EF 66-27 returns ?

[yudananka61]

looks like 66-27 is running

 

there have been some recent youtube videos showing the loco on  short test runs

 

66-24 i think is the oldest member still working freight these days

[miyakoji]

Seems so. Here's a video by ayokoi:

 

[westfalen]

Could they be keeping them running due to an upsurge in freight traffic. My friend who went to Japan with me last December has been comparing the current freight timetable with last year's and says there looks to be more trains in a lot of areas.

[Ochanomizu]

Hello Mr westfalen,

 

Much more freight north now due to post-earthquake rebuild.

 

There were many extra services in 2011 and 2012 also, which did not appear on official timetable.

 

Services are now more organised and timetabled.

[miyakoji]

I didn't notice it when I read the original post, but there was a Tetsudo Fan news item about EF66 27: http://railf.jp/news/2013/04/28/154000.html

 

And yesterday there was mention of EF66 35 returning to service: http://railf.jp/news/2013/05/26/093000.html

[Davo Dentetsu]

It's certainly becoming a very well documented loco.  And that's good, I love these old beasts in original trim. :D

[westfalen]

The boxy air conditioners mounted on the cab roofs in their later years don't do much for their appearance, though the crews probably appreciate them.

[Sacto1985]

YouTube member nimo5 just posted recently a video of EF 66-27 in action at a yard in Otake Station near Iwakuni:

 

[bill937ca]

More EF66-27 this time by Superknightrider3000.

 

 

And EF66-33 by the same author.