RMweb Premium melmerby Posted August 5, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 5, 2015 Hi all I have just be catching up on a couple of programmes recorded on NHK World (free on satellite in the UK) One was called "Japan Railway Journal" and appears to be part of a regular series. The programme I saw was mainly about the Shinkansen in all it's iterations from the first to the latest, each type was described with data such as top speed and where they ran/run etc. It was presented in a rather odd news report style from a "Diorama Bar" in Tokyo where as each type was mentioned it duly ran past on the HO track! There was footage of the real things in action as well. (I noticed a large glass cabinet behind the presenters full of Japanese outline models!) There was also a report about the end of the "Blue Train" sleeper service again with plenty of real footage. The second programme was called "Train Cruise" again part of a series and this one was about the "Oigawa Railway" a rather quaint 3' 6" line that runs about 65km up the river of that name to a Reservoir. It starts as a full sized train hauled by a 2-6-4T steam loco number C108 (which bore a passing resemblence to a Stanier tank!) Later the traveller changes to what is called a "Tram" for the upper reaches of the river, however it was a height restricted train of 4 carriages with a diesel loco at the downhill end and a driving trailer the other. On one section where the gradient steepens to 9% (1 in 11) the track is fitted with triple abt rack and assistance is provided at the rear by an O/H electric loco, which towers over the diesel. This section is only 1.5km and the only part electrified - very strange. A bit like a Michael Portillo type journey visiting interesting things along the way. The presenter was an "Italian" called Francesco Bellisimo no less, who supposedly came from Rome, looked Japanese and spoke English like Chico Marx A couple of enjoyable if unusually presented programmes. Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted August 25, 2015 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted August 25, 2015 Following on from the "Japan Railway Journal" on Shinkansen was another on Japanese subway systems. A bit "promotional" listing all the good things about them and the export achievements. Some of it no different to what goes in the UK! The presentation was better than the other one but did include a diorama, this time Metro systems! I did notice the variety of incompatible systems they use, almost a dedicated train type per line. I liked the "linear" subway system which uses a linear motor but still runs on wheels, unlike a Maglev. It's claimed the system makes for lower coaches as there doesn't need to be room for conventional motors and it has superior hill climbing due to the magnetic attraction. (Magnadesion anybody?) Definitely worth looking out for if can get NHK World. Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devonbelle Posted September 6, 2015 Share Posted September 6, 2015 Thanks for posting these details, just found the programme Japan Rail Noirnal - on again this week. Looking forward to it. Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted September 6, 2015 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted September 6, 2015 Thanks for posting these details, just found the programme Japan Rail Noirnal - on again this week. Looking forward to it. Paul Here's the details: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/japanrailway/index.html And there is a previous program catch up as well: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/vod/japanrailway/+ And this is info on "Train Cruise" which is only on infrequently: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/special/train_cruise.html Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devonbelle Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Train Cruise on again this Sunday on NHK Channel http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/schedule It's in and around Tohoku, first episode. I've seen (it's was on a few days ago). Decent mix of rail and off rail. Free on satellite telly. Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium melmerby Posted December 11, 2015 Author RMweb Premium Share Posted December 11, 2015 I have found that "Japan Railway Journal" is a regular show on NHK World, unfortunately it isn't series linked so you have to search for it every time! Keith Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium jjb1970 Posted December 12, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 12, 2015 Railways have a huge following in Japan, not just models but railway books, videos and memorabilia are hugely popular and rail travel is a part of life in Japan. And Japan shares something in common with Britain in that unlike most of the rest of Asia people often have a fascination with retro and heritage objects and culture. In most of Asia there is a newer-is-better attitude to most things but in Japan it is not the case and you see a lot of interest in classic cameras, classic stereo equipment and older trains etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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