Keikyu 1000 series (Ⅰ)
Kotoden 1080 and 1300 series

Data (as of 31 Mar 2024)

History

The 1000 series was developed as the first Keikyu train to be compatible with the underground with better acceleration than any of its predecessors. Despite there were several categories, all carriages were registered as the same type, making them the most numerous train type (but not series) among all private railways in Japan. Those introduced in 1958-60 (including the prototype) had no gangway, but their front end were converted in 1969-73.

Each unit could be consisted of from two to eight carriages, and they could be formed of up to twelve coaches when running as a passenger train. They were widely used for stopping, express, limited express services on the entire Keikyu lines. Furthermore, they were used for through-services to Toei Asakusa, Keisei and Hokuso lines as well. Keikyu refurbished them and installed air conditioning to many of them in the 1970s-90s. Unlike its successors, the 1000 series units could be rearranged very easily from eight to six or four coaches and vice versa. Thus, the company could use them flexibly until the very end.

Withdrawal commenced in 1986 following the introduction of 1500 series. The prototype units were converted to wagons and emergency engineering stock, most of which are still operational today. Takamatsu Kotohira Railroad (hereinafter referred to as Kotoden) in western Japan purchased 20 carriages, most of which are still in service. Some 1000 series were also leased to Keisei, Hokuso in the 1990s. Chiba Kyuko (now Keisei Chihara Line) also hired one in the 90s, though the company went bankrupt soon after it was returned.

In the late-2000s, the 1000 series were mostly used for Daishi Line and few on Main Line. They were taken out of the through-services in 2008 and withdrawn from all passenger service in 2010. A two-car unit remained until 2011 as a part of emergency engineering stock. Today, only Kotoden uses them for regular services.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

Kotoden has two types of ex-Keikyu 1000 series. 1080 series are used for Kotohira Line while 1300 series are used for Nagao Line. Both of them are the most common trains on Kotoden network but cannot run Shido Line.

Kotoden plans to introduce another second-hand trains in 2027, possibly replacing the 1080 series.

Photos

Those introduced in 1959-68 looked differently, not least the destination blind and air conditioning (though the latter one cannot be seen on this photo). They were withdrawn from Keikyu by 2005 but some remain on Kotoden.

A two-car unit has been stored at Kurihama Depot for more than eleven years. Keikyu recently repainted it and allows public to see it once a year.

Kotoden has been using the ex-Keikyu 1000 series trains for more than 30 years. Some units have been in Takamatsu more than on Keikyu lines.

In 2019-21, a 1080 series unit was restored to the original Keikyu livery after a group of enthusiasts donated Kotoden 15 million JPY (appox. 136,000 USD).

Kotoden 1300 series on Nagao Line.

In 2022, the group of enthusiasts restored a 1300 series to the original livery with a donation of approximately 9.7 million JPY (85,000 USD).

In the same year, Kotoden restored a unit to Kotoden's original livery. It looks like Shido Line's trains but slightly different. This one is scheduled to be in service until around 2025.