Odakyu 50000 series Vault Super Express

Data (as of 29 Feb 2024)

History

The 50000 series VSE was once one of flagships of Odakyu, developed to make Romancecar trains attractive once again. After unsuccessful operations of 30000 series EXE, the company had been desperate to revive its past glory. Thus, the VSE had observation carriages, distinctive appearance designed by a famous architect and computer-controlled bogies that reduce uncomfortable vibrations. They had been successful, as not only did the VSE contribute to more passenger numbers, but also won the iF Product Design Award in Germany.

Each VSE unit is formed of ten coaches, but each carriage was shorter than other trains, and the length of the entire units is equivalent to seven-car unit of commuter train. It also had many features that Romancecar trains had until the 1980s, not only observation carriage but also compartments and café. They were also the last trains with Jacobs bogies that Odakyu owned.

Two units were introduced by 2005, but both units were withdrawn from all regular services in March 2022 despite being in service for only 17 years. According to Odakyu spokesperson, it was more costly and difficult to maintain them than other trains due to aforementioned features.