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Somehow I have overlooked that Tobu has their own YT channel, which currently has two front view videos: First, 9000 series prototype set 9101. This is from Shinrin Koen to Yorii on the Tojo LIne, where they transfer to the Chichibu Main Line which is not shown in the video. The video resumes at Hanyu on the Isesaki Line, where the train proceeds to the Watarase North sidings off the Sano Line, predictably north of Watarase Station. Unfortunately, this out-of-service move is to scrap the train. Next, for the hardcore amongst us, a night time trip on the 500 series Revaty rolling stock on Urban Park Liner service. The run is Asakusa to Omiya, Omiya to Kashiwa, and back to Omiya. The beginning of this in the relatively well-lit areas around Asakusa is cool, after while it's pretty hard to see anything.

Back from three weeks in Kanto and Kansai. Just a number of notes I made of the railway scene, opinions fully my own, of course. Toyoko Line- heaps more interesting with the run-throughs via the Fukutoshin Line. Has opened up more railfanning opportunities in the western regions of Tokyo and Saitama w/better access for someone based in Yokohama, like me. I have long lamented the demise of the Tokyu 8000 series on Tokyu Lines rails, but I have found an acceptable substitute- the Tobu 9000 series, which can be seen on the Toyoko Line thanks to the run-through ops. A contemporary (a wee later, actually) in design era with the 8000/8500's (1981), and thanks to that I can hear that sublime chopper whine once again on Toyoko Line rails, AGI (as God intended). And like the 8000 series, or 8500's for that matter, a spot in a motor car will give you a nice symphony of traction motor roar when running in notch 4. Almost enough to make you forget the vulgar GTO or characterless IGBT traction. At Tsunashima station. Blur your vision a bit, and you can almost believe it's an 8000 series moving out: