Wednesday 30 October 2013

Ex-Seibu Train on the Joshin Line

Set number 2 of the EMU Joshin 150 series arrives at Higashi-Tomioka Station
 
After enjoying the event on Takasaki Railway Communication Day, I visited Takasaki-based local line, Joshin Electric Railway. Joshin connects Takasaki and Shimonita, a foot town of Mt. Myogi. The route was opened in 1897 under the name of Kouzuke Railway. The line is 33.7km long with 20 stations. My target was the EMU 150 series, which had been moved from Seibu Railway. It is a group of classic commuter trains, manufactured in the 1960s at Tokorozawa Works of Seibu Railway in Saitama Prefecture.

Look at the top photo. It is set number 2 (unit number 153 and 154) of the 150 series manufactured in 1968. The frontal mask is slightly convex and has two large windows. Two rounded lights are attached on the lower part of the front. This set was moved to Joshin in 1994. Currently, it is used as a poster train to promote the local zoo, Gunma Safari Park. The zebra-patterned body is very unique.

The following photo shows the other type of the 150 series, set number 1 (unit numbers 151 and 152) manufactured in 1964. The frontal mask is gabled and has three windows. Two small lights are attached at the top of the front. This set was moved to Joshin in 1992. It is similar to ex-Japanese National Railways' commuter trains, such as the EMU 101 and 103 series... very nostalgic.

I really enjoyed the reunion with the ex-Seibu trains.

 
Set number 1 of the EMU Joshin 150 series arrives at Higashi-Tomioka Station