Win350/Keisei Skyliner

[Guest Bernard]

I had to title this thread that way because whenever I have a question about something I'm about to add to my layout and would post a question at another forum, Bill not only would have the answer but would also post photos or a video to show me the information I was seeking an answer to. After reading his reply I would always come away with, "Gee, I never knew that." and then I wonder, how does he find this information.

Okay, yesterday I was searching the internet and found this link:

 

 

Okay Bill, or anybody else who knows the answer, what is this train and what is the background to it. And last, is it manufactured in a model RR set?

[Guest bill937ca]

It's a WIN350 Shinkansen, a six car test train.  The first mention I've seen of a WIN350 is 1992:

 

1992--August: Class 500-900 "WIN350" 6-car test train records speed of 350.4 km/h on Sanyo Shinkansen between Ogori and Shin-Shimonoseki.  The WIn350 was used from 1992 to 1996.

 

Source:  http://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~dajf/byunbyun/chrono.htm

 

Some features of the 500 class Shinkansen like the aerodynamic "T" type current collectors were developed on the WIN350 test train.

 

http://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~dajf/byunbyun/types/500.htm

 

 

 

 

Today, two  end cars are preserved:

 

http://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~dajf/byunbyun/pics/500_901b.htm

 

http://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~dajf/byunbyun/pics/500_906.htm

 

http://www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~dajf/byunbyun/hozon.htm

 

Models:

 

The only model that comes up in Hobby Search is the Pla-Rail Takara Tomy play train which runs, but uses low voltage blue track.

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10048691

 

No N gauge models came up in searches.

[Guest Bernard]

Okay folks, that 10 pts for Bill ---- 0 for the rest of us.

 

That was a really interesting video. I never saw how the tested and manufacture their trains. Bill why did they discontinue the WIN350? Where there any problems with it since it only ran for 4 years. When you think that in the USA we only have the Acela (that I know of) as a high speed train, the WIN350 looks more advanced.

 

Okay tune it tomorrow when we again play, "Can You Stump Bill?"

[Guest bill937ca]

It appears it was only a test train.  I have a photo of it in a Japanese rail magazine which appears to be the unveiling of the 500 series.  It was a test train and I think it served it's purpose.

[Guest bill937ca]

OK, Bernard.  What is the train in the background (on the elevated track)?  Is it a Shinkansen?

 

[Guest Bernard]

Okay Bill, I actually saw this post last night and went through the Hobby Search inventory to find the train, but alas with no luck. (it must be one of those MicroAce limited editions.)

 

For me it's like Thomas the Tank Engine going by against a 700 Shinkansen.

(There is no way I'm in Bill's league.)

 

Having said that, it's the passenger cars that don't say Shinkansen. The windows remind me more of the Thunder Bird or Super Hitachi lines, not the engines. And even though the engine on the video has the look of Bullet train...........

 

Bill, even though I can't name the train (but that wasn't the question) .....I'm going to go with.....ELECTRIC CAR EXPRESS, and I'm going to lock it in....(this is where I press the big red button)... As my final answer!

 

Oh, and Bill, your next question is waiting for you.

[Guest bill937ca]

This turned out to be tougher than I thought.  When I viewed the video on You Tube it gave all the names of all four trains.  But those don't show on this version!

 

It's the Keisei Skyliner which links Ueno Station with Narita Airport.

 

http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/keisei_us/html/skyliner.html

 

Good try Bernard.

[Darren Jeffries]

The clue was in the video... on the posterboard in front of the elevated track ;)

[Guest Bernard]

AAAAAHHHHH!  The answer was was right in front on my face!

[Mudkip Orange]

.

wat