Tokyu 7700 series

Data (as of 27 Nov 2021)

History

The 7700 series was remodelled from 7000 series (which was different from trains with the same name today). The former-7000 series trains had been used for Toyoko Line and through-services to Hibiya Line since 1962, but it was difficult to install air-conditioning on them. Thus, Tokyu replaced traction, motors and bogies with new ones, dramatically refurbished their accommodation with coolers. 54 out of 134 carriages were converted to the 7700 series. Despite its appearance, traction of the 7700 series was inverter-controlled one.

The 7700 series trains were initially formed of four coaches with a few exceptions. Tokyu planned to reintroduce some of them to the through-services towards Hibiya Line, but it did not take place. The series were first reintroduced to Oimachi Line in 1987, reallocated to Mekama Line in 1989, then shortened to three coaches by 2000. They had been used on Tokyu Tamagawa and Ikegami Line until 2018.

Some 7700 series were transferred to Towada Kanko Dentetsu (Aomori Prefecture) in 2002 and to Yoro Railway (Gifu and Mie Prefectures) in 2018. Those of Towada were scrapped when the line itself was permanently closed in 2012.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

Yoro Railway uses three two-carriage units and three three-car units. Despite the age, Yoro Railway found that they are in good conditions, thanks to maintenance workers of Tokyu. Yoro Railway estimates that they can use them until at least the late-2040s, in which case more than 80 years will have been passed since they were originally built.

Photos

Those reallocated from Mekama Line in the 1990s were partly painted black.

In 2012, a unit was restored to the original style in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of Ikegami Line.