Kintetsu 12200 series New Snack Car

Data (as of 29 Jul 2023)

History

This article refers only to the 12200 series, and does not focus on other types including 12000 series or sightseeing trains converted from the 12200 series.

The 12200 series New Snack Car was introduced a year before the Expo 70 in Osaka, as Kintetsu concluded that they had to boost capacity of Limited Express services towards Ise and Shima areas, as significant number of tourists to Osaka would also visit the resorts. The 12200 series was based on 12000 series Snack Car (in service: 1967-2000), and each 12200 series unit was formed of two, four or six coaches.

The 12200 series was developed as a standard limited express train rather than specialised train so that the series had been used heavily for various intercity services, not only those between Nagoya or Osaka-Namba and Kashikojima but also those between Kyoto and Nara or Kashiharajingu-mae.

A unit of the 12200 series was designated as imperial train a few times, and not only the Emperor Showa but also Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip boarded the train when they visited Japan in 1975. The Queen reportedly bestowed drivers a "decent present" with words of gratitude. Seats have been preserved at a depot since then, and the unit itself also survives (see 19200 series).

The 12200 series declined in the late-1990s due to a drop in demand as tourists shifted from rail to road transport. Some redundant units became tour-only trains in the 2000s and 2010s, many of which were renumbered such as 15200 series Aozora II and 15400 series Kagiroi.

Kintetsu repainted almost all limited express trains orange and white, but the 12200 series retained its original livery until the very end. The last farewell tours were held in November 2021, after being deferred due to COVID-19. A few units have been stored at depots and awaiting disposal.