JNR/JRC 119 Series to be retired

[miyakoji]

JR Central is retiring the 119 series used on the Iida Line.  Apparently these are getting old and they're kind of surplus, with the availability of newer rolling stock like the 213-5000 and 313s that are equipped for one-man operation.  I've only been on the Iida Line once I think, and I thought these were 105 series, which are still in operation with JR West in Okayama, Hiroshima, and Wakayama.  Obviously they're very similar to 105s, but equipped to deal with the Iida Line's weather conditions and steep grades.  The scene in ayokoi's video at 2:23 is great, showing the 4% grade between Akagi and Sawando, the steepest grade on any JR line.  Props to the motorman for laying on the horn.  On the one hand the Japanese sound is fitting in this case as it seems quite lonely and sad, on the other hand I wouldn't mind hearing a heinous Nathan here.  Off-topic, am I the only person who doesn't lay on the shutter button with an SLR?  The time it takes my point-and-shoot to write to the SD effectively enforces a few seconds between images, that would destroy these guys.

 

As of April 2011, JRC had 55 of these cars, 16 2-car "E" sets, 7 2-car "R" sets equipped for one-man operation, and 9 individual cars designated as "M" consists.  I wonder how much practical operational life is left in these.  I suppose these are off to the shears, but I'd think there are a few small private lines that would like them if they've got another 10 years of running in them.

 

Below are videos by several YT contributors showing 119s in the tasteful original JNR livery with the Arigatou 119 headmark as well as those with the more recent JRC livery.

 

by ayokoi

 

 

by ya1964ma

 

 

 

by zikadensinfonie

 

[miyakoji]

It's stated in the Ompuchaneru thread below that some 119s are going to the Iga Railway in Mie-ken.  Included are several over-the-road transport pictures.  It'll be interesting to see what livery they get.  Presumably these will be replacing the 860 series which is being retired.  The 119s were a variant of the 105, if I recall correctly, better suited for the Iida Line's steep grades.  Does anyone know if this will be a useful characteristic on the Iga Line?

 

http://rail-uploader.khz-net.com/index.php?id=1040475

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iga_Railway_Iga_Line

an event held last year at which some attendees were chosen and they could drive an 860 series 2-car set 140 meters within yard limits: http://railf.jp/news/2011/08/08/092500.html

[bikkuri bahn]

My impression was the Iga Railway didn't have particularly challenging gradients, given its location in an interior highland area.  It'll be a pity if the 860 series will be scrapped.  Though the 119 is more interesting than the ghastly Ex-Tokyu 200 series they use for most services (Tokyu in Chubu/Kansai, sacrilege!)

[JR 500系]

I love the way Japanese treat the trains so respectfully, even giving farewell trains a nice farewell ceromony... Warms the heart...

 

HHmmm is it me or does the white 119 looks alot like the 211?

 

おかげで119線!