EMU "Seibu" 8000 Series: Start of Commercial Operation

Set 8103 of the EMU Seibu 8000 series travels on the Haijima Line

Do you remember when I introduced Seibu Railway’s new train, which had been purchased second-hand from Odakyu Electric Railway? Three months have passed since then, and Seibu has now put this commuter train into commercial operation under the name “Seibu” 8000 series (see the top photo).

Let me first review the history of this train during the Odakyu era. The Seibu 8000 series originally debuted as the EMU “Odakyu” 8000 series in 1983. A total of 32 sets, 160 units, were built by Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Sharyo, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It is the oldest train still operating on the Odakyu line, and is also known as the last steel-bodied commuter train on the line. Incidentally, after renovation, the 8000 series was equipped with a variable frequency drive electric control system.

Forty-one years later, it was decided that seven sets, 42 units in total, of the Odakyu 8000 series would be transferred to Seibu Railway. This helps Seibu reduce the cost of acquiring new trains. In addition, maintenance costs will also be lower, since the 8000 series is already equipped with a variable frequency drive system, which, as you know, reduces electricity consumption.

Lastly, please don’t forget that the EMU Odakyu 8000 series is still in operation on the Odakyu line (see the photo below). This makes railfans like me happy, as we can ride and compare both the Odakyu 8000 and the Seibu 8000 series. I hope both versions of the 8000 series will continue running for as long as possible.

Set 8262 of the EMU Odakyu 8000 series travels on the Odawara Line

Official information about the EMU Seibu 8000 series (in Japanese):

https://www.seiburailway.jp/railway/encyclopedia/8000/

Seijo Corty: My Neaby Train Observation Deck

View from the train observation deck at Seijo Corty Shopping Mall

I am not a native English speaker, so posting blogs in English is a good opportunity for me to learn a foreign language. I recently learned a proverb: "It’s hard to see what is right under your nose." I’d like to remember this proverb by using a real example.

Last week, I went shopping in Seijo-gakuenmae, my neighborhood. After that, I stopped by the roof garden of the Seijo Corty Shopping Mall. It’s close to my house, but it was actually my first visit. As soon as I arrived at the garden, I found a wonderful train observation deck. I hadn’t realized there was such a nice spot so close to home. “It’s hard to see what is right under your nose.” That’s exactly how it felt.

Enough with the preamble—please look at the top photo. You can see a straight quadruple track on the Odakyu Line. Two trains are running side by side: the EMU Tokyo Metro 16000 series (left) and the Odakyu 8000 series (right). The former is on the express track, while the latter is on the local track. Both shine beautifully in the afternoon sun. Doesn’t it make you excited? Even better, there are comfortable benches surrounded by trees on this deck. Sitting on one of them, I was able to enjoy a relaxing time.

Incidentally, if you have time, please also check out my previous posts about other train observation decks in the Tokyo metropolitan　area: Shimogoindenbashi, Kitatopia, Shibuya Hikarie, Horinouchi, Fuefuki, and so on.

 The roof garden of Seijo Corty Shopping Mall, surrounded by trees

EMU 3200 Series: A New Model on the Keisei Line

Set 3204 + Unit 3205 + Unit 3206 of the EMU Keisei 3200 series

Along with Tobu Railway, Keisei Electric Railway has also introduced a new commuter train: the EMU 3200 series.

Let me start by reviewing Keisei Electric Railway. It is one of the major private railway companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area. This year, Keisei absorbed Shin-Keisei Electric Railway, and now operates a 178.8-kilometer railway network in eastern Tokyo and northern Chiba Prefecture. Its airport access express, the "Skyliner", is well known as Keisei’s flagship train.

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. The first set of the EMU 3200 series debuted on February 22. Keisei plans to introduce a total of 90 units. The main concept of the 3200 series is to improve operational flexibility. A standard trainset consists of eight cars, but it can also be operated as a six- or four-car train. As you know, Keisei experienced a drastic decrease in passengers bound for Narita Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, the number of inbound tourists traveling on the Keisei Line between Narita Airport and downtown Tokyo has increased significantly since 2023. Operational flexibility, depending on demand, is therefore essential for Keisei. For that reason, the 3200 series features couplings between the driver’s cab of the leading car and a middle car (see the photo below). Such irregular train formations have rarely been seen in Tokyo in recent years. Discovering this kind of rarity is one of the greatest pleasures for trainspotters like me.

Coupling between the middle car (left) and the driver’s cab of the leading car (right)

Official information about the EMU 3200 series (in Japanese), provided by Keisei Electric Railway:

https://www.keisei.co.jp/cms/files/keisei/MASTER/0110/NNw70bV7.pdf

Shinmachi Railyard in the Twilight

Set 1469 of the Keikyu 1000 series leaving Shinmachi Railyard

I recently visited Yokohama City to take care of some errands. After finishing my meeting, I stopped by Shinmachi Railyard near Kanagawa-shinmachi Station on the Keikyu Line for a stroll. Since I had spent quite a while in the downtown area, by the time I got off the train at Kanagawa-shinmachi, the sun had already set. It was around 7 p.m. The day had been very hot, but in the evening a pleasant breeze made the air feel refreshing.

As soon as I reached the railway crossing beside Shinmachi Railyard, my eyes were caught by many trains preparing for departure. They were mainly the EMU 1000 and 1500 series. These red-colored trains are, of course, beautiful in daylight, but in the evening they take on a mysterious charm. Under the yard lights and signal lamps, they gleamed brightly. I especially love the contrast between the vivid red trains and the deep-blue twilight sky. It was such a relaxing moment.

Incidentally, Shinmachi Railyard is the second largest depot on the Keikyu network. Opened in 1953, it can accommodate up to 250 train units. The EMU 600, 1000 and 1500 series are based here, along with several work trains—DeTo 11, 12, 17, and 18. The railyard also handles maintenance and inspections for 4- and 6-car formations. Another point worth mentioning is the automatic washing machine. Thanks to this facility, Keikyu trains are always kept shining clean.

Shinmachi Railyard in the twilight

Preparation for ATO: Keio-Inokashira Line

 Trainset 1729 of the Keio 1000 series after ATO modification

As I posted before, Japan's population has entered into a decreasing phase. Railway companies can't keep their arms crossed in this situation. Railway companies have to recruit staff, but not so easy.

ATO (Automatic Train Operation) system is considered as one of the solutions. This technology has already been applied to subways, monorails and so on. Completely unattended trains are operated on the newly constructed AGT lines such as Yurikamome and Nippori-Toneri Liner. It seems easy at first glance, but not so on the traditional routes. Suppose we consider the case of the Keio-Inokashira line. There are many railway crossings. Not only local, but also express trains are operated. These issues are complicated.

Keio Electric Railway aims for Level GoA2 of ATO and conducts verification tests. At the GoA2, only one crew is required on board mainly for train starting and safety monitoring. In parallel, modification of the trains has started. Trainset 1729 of the EMU 1000 series has just been modified. There are many modifications on the train, but I would like to point out two portions as a trainspotter. First, please look at the top photo. The car number “1779” on the front was moved from the gangway to the upper right. Second, please look at the photo below. The window on the partition door between the driver’s cab and the passenger’s cabin became lower. Kids can easily enjoy scenic views through the frontal window of the train. It’s the best solution to secure the future railway employees!

Lowered window on the partition door

Official information on the ATO verification tests by Keio Electric Railway (in Japanese):

https://www.keio.co.jp/news/update/news_release/news_release2024/pdf/nr20250306_jidouunten.pdf