The M250...what is this locomotive for?

[quinntopia]

I've been wondering about the M250 ever since I first saw a model of it online at one of the hobby sites.  Can anyone explain to me what the purpose of the design is?  it appears to be a standard electric profile engine with the engine cut out for space for a container.

 

But...why?  Is there a motor in this? Is it low power, like some sort of shunter or switcher?  Why would you need a container in that particular spot where it could get more easily damaged by the loaders, etc...?

 

Very unusual (not bad! just really perplexing!)

[Martijn Meerts]

It's not a regular locomotive, but a "container express". It's like a shinkansen, except it transports containers. The full train is 16 parts.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M250_series

[Sushi Train]

Yes, its classed as a high speed freight train. Awesome, love it.  :-*

[quinntopia]

Amazing!  Thanks for the explanation and link!

[cteno4]

the funnest thing is the fact they realized that spreading out the traction motors more (ala shinkansens) was a better way for a cycle train like this so they put motors on either end of the 4 engines and slapped a container in the middle of each! basically 8 traction trucks on the train, 4 at each end then.

 

the train get a great double take from visitors looking at the JRM layout! great train to talk about how interesting japanese trains are!

 

cheers

 

jeff

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Yes it is a real head-turner. Especially in view of its length; which rivals the bullets.  ;D The word 'WOW' gets used a lot in its company....

[cteno4]

Also tough as like the shinkansens the full 16 car m250 requires a big siding!

 

in the new jrm layout plan we have a container dock and siding that is long enough to hold the full m250 for display when not running.

 

cheers

 

jeff