International Railroad Discussion > Jomo Electric Railway Deha 101

"The Jomo Dentetsu was established in 1928, and the Deha 101 has been in operation ever since. It's famous for its angular design and unique sound, emanating from the old-fashioned nose-suspension motor. " --wikipedia

Capacity is 92 passengers seated and strap hangers.  We pretty well maxed out on our trip. It is a little narrower than the current Jomo electric cars so quite a gap at the station platforms.  There was a railway fair on October 25 in Oogo, Japan and several special round trips were offered on the 101 between Nishi-Kiryu and Chuo-Maebashi.

1. Entering Oogo Station
2. Passing Aioi which is a joint station with the Tobu Railway line to Asakusa.
3. Vintage toothpase ad hanging from the ceiling.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/26/15 13:47 by Railpax71.

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4. Vintage destination sign showing the 1928 stations
5. Wooden floor and access to the motors which give a unique sound.
6. Arriving Chuo-Maebashi.

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7. Flagging Deha 101 out of Chuo-Maebashi
8. Models of 101 at Oogo station.
9. Railroad fair at Oogo included a loop of portable track
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/26/15 13:48 by Railpax71.

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10. Deha 104 and crowds at Godo
11. Trick on the school kids to pull electric Deki 3021.  First two tries the brakes were not released. Last time I think the engineer gave her a brief notch?
12 Ropes attached to the buffers.

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Thanks for the great report!

Deha 101 is the oldest operating car of its type in Japan. I went to YouTube and found some videos to listen to that motor sound, which was quite common in decades past. Too bad the smell of wood and varnish can't be reproduced on YouTube. Mix that with smell of brakes when the train makes multiple stops, and there you have it, sights, sounds, and smell of early-to-mid Showa Era train riding.

You are right.  I didn't mention the gear oil smells and the wood and varnish.  Truly a multi sensoral experience for railfans. I did notice that the car doesn't sing on the wires like some electrics.  Most common is the Ryomo (Romance cars) on the Tobu line which sing at the stops as the car rocks back and forth.