Narita Express @ Izukyu

[ToniBabelony]

A short video from YouTube user 'karibajct' with the JR East N'EX E259 Series on a special 'Marine Express Izukyu No. 79' run from Tokyo to Izukyu-Shimoda. It's quite rare to see this type of train south of Tokyo, and especially on private railway tracks, so this is quite a special video.

 

 

Also, note the two 3-car ex-Tokyu 8500 Series being coupled in the background. One of which is in the classic full-stainless steel livery that was first used by Tokyu.

[Densha]

Apparently E259 series trainsets will do seasonal services on this line from now on:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odoriko#Marine_Express_Odoriko

 

The JR East 185 and 251 series should still be in service together with the Izukyu 2100 series on this line.

[ToniBabelony]

That's interesting! I guess the E259 provides more space for luggage, plus the 185 and 251 are starting to wear out after so many years of intensive Ltd. Express services. I won't have to travel far to see a E259 in service then :P

[Eisenbahn]

Its a good video.  Does anyone recognize the station? There was a  NEX driver change there. When first saw the video I wondered WHY it did the run at all. The wikipedia article shows they are now in regular service at particular times on the Odoriko run. It is possible the NEX technology is being trialed for suitablilty on the Shimoda run for when the older Odoriko & super Odoriko sets need replacement.  The new NEXs give a good passenger experience on longer runs eg from Ofuna to Narita and a 2 hr run from Takao to Narita. On the other hand the super odorikos have a good observation car for those who can get a seat in one. Anyone know what the Odoriko owners intentions are?

 

One of the pleasures of riding and observing trains in Japan is the diversity of train sets and how they seem to be purpose build for particular lines and types of service. On the other hand there is always pressure to reduce costs and simplify  staffing operations by building "general purpose' trains to get economy of scale benefits. It will be interesting to see what unfolds with the replacement of the current Odoriko sets.

 

A good video.....cheers...Eisenbahn

[Densha]

Its a good video.  Does anyone recognize the station?

I did recognize the kanji for station however (駅) and copying it with the station name gave me this result:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izu-K%C5%8Dgen_Station

 

I find it somewhat strange they are using a Narita Express styled train on a different service though. Not exactly what you would expect to see.

The mixture of all types of trains makes this line very interesting now. You could have those Tokyu trains Toni mentioned together with the E259 and you're still being prototypical with your model railway.

[Eisenbahn]

Hi Densha,

 

Thanks for the id of the Station.  It might be one to visit to take photos. It appears to be a railway operations point. There was the coupling of the other train, the change of NEX driver. It appears they also stable "The Black Ship Train" there.  On the video JUst as the NEX pulls into the station you can see "The Black Ship Train" off to the right in a siding.  I find it interesting  ( and a big plus)  that the Japanese run a specially built  black ship train to commemorate the arrival of the American Naval Officer, Commodore Perry in his black ships to open up trade with Japan. As forum members know, his ships entered the harbour at Shimoda and hence the connection with this particular  rail line.

 

The NEX does have big windows so it may be suitable for a holiday/seaside train like the Odoriko. I have riden on the Odoriko & SuperOdoriko. The was nothing special about the Odoriko in a 2nd class seat. If the NEX was repainted in a "Seaside" livery it would look the part. Just after riding an Odoriko or Superodoriko  I got on the E259 NEX in Ofuna and the NEX, for me,  gave a better passenger experience , as I remember. I forget the details of the trip now.

 

I live in a 3ft6 Gauge State ( Queensland Australia) which runs 2X3car EMUs and always wanted to have a 6 car E259 NEX for a test run here as they seem to give a more stable ride than the local ones. (A 25kVac conversion would be a breeze!)

 

Perhaps a Christmas wish. cheers...Eisenbahn

[bikkuri bahn]

Izu Kogen is where the railway HQ and shops are located.