Sunday 21 September 2014

Old Keikyu Photos in Danish Rail-fan's Album

Set number 1259F of the EMU Keikyu 1000 series approaches Yokohama Station (1996)
Photo: Nicolai Okkels
 
One of my blog readers kindly sent me his photographs of Japanese trains in the mid-1990s. He is a Danish rail fan and stayed in Japan from 1995 to 1996. Some of the train photos are precious, as they have already been retired from the tracks. I am going to show you his nostalgic photos bit by bit from now on.

The Keikyu 1000 series is famous for modern commuter trains in Tokyo, but do you know that Keikyu once had another 1000 series (ex-1000 series) train? The EMU ex-1000 series was launched in 1959 for a direct operation train to the subway, Toei-Asakusa Line. A total of 356 units have been manufactured by Tokyu Sharyo, Kawasaki Sharyo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries over 19 years. The red colored steel bodies with DC motors and rheostatic control system are classic and nostalgic.

The first photo was probably taken near Yokohama Station. An 8 car northbound train, set number 1259F, was running under the JR East Negishi Line and approaching Yokohama Station. The display on the front shows the limited express train bound for Oshiage on the Toei-Asakusa Line.

The second photo is also interesting. It was probably shot on the platform of Kanagawa-Shinmachi Station. A 4-car southbound local train, set number 1317F, was leaving for Uraga Terminal. Please enjoy the typical old sturdy commuter trains in Japan.

Thanks, Nicolai-san, for providing me with precious old Keikyu photos.

 
Set number 1317F of the EMU Keikyu 1000 series leaves Kanagawa-Shinmachi Station (1996)
Photo: Nicolai Okkels