JR Hokkaido Kiha 261 5000 series "Hamanasu" delivery to Naebo Works

[bikkuri bahn]

Recent delivery of the kiha 261 trainset "Hamanasu" from KHI Kobe works to the JR Hokkaido Naebo Depot/Works. First scene is somewhere on the Hokuriku Main Line, rainy season haulage by Toyama-based EF510 through the rice fields.

Next is a (delayed) arrival Saturday AM in the Sapporo area. First scene at Chitose, then the Toyohira River crossing, and at Naebo rolling stock works.

 

[katoftw]

Um? They are very pink.

[Cat]

10 hours ago, katoftw said:

Um? They are very pink.

Nah, just a very bold watermelon!
>^¥^<

[cteno4]

I dunno, it’s moving into bubblegum...

 

jeff

[RossDensha]

Pink (or otherwise) trains seem to be a catalyst for conversation on this forum!

 

Chichibu's DeKi and now this!

[disturbman]

It's not pink, it's "Hamanasu" color 😉 The second set will be called "Lavender" and will probably/obviously be the same color.

These sets will replace the North Rainbow Express and the Crystal Express.

Edited July 13, 2020 by disturbman

[Sacto1985]

Are these new-build or refurbished train sets?

[Socimi]

1 hour ago, Sacto1985 said:

Are these new-build or refurbished train sets?

 

New builds.

 

These will probably be replacing JR Hokkaido's remaining KiHa 183s (the -500/550 and -1500/1550 subserieses).

[disturbman]

1 hour ago, Socimi said:

These will probably be replacing JR Hokkaido's remaining KiHa 183s (the -500/550 and -1500/1550 subserieses).

See my comment above. They are only building two sets.

[Sacto1985]

Given that it'll be a LONG time before the Hokkaido Shinkansen reaches Sapporo (like 2030!), I wouldn't be surprised that JR Hokkaido phased out the KiHa 183 sets anyway, especially with the potential for ending JR Hokkaido service in eastern and northern Hokkaido.