from the department of industrial maldesign: JR East's E991 (first generation)

[miyakoji]

Note that JRE has used the number 991 (at least) twice; for this, and more recently for KIYA E991.  I've seen the one-seat offset cab on a few vehicles, particularly construction machinery, it always looks a little wacky.  In this video, we see that the brakes work.  Twice.  The motorman try-z them out.    :sad:

 

[cteno4]

Quite interesting. I quite like the asymmetric cab design and the curves on these hae some interesting shape. Microace please...

 

Cheers

 

Jeff

[bikkuri bahn]

The type was based out of Katsuta, on the Joban Line.  Apparently it provided groundwork data for the production E653 design. Other than its form factor, it was notable in being fitted with oil caliper brakes and eddy-current brakes, both unusual in Japanese railway practice.