A ride on the Hokuhoku Line

[Sacto1985]

YouTube member SliverSkyify posted this interesting zenmen tenbou video of an all-stops service on the Hokuhoku Line, which normally hosts the Hakutaka limited express between Echigo-Yuzawa and Kanazawa Stations:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10sn-4Hk6B4

 

Note how fast the train is travelling on the Hokuhoku Line even in all-stops service compared to the speed on the short jaunts on the Hokuriku and Jōetsu Lines. By the way, can any of you identify the EMU shown at the very end of the video?

 

(EDIT: Never mind--I was able to find out, as they're HK100 EMU's built for this line by Niigata Transys.)

Edited July 9, 2013 by Sacto1985

[bikkuri bahn]

When you look at a map it becomes apparent why the trains can run at speed- mostly in tunnel, few sharp curves, and relatively few stations. On a ride in winter a few years ago, I recall many of the non-tunnel sections were elevated also.

[Sacto1985]

When you look at a map it becomes apparent why the trains can run at speed- mostly in tunnel, few sharp curves, and relatively few stations. On a ride in winter a few years ago, I recall many of the non-tunnel sections were elevated also.

 

I noticed that, too. There are very few sharp curves on this line between Saigata Station on the Shin'etsu Main Line and Muikamachi Station on the Jōetsu Line. In many ways, it's effectively what old-time railroaders call an air-line railroad, and hence why the Hakutaka limited express train can reach 160 km/h--probably the fastest 1067 mm railroad line in Japan.

[Guest keio6000]

Misashima station (49th-50th minute in the video) must be one of the most unique stations in japan.

 

Thanks for the video!  one of the best on this notoriously difficult to film line.   A true Hokuriku cab view without reflections would be the holy grail.