Recently, having a look at Japanese trains (as part of a future trip) and found a route that would actually suit the TSW theme. Takasaki to Minakami is a 59.6km long route (which is a part of the longer route Joetsu Line), highlighting the urbanised city of Takasaki and slowly transitioning into the rich and scenic rural countryside in the Gunma Prefecture. This is one of the lines that was ultimately bypassed by the Joetsu Shinkansen in the early 80's. Prior to the 80's various express trains and freight between Tokyo and Niigata used this route. It takes just over an hour to traverse the route. The line is simply, scenic as in all four seasons, this line is quite simply quintessential. The classic rolling stock during this time period represents the JNR period but in a modern present era which is coming to a close as Series 211 slowly replaced the old veterans Series 115. The line uses 1,500v DC overhead and uses the standard JNR 1,067mm (3'6) gauge. Present Era Minakami Station in Winter. In total, this route has 14 stations, with one major locomotive servicing depot in Takasaki and two turntables to assist with the current steam operation that happens on a regular basis. Time Period: I would suggest around 2015-2020. Series 115 in a six car formation would operate the majority of these services between Takasaki and Minakami. By 2022, Series 115 no longer run on this line as they had been replaced with newer rolling stock (Series 211). Trainsets. Series 115 Series 115 at Takasaki Station. Dating back to the 1960's this iconic train design allowed the JNR (later the private operators JR East) to operate local trains. The EMU can reach speeds of 110kph, and often worked as a coupled six car unit which are formed with two three car unit. Series 115 were designed and suited for commuter mountain routes. The trainset features the Southern Hunan livery, which highlights the green and orange of the surrounding environment. Series 211 Series 211, the replacement for the local trains Series 115. As the replacement of the 115, it would make sense to include these trainsets too to highlight the modern transition from the the older rolling stock. D51-498 'Special Steam'. Something special about this route, it commonly sees steam hauled service as a tourist attraction, heading into Minakami as a day trip (under the JoyFul Train Concept). Set up in a 2-8-2 arrangement, the locomotive as a Mikado provides a fight towards Minakami. There's a good bunch of service mode services that can be done, from preparing the loco, running it to Minakami and preparing for the return run. Personal note: it would be a real joy to try out the D51 in TSW if it ever came, as this would've been something unique but yet just magical. The brown SUHA carriages would ideally suit this consist. - To conclude, this route would be a great first route to feature Steam and Electric working hand in hand and there's something unique about Japanese steam locomotives on this route running special runs. The scenic nature of this route when approaching Minakami highlights the wonders of Japan's landscape. Here is a driver view of the route, heading northbound to Minakami.
Sign me up! Isn't the line north of Minikami the Joetsu Border, which was done for BVE, very long tunnel sections?
Also a bit further north on this line is the infamous Doai mole station - One platform is on an embankment - and the other is across the river and then down over 400 steps deep inside a mountain. When the line was doubled in the 1960s the second track was built in a long and relatively straight tunnel, the existing track has to negotiate several spirals on it's route - but money was only there to build a single bore.
Sign me up as well! You had me already at the 115 series, such a great looking train, would love to drive it! The 211 is not bat either, but the 115 is just so iconic and great looking. Also Gunma prefecture, and the line goes right past Mount Haruna (the mountain road and city Initial D takes place at). Would love this area in TSW. Does the line see any freight?
Just did some research on the route, the information seems scarce but it does suggest there is a daily freighter between Nigatta and Tokyo. Operated with JR Freight EH200 (Blue Thunder) with some of the JRF intermodal containers. Not sure about the timing etc. On a side note, Just another video worth mentioning... just simply amazing.
There is a timetable for freight services on this line as of 2021. The third table is southbound (8 trains) and the forth one is northbound (9 trains). The trip between Takasaki Yard and Minakami takes about an hour and most trains are intermodal trains, hauled by EH200 locomotives from the JR Freight depot in Takasaki.
I'd definitely buy this if it was made! Not only is this a mixed passenger and freight route, which TSW2 is sorely lacking in at the moment, but it looks like a really nice line to visit.
A nice suggestion, and a good compliment for a well structured suggestion too. Would you, if you have that information available of course, be able to show us the approximate density per hour of the timetable as well?
Too right. Would love a bit more choice of locations to drive. The Orient would be amazing to see in TSW
If there are steep sections of the line the EF210 300 series will be your main freight locomotives because it has power to operate the Steep sections of the route. Spoiler: No EF210 300 series 1.5kv DC freight locomotives Route will be treated like RRO 15:50 Hagen Gbf to Wuppertal Langerfeld Gbf journey mode petroleum service due to insufficient power and overweight requires the decoupling of 4-5 tanker waggons.
Can only echo the other posts. Scenery looks stunning and with some freight possibly coming as well, what’s not to like?
That's correct the EF210 operates on the Tokkaido and Sanyo lines - EH200 is for the steep grades north of Tokyo
This is a snippet of the recent timetable, which originates from Takasaki. It's normally 1 train per hour on the Minakami Line as it is just a local commuter train service, though other trains do branch off this line so it can feel somewhat busy. Also side note, 0956 ... SL Gunma Minakami... yes.
