railways were no exception. They were competing for tourists to Nikko resort. Tobu developed a gorgeous limited express train for that purpose. For example, DRC had a special lounge equipped with a jukebox. It also had a dining car. The seat pitch was long enough with a foot rest. 9 set, 54 cars in total, were built by Nippon Sharyo and Naniwa Koki.

When I was a kid, my parents once put me on DRC to visit Nikko resort. It was a heavily rainy day, so, we were trapped in the train on our journey. My parents worried if we would be able to check-in a hotel in Nikko before dinner time. On the other hand, I was very happy to thoroughly enjoy DRC thanks to the torrential rain.

After operating for 31 years, DHC was retired from the track. The top number car namely 1721 of the EMU 1720 series is currently preserved in Tobu Museum. Although it's a half-cut of one car, we can learn about the characters of DRC.

Interior of Tobu "Deluxe Romance Car", the EMU 1720 series

EMU Tobu 100 Series, "Spacia": Update, Part 2

Set 102 of the EMU Tobu 100 series, "Spacia", with "Miyabi"-colored bodies

Let's continue where I left off last time. What's been going on with the EMU Tobu 100 series, "Spacia", recently?

On March 17th, set 104 was retired from the track after operating for 32 years. It was the first retiree of Spacia trains. As a result, 8 sets are currently operated on the track. 5 sets (set 101, 102, 103, 105 and 109) are operated only on the Tobu lines; meanwhile, 3 sets (set 106, 107 and 108) are directly operated onto the JR East lines.

Spacia currently has 4 color designs. Set 101 has nostalgic "Deluxe Romance Car"-colored bodies. It's a dark beige with maroon stripes. Set 102, 105 and 107 have shining "Miyabi"-colored bodies. It's a white with shining purple and blue stripes. Set 103 and 106 have flashy "Nikko-moude"-colored bodies. It's a shining gold with orange and dark brown stripes. Finally, set 108 and 109 were recently returned to standard-colored bodies. It has a white with orange and dark red stripes.

Here we are in the middle of the gloomy rainy season in Tokyo. The weather has been really changeable. As soon as I notice the sun has come out, the weather changes drastically and it starts pouring rain. When I took a picture of set 102 at Higashi-Mukojima station, it was clear, but half an hour later, it started to sprinkle a little bit. There was a downpour at the same station, when I shot set 106. There's no use complaining about it.

Set 106 of the EMU Tobu 100 series, "Spacia", with "Nikko-moude"-colored bodies

EMU Tobu 100 Series, "Spacia": Update

Set 101 of the EMU Tobu 100 series with "Deluxe Romance Car"-colored bodies

On June 6th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that this year's rainy season had begun in Tokyo. From June to mid-July, Tokyo has hot and humid days, called Tsuyu. Here we are in the middle of the gloomy rainy season, but, once the sun's rays peep through the clouds, I never fail to go out to enjoy a stroll. At the end of last week, I got such an opportunity, and visited the Tobu Railway for the first time in a while.

I got off at Higashi-Mukojima station on the Tobu-Isesaki line, and tried to shoot the EMU 100 series passing through the station. The 100 series, also known as "Spacia", is Tobu's flagship model for limited express trains. It was launched in 1990 to replace the old model. 9 sets, 54 units in total, were built by Alna Koki and Tokyu Sharyo. Because of its unique design and high technical specifications, Spacia was elected as the 1991 Blue Ribbon Prize train by the Japan Railfan Club, as the best train that was launched in the previous year.

What's new with Spacia? On December 5th in 2021, the company launched a special revival-colored Spacia train using set 101 of the EMU 100 series. Its body color was changed to a dark beige with maroon stripes, which was taken from the old model, the EMU 1720 series, also known as the "Deluxe Romance Car". It was a previous Tobu's flagship train that was retired from the track in 1991.

To be continued...

Set 101 passes through Higashi-Mukojima station on the Tobu-Isesaki line

Official information about the "Spacia", the EMU Tobu 100 series:

https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/express_info/express/spacia.html