Seibu 8500 series Leo Liner
Data (as of 23 May 2026)
| Status: | Endangered |
| Constructed in: | 1985 |
| Number built: | 12 |
| Registered: | 8 |
History
The 8500 series is the very first rolling stock for the Seibu Yamaguchi Line since modernisation. The Line was opened in 1950 as a light railway using small battery-locomotives and steam locomotives. The Line was dramatically refurbished and reopened as an automated guideway transit system in 1985.
Unlike other automated guideway transit systems across the country, the Yamaguchi Line is controlled by an ordinary signalling system, and thus the 8500 series is not compatible with automatic train operation. "8500" derived from "1985" and the length of each coach (8.5 metres). Each unit is formed of four coaches, and three units were introduced in total.
All units were rennovated in the 2000s, but withdrawal commenced in 2026 as brand new L00 series has been introduced.
Current Operations & Future Prospects
The first unit was withdrawn in March 2026. The second and third units are in service, but they will also be superseded by the L00 series by March 2028.