International Railroad Discussion > Japan 2002 Part 3 - Kintetsu 2ft 6in interurban line

The Kintetsu Railway is a large private railway in the Nagoya-Osaka-Kyoto region, and offers a wide variety of services.  In 2002, Kintetsu still owned and operated a small rural interurban network of branch lines that connected with the main train services at Yokkaichi, and was built to 2ft 6 in gauge (762mm).  Today these lines are still operated by the Yokkaichi-Asunarou Railway's Utsuibe line, and surprisingly still seem to run with the same rolling stock that I saw in 2002.    All shots taken on Oct 8, 2002.

1)  Train for Nishihino from Yokkaichi, rolling through a mixed land use of suburban homes and rice fields. 
2)  Train from Nishihino at Hinaga, which is the junction of the 2 branches from the main narrow gauge trunk.
3)  Train from Utsube to Yokkaichi at Hinaga, the main junction. 
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/22/20 09:55 by dwatry.

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4)  Train for Nishihino at Hinaga.
5)  Schoolkids waiting for an Utsube train at Hinaga.
6)  Fire Control at the main shop at Utsube.
 

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Some shots of the Kintetsu mainline trains that connect with the narrow gauge.

7) Kintetsu mainline trains at Kuwana.
8) Kintetsu express at Yokkaichi. 
9) Kintetsu express train at Kuwana.
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/21/20 20:47 by dwatry.

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Thanks for the great tour.  Gerry

Another great set from Japan. I've had one visit to Japan, and my lasting impression was the great variety of rolling stock.  chris uk

dwatry Wrote:
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> Today these lines are still operated by the
> Yokkaichi-Asunarou Railway's Utsuibe line,
> and surprisingly still seem to run
> with the same rolling stock that I saw in
> 2002.    All shots taken on Oct 8, 2002.

In 2012, Kintetsu Railway proposed to abandon the 2' 6" gauge Utsube and Hachioji Lines and convert them to BRT (Bus Rapid Transit). To make a long story short, City of Yokkaichi intervened and became owner of the lines. The newly formed Yokkaichi-Asunarou Railway became the operator of the lines.

The rolling stock, Class 260 is a 1982 design. They went through renovation in 2015-2019, so for the time being, they'll be around for many more years.

I've been somewhat near the area to attend the Formula One races at Suzuka Circuit (Raceway), but have not checked out this cool little railroad. Thanks for the great report.

Even in 2002 when we were there these lines were under threat of abandonment - that's one of the reasons I wanted to go ride them.   And I also have a thing for narrow gauge electric lines!