Odakyu 60000 series Multi Super Express

Data (as of 21 Dec 2024)

History

The 60000 series MSE is the first Romancecar train type that can run the underground. In the past, an affiliate company of Odakyu attempted to construct an underground line in Tokyo, but the company was dissolved after the First World War. Even so, Odakyu planned direct train services between central Tokyo and Hakone again after the Second World War, and it finally paid off when the through-service of Romancecar started in 2008.

There are four and six-carriage units of the MSE, whose traction is based on 4000 series commuter train. The units can form ten coaches, like 30000 series EXE. When the MSE entered service, Odakyu called them blue Romancecar trains.

The MSE units were introduced to Limited Express services on Odakyu and Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Lines for both tourists and commuters, such as Metro Hakone (Kita-senju - Hakone-Yumoto) and Metro Homeway (Kita-senju - Hon-Atsugi). They have been used on Asagiri (Shinjuku - Gotemba via JR Gotemba Line, later renamed Fujisan) too. It is not well known that they also ran Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line as Bay Resort (Shin-kiba - Hon-Atsugi via Sakuradamon and Kasumigaseki) at peak seasons.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The MSE are used on various limited express services on Odawara and Enoshima Lines. Some services consist of ten coaches and are divided or attached at Sagami-Ono. Limited express trains Metro xxx and Fujisan are always served by the MSE.

Photos

The blunt end with a gangway.