Thursday 19 September 2013

EMU 22000 Series, Egg Train on the Kintetsu Line

EMU Kintetsu 22000 series travels near Shin-Oomiya Station on the Nara Line

As I noted in this blog before, EMU 22600 series is the main model of Kintetsu's limited express fleet. It was launched in 2009 to replace the old model such as the 12200 series. The rounded frontal mask is very cute and my favorite. It's just like an egg.

The 22600 series has an elder brother, whose name is the EMU 22000 series. It is the original Kintetsu "egg train", which debuted in 1992. Look at the following photo. Along with its rounded body, four rounded frontal lights are also very attractive for me. The 22000 series won the good design award from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1993.

Regarding the specification, the 22000 series is known as the first limited express train to which Kintetsu applied advanced bolsterless bogies and the VVVF inverter control (valuable frequency drive) system with induction motors. The interior has been made progressively barrier-free. The 22000 series has wheelchair-accessible seats and toilets. The cabin doors have also been widened for the passage of wheelchairs.

I took the 22000 series on the Nara Line with my family in July. The interior had a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. The light gray-colored seat has a good level of hardness. It was very comfortable for us. We had a great view of the countryside of Nara Prefecture from the large window.

The EMU 22000 series... it is a lovely egg train on the Kintetsu Line.

EMU Kintetsu 22000 series arrives at Yamato-Saidaiji Station