Train Suite Shiki-shima

Train Suite Shiki-shima

Artist's impression published in June 2014
Overview
Service type Excursion train
Status Planned
Locale Japan
First service Spring 2017 (scheduled)
Current operator(s) JR East
On-board services
Sleeping arrangements Private suites
Catering facilities Dining car
Observation facilities Observation cars at each end of train
Technical
Track gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The Train Suite Shiki-shima (TRAIN SUITE 四季島 Toran Suiito Shikishima, pronounced [toɽaɴ suiito ɕikiɕima]) is a deluxe sleeping-car excursion train on order by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) in Japan for use on services from spring 2017.[1]

Design

The train styling is being overseen by industrial designer Ken Okuyama.[2] The train will use a new "EDC" hybrid propulsion system, enabling the train to operate as an electric multiple unit under overhead electric wires, or use two diesel generators in the end cars to power the train's traction motors on non-electrified routes.[3]

Train formation

The ten-coach train will consist of six sleeping cars, a lounge car, a dining car, and observation cars at either end of the train.[2] Five of the sleeping cars will have three private suite rooms, while one car (car 5) will have two deluxe suites - a split-level "maisonette" type and a single-level "flat" type.[2] The train formation will be as shown below. All suites have a shower and toilet. The two deluxe suites also each have a bathtub. One suite in car 8 will be universal access.[4]

Car No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Car type Observation car Sleeping car Sleeping car Sleeping car Sleeping car Dining car Lounge Sleeping car Sleeping car Observation car
Facilities Diesel generator 3 suites 3 suites 3 suites 2 deluxe suites 3 suites 3 suites Diesel generator

Planned itineraries

The train will operate on two-day and four-day circular tours from spring to autumn, and on three-day tours during the winter period, as shown below.[5]

2-day itinerary (spring - autumn)

Day 1
Ueno → Enzan → Obasute (overnight onboard train)
Day 2
Aizu-Wakamatsu → Ueno

4-day itinerary (spring - autumn)

Atsumi Onsen hot spring resort in spring
Day 1
Ueno → Nikko (overnight onboard train)
Day 2
Hakodate → Datemombetsu → Noboribetsu (overnight at hotel accommodation)
Day 3
Higashi-Muroran → Tōya → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto → Aomori → Hirosaki (overnight onboard train)
Day 4
Tsuruoka → Atsumi Onsen → Niitsu → Higashi-Sanjo → Ueno

3-day itinerary (winter)

Matsushima Bay
Day 1
Ueno → Shiroishi → Matsushima (overnight onboard train)
Day 2
Aomori → Hirosaki (overnight onboard train)
Day 3
Naruko-Onsen → Ueno

History

An initial artist's impression of the train published in June 2013, and later changed

JR East first announced its plans to build a new luxury cruising train in June 2013, designed by Ken Okuyama, and provisionally scheduled to enter service some time after spring 2016.[3] A year later, in June 2014, JR East published more detailed plans for the new train, with a revised exterior design and service entry date scheduled for spring 2017.[2] The train's name and logo design were officially announced in October 2014.[1] Details of the planned itineraries were published in December 2015.[5]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 JR東日本のクルーズトレイン、列車名が「トランスイート 四季島」に決まる [JR East cruise train name announced: "Train Suite Shiki-shima"]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Japan: Mynavi Corporation. 7 October 2014. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 JR東日本、クルーズトレインのデザイン公表 - 運行開始は2017年春頃に変更 [JR East cruise train design unveiled - Operation start changed to spring 2017]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Japan: Mynavi Corporation. 3 June 2014. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  3. 1 2 JR東日本のクルーズトレイン、2016年運行開始へ - 新開発「EDC方式」導入 [JR East cruise train to enter service in 2016 - Using new EDC system]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). Japan: Mynavi Corporation. 5 June 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  4. ↑ クルーズトレインの列車デザインについて [Details of cruise train] (pdf). News release (in Japanese). Japan: East Japan Railway Company. 3 June 2014. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  5. 1 2 「TRAIN SUITE 四季島」の運行ルートの概要が発表される [Train Suite Shiki-shima route outlines published]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 3 December 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2015.

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Sunday, January 17, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.