Thursday 6 June 2013

A Piece of Osaka within Hiroshima City


Electric car Hiroden (ex-Osaka City Tram) 750 series stands at Dobashi Stop

Osaka is the largest city in the western part of Japan. It has been a rival city of Tokyo since the 17th century when the Tokugawa Shogunate (Government) was established in Edo (present Tokyo).

For instance, Osaka opened its first tram route in 1903, which was the same year as the start of the tram operation in Tokyo. During WWII, Osaka matured into a large tram network city, which had a total of 118km operating length; meanwhile Tokyo had a 213km tram network in 1955. Unfortunately, Osaka City Tram was abolished in 1969 due to severe traffic congestion. As a result, almost all streetcars in Osaka were scrapped. Currently, we can see only a few preserved cars there.

But, don't worry. They have been surviving in Hiroshima. A total of 2 models, 15 units had been moved from Osaka. Hiroden (Hiroshima Electric Railway) is still operating ex-Osaka streetcars.

Look at the top photo. It is an ex-Osaka streetcar, 750 series. This model was launched in 1940. A total of 6 units were moved to Hiroshima between 1965 and 1968. I like this single large frontal top light and three classic windows.

The following picture shows the other ex-Osaka streetcar, 900 series. This model was commissioned in 1957. A total of 9 units were manufactured by Osaka Sharyo. They were moved to Hiroshima in 1969. The black colored large frontal bumper is my favorite.

Hiroden 750 and 900 series... they are a piece of Osaka within Hiroshima City.

Electric car Hiroden (ex-Osaka City Tram) 900 series arrives at Dobashi Stop