Sotetsu 7000 series

Data (as of 1 Jul 2021)

History

The Sotetsu 7000 series were classified into two groups: those introduced in 1975-85 (80 carriages) and 1986-89 (60 carriages). The latter group is hereinafter referred to as New 7000 series. Both groups were withdrawn by 2019 and 2020, respectively.

The 7000 series bodies were made of aluminium, while trains of other companies at that time were mostly made of steel. All carriages had air-conditioning since introduction. The New 7000 series have completely different appearance, and those introduced in 1988-89 had GTO inverters for traction.

The 7000 series units were formed of either eight or ten coaches, but some New 7000 series units consisted of 4+6 or 5+5. Nevertheless, there was no regular passenger train formed of four, five or six coaches, and they were effectively 10-car trains. The New 7000 series units were repainted white with blue and yellow bands in 2007-14.

Withdrawal of the 7000 series commenced in 2007. The last unit of the 7000 series retired in 2020, weeks before Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line was opened. Four carriages were converted to measurement train and shunter, renamed MoYa 700 series.

The New 7000 series were withdrawn in 2017-21. They ran Shin-Yokohama Line, but were not used for through-services towards Shinjuku via JR lines.

Photos

Enthusiasts had whispered about retirement of the 7000 series for nearly ten years before they were withdrawn at last.

The New 7000 series in so-called "the new livery". They were not painted "Yokohama Navyblue" (the dark blue).