Vintage Hitachi film about 20 series rolling stock

[bikkuri bahn]

I think I may have posted this video before, but it's a nice Hitachi PR film worth seeing again, about the introduction of the 20 series rolling stock on the Asakaze overnight service between Tokyo and Hakata.

 

 

This rolling stock, along with the 151 series ltd. express emu, the kiha 80 dmu, and 101/103 series, came to symbolize the modernization of Japanese railways and indeed a symbol of postwar recovery (culminating in the 0 series shinkansen).

 

To the average passenger circa 1958, seeing these smooth welded steel designs pull up to the platform for the first time must have been a revelation, coaching stock hitherto having been heavyweight riveted steel types. They certainly look beautiful fresh out of the Hitachi plant at Kasado in their blue with white striping. 

 

The body shell design was based on the earlier 10 series express stock, which in turn incorporated ideas from the SBB's Leichtstahlwagen design. Notice the film focuses often on the bogies, emphasizing the ride quality of the stock, important considering that these were for night train use.

Edited July 21, 2013 by bikkuri bahn

[Davo Dentetsu]

Very nice, this fills in a much needed spot on my info for sure. :)