Jyoshin 7000 type

[Kabutoni]

The newest train set of Jyoshin is this, the 7000 type. The first new train set since 32 years actually. The train is a consist of only two cars and probably only one being delivered.

 

IMO it has an odd design for a private railway, but then again, look at the other trains of the Jyoshin Electric Railway... They are all a bit strange... For now the body colour remains the off-factory white base. Really odd, but that's Jyoshin I guess. I think a proper styled livery could bring out the sleek design a bit more.

 

[bikkuri bahn]

I find it quite orthodox- the front end has echoes of Seibu with a little Tsukuba Express thrown in.  Mechanically it's bog-standard, down to the DT50-like bogies.  The builder is Niigata Transys, which seems to specialize in these small orders that the bigger makers may not bother with.

[miyakoji]

I'd be interested to know how they decided between new cars and second-hand.  Several small, private railways use quite a bit of second-hand rolling stock.  Ichibata, Mizushima, and Toyama Chitetsu come to mind.  They seem to get by with it.

[bikkuri bahn]

Could be a number of factors: existing relationships with builders, or a bigger private railway that provided second-hand stock (Seibu and Tokyu often coming to mind), spare parts supply, employee familiarization with operation of specific types, etc.  I suppose the decision to go with new stock may have something to do with cheaper operating costs and better utilization/availability, which enables older stock to be retired more quickly.

Edited December 10, 2013 by bikkuri bahn