KATO News
E231 Series 1000
●The E231 Series 1000 was introduced in 2000 to replace the 115 Series and 211 Series that had been in service on the Utsunomiya Line (Tohoku Line) and Takasaki Line. The trains introduced to the Oyama Vehicle Center in the early 2000s have different features from the additional trains that have appeared on the Tokaido Line since 2004, such as a continuous green stripe on the side curtain board, a long running board that extends above the driver's door of the leading car, a non-glass cockpit driver's console, and the location of the toilet in the train.
323 Series for the Osaka Loop Line
The 323 Series was introduced in 2016 as a new model for the Osaka Loop Line and Sakurajima Line (JR Yumesaki Line). The exterior has a unique design based on the traditional color of the Osaka Loop Line, orange, with brown as an accent. Of the 22 trains, from the 8th train onwards, the front through door and the area around the front display were changed to a straight shape.
East German Railway's flagship express diesel railcar VT18.16 (BR175)
●The VT18.16 is an express diesel railcar manufactured by East German Railways (DR) in the 1960s to show the country's prestige. Each leading car is equipped with a 900 horsepower engine (1000 horsepower for mass-produced cars), and boasts a maximum speed of 160 km with an output of 1,800 horsepower (2,000 horsepower for mass-produced cars). The name VT18.16 was derived from the German word "Verbrennungistriebwagen," which means diesel railcar. After the naming rules were changed, the car was called BR175 and was used for international trains in 4-6 car formations. It is particularly famous for its use on the "Windbona" service that connected Berlin and Vienna (Austria), and has become synonymous with the type. Following their retirement, the vehicles were preserved in various parts of Germany, and one set is currently being restored by a preservation organization with the aim of returning them to working order as an international train in 2025.
The 19G container is a 5t, 12ft container owned by JR Freight, with a two-way opening, one end door and one side door. It is an improved version of the conventional 19F container, and is equipped with simple corner fittings, allowing it to be transported by ship in the event of a disaster. It is a major force, with over 20,000 units manufactured over the long period from 2001 to 2018, and there are variations in shape and paint depending on the time and manufacturer. It is in use in various places, second only to the 19D container.