JR East rolling stock announcements

[Densha]

The EV-301 is now on service on the Karasuyama Line:

 

 

It's very noticeable how quiet this train is. I think this whole concept should be exported to Europe because there are many lines that would profit from this and European train manufacturers don't really seem to like a concept other than electric or diesel.

 

Some photos on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tankman5dive/13327821743/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tankman5dive/13327657755/

Edited March 22, 2014 by Densha

[JR 500系]

Nice! A rechargeable battery train! Wonder how long the batteries can last until next charge, and if there are preventive measures in case the train is stuck halfway through a journey without power...

[Densha]

It's being used for through services on the Tohoku Main Line and the Karasuyama line. Between the branch off the Tohoku Main Line and the terminal of the Karasuyama Line at Karasuyama station there is no recharging facility. The only recharging facility is at Karasuyama station.The Karasuyama Line is 20 km long so I guess they have a bit of a buffer to be sure that it can reach either Karasuyama or the Tohoku Main Line even when there is a interruption.