Odakyu 10000 series High Super Express
Nagaden 1000 series Yukemuri

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

The 10000 series High Super Express was a Romancecar train type, introduced in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Odakyu. Odakyu painted the HiSE red and white, unlike other Romancecar trains which were painted orange and grey. Seating is installed higher than other trains as so that passengers can enjoy the scenery better. Traction and braking systems are based on those of 7000 series LSE.

The HiSE trains had been so popular among tourists that they were marked as the flagship of Odakyu, even after 30000 series EXE was introduced. The HiSE trains were mainly used on limited express services between Shinjuku and Hakone-Yumoto.

In 2006, the so-called Barrier-free Act 2006 (Act on Promotion of Smooth Transportation, etc. of Elderly Persons, Disabled Persons, etc.) was promulgated, and Odakyu considered what to do to meet the requirements. As mentioned above, the seating of HiSE is higher than other trains, and there are steps next to doors. The company concluded that it would be impractical to make the trains accessible, and decided to withdraw them despite being not so old. The HiSE retired in 2012, along with 20000 series RSE and 5000 series commuter trains.

However, not all units were simply scrapped. Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) purchased two of them, shortening to four-car units. They were renamed 1000 series Yukemuri.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

Nagaden uses them on Limited Express (both patterns A and B) along with 2100 series (ex-JR East 253 series). The 1000 series are also used on Nonbiri-Train, a kind of rail tour that runs very slowly.

Photos

Nagaden 1000 series looks like almost the same as when it was used by Odakyu.