Sunday 27 July 2014

Photogenic Spot for Rail Fans

EMU Odakyu 2000 series travels on the Odawara Line
 
The Japan Meteorological Agency made an announcement that this year's rainy season ended on July 21st in the Tokyo metropolitan area, which means summer has begun. Although it is very hot outside, I enjoy visiting my favorite spot on the Odakyu Line. It is a photogenic spot for taking pictures of trains shining in the sun without being distracted by overhead wire poles.

Firstly, I am going to show you the EMU 2000 series, my favorite model on the Odakyu Line. It was launched in 1994 to replace old models such as the 2600 series. A total of 9 sets, 72 units, have been manufactured so far by Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Sharyo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The 2000 series is similar to the 1000 series, but the 2000 has wider doors (1,600mm) and LED displays on the front. The silver stainless steel body with a blue stripe is very beautiful under the summer sunshine.

Secondly, the following photo was taken just before a rain shower. It was the EMU 8000 series, also my favorite model, as the last of the fully painted steel body commuter trains on the Odakyu Line. It was launched in 1982 to reinforce Odakyu's commuter trains fleet. A total of 32 sets, 160 units, have been manufactured over 6 years by Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Sharyo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Its major assignment is as an express train to transport commuters from the western suburbs to the city center of Tokyo.

2014 summer season has only just begun.

 
EMU Odakyu 8000 series travels on the Odawara Line