EMU 701, Standard Commuter Train in the Tohoku Area

EMU JR East 701 series (Akita color) stands at Aomori Station on the Oou Main Line

Following the sightseeing train, DMU KiHa 48 "Minori" (see my blog on February 5th, 2011), I am going to show you the other train in the Tohoku area.

EMU JR East 701 series is a standard commuter train in Sendai, Akita, Morioka, and the other cities in the Tohoku area. It was launched in 1993 to replace the old commuter EMUs and the passenger coaches. Different from EMUs in the Tokyo metropolitan area, the 701 series is an AC (alternate current) train.

The greatest contribution of launching this train was to speed up travel time and provide air-conditioners. The Tohoku area is located in the northern part of Japan. It is cooler than that of Tokyo; however, it is rather hot in midsummer. On the contrary, there is a lot of criticism of this train for decreasing the seating capacity.

In the meantime, the coloring of the bodies of the 701 series varies by areas. For instance, it has a pink colored stripe in the Akita district (see the top photo), and is green colored in the Sendai district (see the following photo). The 701 series trains have a number of other colors, such as blue, light blue, and purple. This color variation is joyful for rail fans.

With regard to the specification, the 701 series has a high level of efficiency. Specifically, the recently-manufactured group has a brand new system, such as IGBT-VVVF control and regenerative braking.

EMU JR East 701 series... it is a contemporary standard commuter train in Tohoku area.

EMU JR East 701 series (Sendai color) stands at Sendai Station on the Tohoku Main Line

More information about EMU JR East 701 series (in Japanese): http://www.jreast.co.jp/train/local/701.html

Mysterious Pond and Hybrid Train on the Koumi Line

Hybrid train, DMU JR East KiHa E200 series with roof top lithium-ion batteries (left)
 

Yatsugatake (Eight Peaks) and its surrounding area is one of my favorite spots in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It lies in a high altitude region. The coolness of summer is special.

The foliage season in the Yatsugatake area is also attractive. Specifically, I like to visit Shirokoma-ike where we can view a mysterious pond and beautiful autumn leaves (see the following picture). It is over 2,100 meters above sea level. The best season there is from late September to mid-October.

To visit this magnificent prospect, JR East Koumi Line is convenient. It is a beautiful highland railway (see my blog on June 22nd, 2012). One of the features on this route is that a state-of-the-art hybrid train, KiHa E200 series, is operated (see the top photo).

The KiHa E200 was launched in 2007. Using a diesel engine, induction motors and lithium-ion batteries, the KiHa E200 is a hybrid powered train. The induction motors also act as generators during braking. Electricity is generated and the batteries are charged when the brakes are applied.

I got on this hybrid train last year. I found that it was very quiet at the time of start-up, as it started using battery power and induction motors. Then, the diesel engine started operation, when the train reached around 10 kilometers per hour. I was caught by a strange feeling, which I have never experienced before.

DMU JR East E200 series, hybrid train... it is the beginning of a new age of railways in Japan.

Autumn color of Shirokoma-ike near Yachiho Station on the Koumi Line

 

More information about hybrid train, DMU JR East KiHa E200 (in Japanese):

http://www.jreast.co.jp/train/local/kiha_e200.html

http://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2005_2/20051105.pdf

Impending Retirement, KuMoHa 123-1 "Mini-Echo"

Electric car JR East KuMoHa 123-1 "Mini-Echo" stands at Shiojiri Station on the Chuo Line

Following the EMU 651 series "Super Hitachi" (see my blog on January 28th, 2013), I am going to show you the other train that will retire soon.

In Nagano Prefecture, some 150km west of Tokyo, a lovely electric car has been operated on the Chuo Line since 1986. It is the JR East KuMoHa 123-1, "Mini-Echo". Originally, the Mini-Echo was manufactured as a baggage car in 1978. Then, it was modified to a passenger car due to weakening demand for load transport, resulting from an increase in truck deliveries. The name, Mini-Echo refers to an old train in Nagano Prefecture. It had been shuttled on the same route as if it were an "echo". The KuMoHa 123-1 has also been shuttling between Shiojiri and Tatsuno stations. But, it was later named Mini-Echo, because it is a small one-car train.

On December 21st, 2012, JR East made a press release, in which it announced that the Mini-Echo will be retired from the track and replaced with new EMUs on March 16th, 2013. Last week, I visited Nagano Prefecture to bid farewell to this lovely electric car. Despite the changeable weather, many rail fans were flocking to Shiojiri Station. They were enjoying this unique train in their own way. Some fans were taking photographs while others were reminiscing about their old memories. Of course, to enjoy the rattling sound of the Mini-Echo was a main event for them.

The last run of the Mini-Echo is planned on March 15th.

Side view of the electric car KuMoHa 123-1 "Mini-Echo" at Shiojiri Station on the Chuo Line

DMU KiHa 48 "Minori", Harvest of the Travel to Tohoku

DMU JR East KiHa 48 "Minori" arrives at Sendai Station on the Tohoku Main Line

Recently, I had an opportunity to visit Sendai City in the Tohoku District. It is located about 300km north of Tokyo, and is the main city of Miyagi Prefecture. Sendai was hit by the 3.11 giant earthquake and tsunami in 2011, but local people seemed to have recovered from the shock of the disaster.

After my appointment, I encountered a sightseeing train at JR East Sendai Station on the way back home. A two-car train with a brown and gold colored body...it was DMU KiHa 48 "Minori (harvest)" (see the photos). This train is operated between Sendai and Shinjo in Yamagata Prefecture. It is popular among tourists since the route has many magnificent prospects, such as deep valleys, unspoiled countryside, and hot springs with clouds of white steam.

The Minori was manufactured in 2008 at JR East Koriyama Factory. It is composed of 3 rail cars (KiHa 48-546, 549 and 550), but I saw only 2 units (KiHa 48-546 and 550) on that day, probably because it was off season. The cabin was very spacious. It was equipped with luxury reclining seats, viewing decks, and a midway. Most of the passengers were couples, families and groups from work. I wished I was them, but I didn't mind, because I took some pictures. Next time I'll stay longer in Sendai and board this train.

DMU KiHa 48, Minori, it was the harvest of my travel to Tohoku.

DMU JR East KiHa 48 "Minori" stands at Sendai Station on the Tohoku Main Line

 

More information about DMU KiHa 48 "Minori" (in Japanese):

http://www.jr-sendai.com/minoritrain/mnr02

http://www.jr-sendai.com/minoritrain/mnr03

EMU Odakyu 4000 Series, Train in the Year of the Snake

EMU Odakyu 4000 series "squirms" its body at the Ayase Rail Yard, the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line

I just celebrated New Year, but I can't believe it is February already. Time really flies. Before introducing the topics of this month, I would like to keep to the subject of January a bit more.

2013 is the Year of the Snake, according to the oriental zodiac. Asian people believe that a snake is considered a divine messenger. As you may know, snakes cast off their skin. It is a symbol of regeneration.

I associate with the Year of the Snake with the EMU Odakyu 4000 series. The "face" of the train is a snake in itself. The two front lights look like eyes. The coupler is similar to a tongue in a mouth. Once the 4000 series runs on a curve or a slope track, it is very snaky (see the top photo).

The 4000 series was launched in 2007 for the direct operation between the Odakyu and the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda lines. I often use this train to go to my office. Apart from its scary snaky look, I am satisfied with its high performance and comfortable ride. For example, the 4000 series has advanced equipment such as a pure electrical brake system. It also has a backup operating system, which is robust and fault-tolerant. Even if the main system is dead, the 4000 series casts off its skin, and survives by using another system.

The EMU Odakyu 4000 series... it is a train to be worthy of the Year of the Snake.

EMU Odakyu 4000 series, "Snaky Train" passes through Chitose-Funabashi Station

 

More information about EMU Odakyu 4000 series (in Japanese):

http://www.j-trec.co.jp/rw/oer4000.html
More information about comuuter trains on the Odakyu Line (in Japanese):
http://www.odakyu.jp/company/business/railways/train/#section-2