Let me tell you a little about my favorite line of trains in the world; the Odakyu Romance Car...
-
-
That speed record was set in 1957. The technology behind it went into Japan's first 200 km/h bullet train, launched in 1964...
-
...meanwhile Odakyu, which had set the record, began using their train for express service to Hakone, Enoshima, and Gotemba.pic.twitter.com/pXUdNMfCoT
-
In 1963, Odakyu launched the 3100 series, moving the driver's cab above the front of the train, giving the view to passengerspic.twitter.com/pY0oP2kZ3U
-
Retired in 2000, a preserved carriage still exists near Kaisei Station. It's an odd look, but I'm very fond of it.pic.twitter.com/YpA3NCc999
-
In 1980, Odakyu upgraded the Romance Car again, launching the 7000 series--third pic is the refreshment bar, fourth is front cabpic.twitter.com/ZDg1VBlPSn
-
The 7000 series was far more aerodynamic than its predecessors...pic.twitter.com/Ih1HTKKPcr
-
...and remains in service today, albeit with a new paint job since 2012pic.twitter.com/DgQmnEYjl4
-
In 1987, the 10000 series was launched--this was the popular model when I lived in Japan in the early 90s.pic.twitter.com/TY3lohFQuD
-
Interior shots...note the ladder which the driver uses to reach the cabpic.twitter.com/ZidZDDTi1P
-
Two of the trains were sold to the Nagano Railway in 2006; the remainder went out of service in 2012--before its predecessor, oddly.
-
The 20000 series launched in 1991, but only served Gotemba, not Hakone or Enoshima.pic.twitter.com/fBjcnNa51E
-
This model replaced the passenger front view with double-deck carriages...looks very comfy...pic.twitter.com/9tIw85T56b
-
The 20000 series was also withdrawn in 2012, although one of the trains was rebuilt for the Fujikyu Railway in 2013.
-
The 30000 series, launched in 1996, still operates today. Very unappealing exterior design, imo...pic.twitter.com/K2RkMIt8Bn
-
Great aesthetics returned to the Romance Car in 2005, with the 50000 seriespic.twitter.com/LQa4lSBl2Y
-
In 2008 Odakyu launched their 60000 series, the first Romance Car capable of fitting in subway tunnels...pic.twitter.com/VwuZpAIEVz
-
...enabling it to pick up passengers from all over central Tokyo via subway, then pop out onto the main line towards Hakone & Enoshima
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
(Did not know this — amazing!)
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.