Wednesday 3 July 2013

Train photo Session on the Fujikyu Line: Part 2

EMUs Fujikyu 1000 (ex-Keio 5000) series stand at Kawaguchi-ko Rail Yard

After shooting the JR East trains, I moved to the other rows of the trains. My next target was Fujikyu train, the EMU 1000 series (see the top photo). As I mentioned in my blog on December 14th, 2012, this model is an ex-Keio 5000 series, which was a reputable commuter train in Tokyo from the 1960s through the 1990s. It is also known as the winner of the 1964 Laurel Prize (see my blog on May 20th, 2012). The curved front windows and double rounded front lights are nostalgic, but still very cool.

Specifically, the left one is the "Keio color", which is ivory white with a burgundy stripe. Fujikyu has revived its body color to that of the Keio era. It has a strong appeal to the rail fans, who know the gallant appearance of the Keio 5000 series from the 1960s through the 1990s.

In the meantime, Kawaguchi-ko Rail Yard (the venue for the train photo session) is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, the Japan's highest mountain (3,776m above the sea level). Recently, Mt Fuji has been designated a World Heritage Site to the delight of the local people, sightseeing businesses and the local government.

In commemoration of this big news, a rounded cerebration plate was being displayed on the front of all Fujikyu trains. Designation of a World Heritage Site has a powerful effect on the sightseeing business. I saw many tourists, who were flocking to Mt. Fuji at Kawaguchi-ko Station.

 
Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn color (left), Keio color (center) and Fujikyu standard color (right)