Blue Train "Nihonkai" to be axed

[bikkuri bahn]

The annual culling of the remaining blue train services continues.  This time it is the Aomori-Osaka Nihonkai service.  Service will end with the spring timetable revision next year.  With this cut, only two genuine blue train services will remain, the Sapporo-Ueno Hokutosei, and the Aomori-Ueno Akebono.

 

Article (Japanese):

http://osaka.yomiuri.co.jp/e-news/20111118-OYO1T00240.htm?from=top

[miyakoji]

So generally speaking, the luxury trains, the Cassiopeia and Twilight Express, and the Sunrise Izumo/Seto, will probably be the only overnight trains around in a few years.  Hopefully that the 285s are fairly new will guarantee their operation for another decade or so.  According to Japanese wiki there are 5 7-car sets owned by JR West and JR Central.

[scott]

Well, that stinks. Once again, things get a little less interesting.

[CaptOblivious]

Yuck. Caught a glimpse of the Nihonkai at Kyoto Station a few weeks ago, shame I wasn't able to get close enough for pictures :(

[westfalen]

I may try and get a shot of it while I'm here, it'll be too late next time.

 

So many things that were here during my first visit in 1990 are disappearing or already gone.

[bikkuri bahn]

I may try and get a shot of it while I'm here, it'll be too late next time.

 

So many things that were here during my first visit in 1990 are disappearing or already gone.

 

West, I suggest you get some shots of the 583 series* used on the overnight express sleeper Kitaguni.  This one also has its days numbered, when it gives up the ghost is uncertain, but there is a good chance the next time you visit Japan, you will only be able to see it stuffed and mounted at the JR West museum that will be built at Umekoji.

 

*a historically significant piece of rolling stock, the first of its kind when introduced back in 1968.

[westfalen]

I may try and get a shot of it while I'm here, it'll be too late next time.

 

So many things that were here during my first visit in 1990 are disappearing or already gone.

 

West, I suggest you get some shots of the 583 series* used on the overnight express sleeper Kitaguni.  This one also has its days numbered, when it gives up the ghost is uncertain, but there is a good chance the next time you visit Japan, you will only be able to see it stuffed and mounted at the JR West museum that will be built at Umekoji.

 

*a historically significant piece of rolling stock, the first of its kind when introduced back in 1968.

I didn't think there were any of them still running as sleeper services. Looks like an early morning or late night for me at Osaka station. I've just set a wake up call for 7am so I can get to Kyoto to get Super Kuroshio #3 to Wakayama in the morning to have a maybe a last ride on a 381.

[to2leo]

I had the opportunity to ride it from Kyoto 2 years ago.  It is interesting but it is one of the more uncomfortable rides I had in Japan.  I guessed the push-pull operation with light weight sleeper coaches had created the jerkiness that lingered all night long whenever the train stopped for station or traffic signal.  But yes, you should try it before it is gone but don't expect a good night sleep if you are a light sleeper.

[scott]

West, I suggest you get some shots of the 583 series* used on the overnight express sleeper Kitaguni.  This one also has its days numbered

 

You're not making me feel any better. :-P  Sounds like most of my favorite trains will be gone before I could possibly afford to get over there and ride them.

[miyakoji]

the JR West museum that will be built at Umekoji.

 

Did some searching... 2014 huh?  Old news, actually, but this is the first I've heard of it.  Gotta keep up with JRE and JRC, I guess.

 

get to Kyoto to get Super Kuroshio #3 to Wakayama in the morning to have a maybe a last ride on a 381.

 

Do you know what the timeline is for the 381s on Kuroshio service?  I thought the Hineno-based 381s were to be scrap by now, but obviously they are not.  Keep in mind they'll probably be around longer on the Hakubi Line's Yakumo service.

 

On a related note, that 283 series Ocean Arrow that they hauled back to Kyoto Depot, how badly damaged was that from flooding?