esngblog

Probably the last of Paul’s pictures, as he’s now back in the UK, and the joys of food shopping in Crawley….

Tomorrow is my last day in Japan on this trip. My plan is all set up. Watch this space!

First train of the day 0916 Nasuno service from Tokyo to Shin-shirakawa on the Tohoku Shinkansen. Weather couldn’t be better!

Returning to Tokyo after 2 hours watching Bullet trains at Shin-shirakawa and Nasushiobara. Off to a model shop at Akihabara next, then on to Odawara for a last look at the Bullet trains.

Just spent an hour or so at Odawara. One platform was lined with enthusiasts, cameras at the ready. You will see why later….

An E6 and E5 passing Shin-Shirakawa, and an E2 passing Nasushiobara this morning.

The reason for the enthusiasts at Odawara. The 700 Series, about to be withdrawn. Tickets for the last service operated by this set sold out in 30 seconds.

N700A and E4 MAX at Tokyo Station.

N700A at Odawara.

E2-J set with an E3 Tsubasa at Nasushiobara

I have lots of photos and videos from today, but I have a plane to catch at 0945 in the morning to take me back to the UK, so I need an early night. Japan has been amazing once again. I will be back, hopefully in 2022.

Just landed at Heathrow, great flight, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Back home in Redhill after a straightforward journey back on the Piccadilly and District Underground, and Southern rail. I was expecting a heap of Valentine’s cards behind the front door of the flat, but all I got were 2 bills and other requests for money!

And we look forward to seeing some of Paul’s new purchases running at the next ESNG club night.

Out into the wilds!

Late start today, first train at 0921. Then it’s a circuit taking in a famous route through the mountains. I won’t be back in Sendai until 8.30pm.

To follow my excursion in to the Japanese countryside today, you will need a map. I went a little off the beaten track. Sendai to Omiya (north of Tokyo), Omiya to Echigo-Yuzawa, then on to Koide, and up to Tadami, all by train. Tadami to Aizu-Kawaguchi by bus, from there back on the trains to Aizu Wakamatsu, then Koriyama and back to Sendai. All the trains and the bus were bang on time. Photo is the new E7 in the Joetsu livery at Echigo-Yuzawa.

Various trains I travelled on today, KiHa 40/48 Diesel units. E128/9 and E720.

Some fine scenery, too….

The station building at Yabukami, first stop north of Koide on the Tadami Line. A little different from Tokyo…

..And this station building is an old freight wagon.

On the menu for tomorrow is a return to Tokyo and then it all depends on the weather..

Another interesting day despite the overcast weather. After arriving back in Tokyo, I spent the afternoon traveling on some of the Tokyo suburban rail network before visiting 2 model railway shops. Off to get a bite eat and photograph trains shortly.

More purchases???

Olympic mascot anyone? Keyring size is £7.25, smallest size without a chain is £25, the largest is £1,051, but it would be tax free!

Some more photos from Japan….

Tomorrow, I’m off up in to the Japanese Alps on a special train which only runs at weekends and Bank Holidays. Today was the Emperors’ Birthday, so tomorrow is a Bank Holiday.

My first train of the day, the E5 Hayabusa

This is the reason for todays’ rather odd route. This is the E3 Toreiyu Tsubasa which only runs on weekends and Bank Holidays. It has been in operation for 5 years, but I had never been able to travel on it – until today!

While waiting for the Toreiyu to depart, this turned up, an EH500 on an intermodal train.

The interior of the Toreiyu reflects the prefecture through which it operates, Yamagata. The seats have a tatami mat with a cushion, the bar sells Yamagata sake and wine and in the end car, number 16, you can have a footbath in spring water from the local Onsen.

Not sure I want my feet washed at 200mph….

The E3 Toreiyu and E3 Tsubasa at Shinjo. It has just been announced that the E3 Tsubasa is going to be replaced with a new train, the E8, which will be based on the E6 currently operating to Akita.

The E6 at Akita. One of these returned me to Sendai, top speed 200mph.

I will leave you with this. Goodnight folks.

First, back in soggy Earlswood, more progress on the new fiddle yard…

And meanwhile, in Japan….

Off to Nagano on one of these, the beautiful E7 Shinkansen.

So my birthday has arrived – 9 hours earlier than usual! I’m off to Tokyo…

Outside the Kato model railway shop in Tokyo this morning. I am returning here next Friday to pick up a few items and spare parts.

A few????

The new Shibuya terminus of the Ginza subway line.

Looks like a whale interior?

E7 at Nagano last night

Today, I visited a model railway museum in Yokohama, an astonishing collection brought together by one man. After lunch, a visit to Kamakura and the giant Buddha.

Reminds me of a couple of ESNG members (hat, coat, quick exit….)

The Enoden Railway at Hase

N700A Shinkansen passing Odawara in pouring rain. This is why I enjoyed the bad weather!

Beautiful day here in Tokyo, so I am going to Sendai later on. Snow and gales at the moment up north.

This is where it all began. The first railway line in Japan was constructed by British engineers between Shibuya and Yokohama. It opened in 1871. The first locomotive was built by Kitson from Leeds.

A huge shopping mall which I explored this evening. I was going to go to Shin-Shirakawa to watch the Bullet trains speeding through, but it was too cold, so I did this instead. I found a model shop right at the end!

Paul has a nose for model shops – almost as keen as the Cha(I)rman’s nose for cafes serving a full English breakfast…

More next time as Paul heads for the frozen north!

Some more of Paul’s Japan pictures…..

My plans have changed for the next two days because the weather has turned rather cold and the forecast is not great for where I was intending to go. The new plan is …. insane….

Day trip to Wuhan?

Instead of visiting a Shinto shrine up on the north coast tomorrow, I am doing a circuit on the trains to take in a scenic route I have never done and on relatively new train which was still on test when I was here in 2017. The route is Kyoto – Nagoya – Matsumoto – Tokyo – Kyoto. It will take about 11 hours.

A few trains from today, mostly at Nagoya.

Back on the trains again. Weather has improved significantly, still cold, but dry at the moment.

Already done Kyoto to Nagoya on the Shinkansen and then on to Matsumoto on Shinano Limited Express. Beautiful route, sat up behind the driver’s cab most of the way. Now on my way to Tokyo on the Chuo Main Line on an E353.

I am on a rarity here. On board a Japanese train that is late!

Mount Fuji, taken this afternoon from the Tokaido Shinkansen travelling at 175mph with a Canon EOS 750D camera and a 300mm telephoto lens.

The Shinano Limited Express between Nagoya and Matsumoto

The JR East E353 at Shinjuku, my train from Matsumoto.

And finally, a word from our sponsors.  Till next time!!

With apologies to the lovely book of the same name (published 1969…)

Paul send me these rather fine Japanese tramcar shots….

Out on the Nagasaki trams this afternoon. Interesting mixture. It took me about 2 hours to cover the whole network, but with the weather being cold and wet, it was an ideal way to keep reasonably warm and dry.

And when I ‘liked’ these, he sent me some more, culled from Facebook I think….

Must get that Japanese tram layout under way….