Toni's Tripping over Trains

[ToniBabelony]

In the spirit of opening topics over personal trips, I've decided to open mine as well. Because I work from home, I rarely get out, so I try to maximise my train trips by either taking extra time to get somewhere (usually a few hours)- snap pictures and eat ekisoba, or just go on a daypass or otherwise.

 

Please don't expect any high quality images, as you can find those plenty on the web and in magazines. This is just my take on the world of trains ;)

 

So, here is my first dump from two weeks ago when I travelled the entire Keio network. I have only been on the main line once and used the Inokashira line very sparsely, so it was kind of a maiden trip.

 

Starting at Hashimoto.

 

A through express all the way to Shinjuku to get acquainted with Keio.

 

One of the most obscure lines I've used so far; the Fuchūkeibaseimon-mae line. A line constructed to deliver horse racing betters to the ring. Just one station, but double tracked with a huge station.

 

Two car trains in the weekdays, early morning and late evening, and eight car consists during the weekend.

 

A quick up-and-down the Dobutsuen line with this cute special consist (an eight car set was also running).

 

Having a beer break along the line in the bright afternoon sun.

 

And onwards to the most interesting section of the entire network between Takao and Takaosanguchi. Beautiful station and setting. This was for me the only really interesting part of the day. xD

 

And onwards to Hachiōji to return home by JR.

 

I'm happy to have ridden the Keio network now, but it didn't really invoke much in me. It's a bit like pre-quad tracking Odakyū, but without the flair and heavy investments of tourist oriented trains, nor the energy and chiqueness of Tokyu. It's a commuter network troubled with space restrictions and 'dango-unten', even in off-peak hours. I'd like to compare it with Sōtetsu, but as Keio doesn't have big a freight train history (if at all), so I'll just leave that be.

 

I can see why people are attracted to Keio, but it's just not for me.

 

Something more positive (although I really did enjoy it) coming up later!

[railsquid]

In the spirit of opening topics over personal trips, I've decided to open mine as well. Because I work from home, I rarely get out, so I try to maximise my train trips by either taking extra time to get somewhere (usually a few hours)- snap pictures and eat ekisoba, or just go on a daypass or otherwise.

 

A fellow work-from-home sufferer I see :D

 

A quick up-and-down the Dobutsuen line with this cute special consist (an eight car set was also running).

 

 

Funnily enough we (myself and the Squidlet) did this line with this very train earlier today, a first for both of us. Back in my student days I lived close to Sasazuka, and somewhat more recently after moving to Japan even closer to Hatsudai for a while, so I'm not entirely unfamiliar with the network, but have never really explored the various branches. I do use the Inokashira line relatively often if I need to go to Shibuya, as I can get a bus to/from from Kichijoji.

[Suica]

I love the photo from Takaosanguchi Station!

[ToniBabelony]

A strange train passed us by the other day...

 

 

Also, the Golden Week has started for us. I hope to get some West-Ibaraki and South-Tochigi action to dump here.

[Kiha66]

Very nice photos tony!  I visited disney sea for a evening in 2015, and was amazed at finding the monorail was actually a full transit line, and took tickets too!  

[ToniBabelony]

It has begun. Today was mostly travelling, quick transfers and hauling weight. Did spot a Chiba prefecture 209 Series in Ōmiya though, as well as a few 211s in the sheds:

 

 

We'll be seeing a lot of these:

 

 

Not the most interesting ones, but comfortable and smooth.

 

From tomorrow on, the Mo'oka steam train will be running each day until Sunday, so there will be some of that as well. Hopefully the C11 325 will be running for those who recently bought the Tomix model!

Edited May 2, 2017 by Kabutoni

[ToniBabelony]

Today I went out to ride the Tōbu Nikkō line, as this Golden Week, the 1819F (the only leftover 1800 Series) runs as a special rapid service (臨時列車), along a 4-car formation 6050 Series from Asakusa to Tōbu-nikkō (now all Ltd. Express only). With Tōbu, nobody really knows when and how fast trains will be retired, so naturally there was a LOT of attention for this train. Everywhere along the route there were photographers and of course the train was packed. So packed that I couldn't ride it... Luckily after the 1819F a normal Express with a 6050 Series ran, so I took that from Minami-kurihashi to Shimo-imaichi and waited there for the empty return of the 1819F:

 

 

The northern part of the Nikkō line became the domain of 2 and 4 car 6050 Series, as opposed to a month ago where 6-car formations also played a role. After my train left for Tōbu-nikkō, a double Revaty Kegon and Revaty Aizu and single Revaty Nikkō (500 Series) arrived. This was also my first close encounter with this new train. It's so sleek and well designed...

 

 

After a bit of waiting, the second special rapid arrived (6050 Series), which was naturally also packed to the brim. Not so much because you don't have to buy a Ltd. Express surcharge, but because it's a rare occasion.

 

 

After not long, a 3-car Revaty arrived as empty stock. This one would later run a 3-car Revaty Kegon service.

 

 

The 500 Series then made space for the 1819F which returned from Tōbu-nikkō as an empty to Minami-kurihashi. Strangely enough I was the only one at the platform taking pictures of it in the perfect light and angle. The other platform had quite some fans on the other hand...

 

 

 

On the way back I got some supplies and camped at a beautiful location, wrapped in the mountains, Itaga sta. There I mostly took videos which I will do something with soon. The only stopping trains where the hourly 6050 Series in either 2 or 4-car formations.

 

 

All in all a successful day on which I also managed to film the 350 Series in Kirifuri service. Lastly, a classic 8000 Series at Tochigi, which is slowly becoming rare on the mainline network. All 8000 Series there have been redelegated to local services in the periphery.

 

 

Later probably videos/films, but I'm also planning some special JR trains I spotted/will spot.

[bikkuri bahn]

Toni, by chance I was also in the area today, though I only got as far as Minami Kurihashi, as I was just doing a recce to see where the 6050's started their runs on local services. I did manage to see one of the return rinji services with a 6050 set leaving Minami Kurihashi, as well as it deadheading past Sky Tree station. Though I didn't ride any of the special trains, I did catch a Tokyu 8050 type on an express service from Minami Kurihashi to Hikifune, so I could enjoy the traction motor roar at "full song" on Tobu's four track main line.

Edited May 3, 2017 by bikkuri bahn

[ToniBabelony]

For seeing 6050s in action, but when you're short on time, it's safe to stay south of Minami-kurihashi indeed! The irregular hourly pattern can easily swallow the better part of the day and when you get off somewhere midway, without careful planning, you can easily get stuck for at least an hour, if not longer.

 

The Tōkyū 8500s are a treat to ride on, though I always get sore legs on those just-too-low seats. I don't have these problems with more modern equipment though Yes, the 6050 aren't the best either, but they have foldable tables!

 

[JR 500系]

Thanks for sharing the pictures Toni! Tobu is slowly becoming one of my most loved private railway (behind Odakyu & Kintetsu though~)

 

The 6050s are nice, but my favorite is still the 8000 series... Something about that train attracts me, I just cant pin-point it...

 

Might be a silly question, but is there any 100 series Spacia or 200 series Ryomo running pass?   :P

[ToniBabelony]

P.s. in regards to videos:

 

 

 

 

Yes, you don't need an expensive camera to film, and yes the sound sucks, but enjoy it nonetheless! Want better quality, buy me a decent camera or go do it yourself (or just go find some other video on the internet) xD

[ToniBabelony]

Might be a silly question, but is there any 100 series Spacia or 200 series Ryomo running pass? :P

The 200 Series haven't seen any action on the Tōbu Nikkō line, as they were developed solely for the Isesaki line network (sans the Koizumi line). However, with the demise of the 300 Series and subsequently the 350 and 1800 Series, the 200 will probably be modified to fill that gap, or a completely new approach will be had on operating special trains. Ignoring the latter, the 200 Series could very probably see a future on the Tōbu Nikkō line!

 

I'm also not the biggest fan of the Spacia, especially not after the renewal of the livery. I guess the gold trim and the single orange unit (which isn't even allowed on the JR network) are somewhat attractive, but other than that... However, I did shoot a few passing at some pace!

 

 

 

Edited May 3, 2017 by Kabutoni

[ToniBabelony]

Not much in running trains today because of an over tired kid, but we did visit some static displayed ones in the morning at Hirosawa City, not far from Shimodate sta. Here a handful of trains are on display.

 

An EF81 with stripped interior, probably in preparation as an exhibition space:

 

 

 

 

The two recently retired KiHa100s from Kantō Railway (ex-JNR KiHa 30):

 

 

 

 

the old Marine Liner Hamanasu from Kashima Rinkai Railway and a short rake of 24 Series Blue Train coaches:

 

 

A little fun place that oozes money, as it looks like a little play collection from one person who has opened it up to the public to hang around and play a bit with. It's hard to reach when you don't have a car though...

 

Here is a little video of the DMH17 Series engines running on both KiHa 100 type units, as I presume these will be used as generators for things they'll be installing inside the cars (like Densha de GO! simulators):

 

Edited May 5, 2017 by Kabutoni

[serotta1972]

Today I went out to ride the Tōbu Nikkō line, as this Golden Week, the 1819F (the only leftover 1800 Series) runs as a special rapid service (臨時列車), along a 4-car formation 6050 Series from Asakusa to Tōbu-nikkō (now all Ltd. Express only). With Tōbu, nobody really knows when and how fast trains will be retired, so naturally there was a LOT of attention for this train. Everywhere along the route there were photographers and of course the train was packed. So packed that I couldn't ride it... Luckily after the 1819F a normal Express with a 6050 Series ran, so I took that from Minami-kurihashi to Shimo-imaichi and waited there for the empty return of the 1819F:

 

 

 

For a minute a there, I thought you whipped up another module with your beloved 6050's on display complete with figures.  What's that saying, life imitating art or something like that.  So awesome you guys get to see, feel, smell and ride the real thing and then go home and play with a model version. -Junior

[ToniBabelony]

For a minute a there, I thought you whipped up another module with your beloved 6050's on display complete with figures.  What's that saying, life imitating art or something like that.  So awesome you guys get to see, feel, smell and ride the real thing and then go home and play with a model version. -Junior

 

Shimo-imaichi surely became an inspiration for me. It's interesting and rather compact track layout, great variety of trains (it even sees the last 8000 Series with old front from time to time), and the renewed atmosphere with the wooden station, locomotive shed and turntable, make it a great example for modelling!

 

It's indeed good to live near such places that have the actual models running you can buy for yourself, but it's also bad for the wallet... I now want to get an 1800 Series as well... Meaning I also need all Spacia...

[ToniBabelony]

A train that is obligatory for me to catch in the Golden Week when we're in the countryside. The Rapid Ashigara Dai-fuji Matsuri-gō! A special daily service from Iwaki to the Ashigara Flower Park!

 

This year's run was done with the K201:

 

 

Last year's was ran by the K205:

 

 

This year I chose to get on the other side of the tracks, as the light was terrible in the evening. xD

[ToniBabelony]

It's o-bon season, so iff to the countryside again! This time with a little bit more special than usual:



Sometimes, pregnancy can have it perks, like spending a little bit more for more space :P

Edited August 12, 2017 by Kabutoni

[JR 500系]

MSE 60000! One of my favorite romance cars! The elegant blue is just perfect!

 

Also, congratz to Toni san! Seems like little Toni will have a companion to play with soon!  :)

[velotrain]

http://www.speedsphere.jp/RailRoad/Odakyu/Image/Oer60000SeriesPic01.jpg

 

from:  https://tinyurl.com/y9xxjsep

[Sacto1985]

Speaking of Tobu, they are scrapping trains at an AMAZING rate. YouTube member azumatakeshi has taken a number of these videos at Tobu's service yard, and here an example of what's going on:

 

[cteno4]

Congrats toni! A mini, mini toni!

 

Cheers

 

Jeff

[ToniBabelony]

It was the first time riding the MSE, and it was surprisingly comfortable. If it was for me, we'd certainly do a Romance Car run again. And yes, a number two is on the way. Gotta work on repopulating Japan.

Odakyu has these fun looking polishing/sweeping cars in operation at Shinjuku. I never noticed them before!

Met with something special at Omiya:

And something chasing us (or expecting us):

Running the top number E501 again... We ALWAYS ride this one funnily enough. It's like a familiar welcome to the countryside...

P.s. Tōbu will probably also be visited this time once again.

Edited August 12, 2017 by Kabutoni

[railsquid]

And something chasing us (or expecting us):

 

 

The last couple of times I've been through Omiya (at intervals of a few weeks) I've seen an Odakyu unit (or part of one) stabled there, not sure if it's the same one.

 

 

[ToniBabelony]

The last couple of times I've been through Omiya (at intervals of a few weeks) I've seen an Odakyu unit (or part of one) stabled there, not sure if it's the same one.

 

I think Odakyū is having all 4000 type units rapidly prepared for through running on the Jyōban Local line when the new quadruple track upgrade at Shimokitazawa is finished and the new schedule is in place. I expect a big increase of Chiyoda line through running, which means all rolling stock should be compatible. I'm not sure, but it could be that every two weeks or so a 4000 type is being rebuilt/refitted.

[bikkuri bahn]

Yes those 4000 series are being fitted with cbtc equipment, the system is scheduled to go online in 2020. Will make for an interesting comparison with Atacs on the Saikyo Line which will be switched on shortly this autumn.