Tobu 6050 series

The Tobu 6050 series (東武6050系, Tōbu 6050-kei) is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated on the Tobu Nikko Line and the Aizu Line in Japan since 1985. These trains were operated by Tobu Railway and the connecting companies Aizu Railway and Yagan Railway, and provide "Local" and "Express/Section-Express" services. "Rapid/Section Rapid" services operated until April 2017.[1] On 12 March 2022, Tobu Railway and Aizu Railway withdrew their fleets of 6050 series and 6050-100 series sets from service, respectively. Yagan Railway still has two formations of 6050-100 series, which operate on the Aizu-Kinugawa Line and the Tobu Kinugawa Line.

Tobu 6050 series
Set 6168, March 2021
In service1985–present
ManufacturerAlna Kōki, Fuji Heavy Industries, Tokyu Car Corporation
Constructed1985–1990
Entered service15 November 1985
Number built66 vehicles (33 sets)
Number in service4 vehicles (2 sets)
Formation2 cars per trainset
Operator(s)Yagan Railway
Former operators
Depot(s)Shin-Tochigi
Line(s) servedAizu Kinugawa Line
Former
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length20 m (65 ft 7 in)
DoorsTwo pairs per side
Maximum speed110 km/h (68 mph)
Traction systemResistor control
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC
Current collector(s)Overhead wire
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Design

In 1985, the 6050 series design was created by rebuilding former 6000 series EMUs (dating from 1964) with new steel bodies.[2] Before through-running operations began on 9 October 1986, the trains were required to satisfy fire resistance regulations due to the long tunnel on the Aizu Kinugawa Line.[2]

Livery

Trains are painted in "jasmine white" with "sunny coral orange" and "purple ruby" lining.[1]

Formations

The fleet of 33 two-car sets is formed as shown below.[3]

Designation McTc
Numbering 61506250
  • The Mc cars are each fitted with one scissors-type pantograph. Sets 6153-6156 and 6173 have two pantographs.[3]
  • Yagan Railway set (6050-100 series) cars are numbered 6110x and 6210x.[3]
  • The Tc cars are equipped with a toilet.[3]

Withdrawing formations
  • The sole Aizu Railway set (6050-200 series) cars are numbered 61201 and 62201.[3]

Interior

Passenger accommodation consists of fixed 4-seat bays with a seat pitch of 1,525 mm (60.0 in).[4]

  • Overall interior view
    Overall interior view
  • Seating bay
    Seating bay
  • Toilet in KuHa 6279
    Toilet in KuHa 6279


History
Original 6000 series EMU, August 1980

All 44 former 6000 series cars were rebuilt between September 1985 and October 1986 as sets 6151 to 6172, with the first sets entering service on 15 November 1985.[2]

With the popularity of the new trains, an additional eight new 2-car sets were built, including one set for the Yagan Railway, enabling all "Rapid" services between Asakusa and Shimo-Imaichi to be increased to 6-car formations from the 9 August 1988 timetable revision.[2]

A further two newly built sets were added to the Yagan Railway fleet coinciding with the start of Aizu Kinugawa Line services. One additional new set was delivered to the Aizu Railway in 1990.[2]

Two 6050 series sets, 6177 and 6178, were rebuilt in September 2012 at J-TREC in Yokohama to become 634 series sets for use on Skytree Train services from 27 October 2012.[5]

On 12 March 2022, Tobu Railway and Aizu Railway updated their timetables, at which time the 6050 series and 6050-200 series that Tobu Railway and Aizu Railway held (respectively) were withdrawn from operation and dismantled at Kita-Tatebayashi Niatsukaisho. Now, only two 6050 series sets remain, operated by Yagan Railway.[6]

References
  1. 私鉄車両年鑑2012 [Japan Private Railways Annual 2012]. Tokyo, Japan: Ikaros Publications Ltd. February 2012. p. 155. ISBN 978-4-86320-549-9.
  2. "２００６東武鉄道優等車両カタログ" [2006 Tōbu Railway Express Rolling Stock Catalogue]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine. Vol. 35, no. 264. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. April 2006. pp. 29–31.
  3. 私鉄車両編成表 2011 [Private Railway Rolling Stock Formations – 2011]. Japan: Kotsu Shimbunsha. July 2011. p. 45. ISBN 978-4-330-22711-5.
  4. "全国注目の私鉄車両総ガイド" [General Guide to Private Railway Rolling Stock in the Spotlight Nationwide]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine. Vol. 41, no. 344. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. December 2012. p. 9.
  5. 東武鉄道634系「スカイツリートレイン」が甲種輸送される [Tobu 634 series "Skytree Train" delivered]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 28 September 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  6. 東武鉄道6050系6151編成，野岩鉄道6050系61101編成，会津鉄道6050系61201編成が北館林へ [Tobu Railway 6050 series set 6151, Yagan Railway 6050 series set 61101, and Aizu Railway 6050 series set 61201 go to Kita-Tatebayashi for dismantling]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022.

Further reading
  • Watanabe, Shie (June 2014). 東武6000系・6050系の思い出と魅力 [Memories and attractions of the Tobu 6000 and 6050 series]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 43, no. 362. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. pp. 24–29.
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