The Sotetsu 6000 series (相鉄6000系) was an electric multiple unit (EMU) commuter train type operated by Sagami Railway (Sotetsu) in Japan between 1961 and 2004.

Sotetsu 6000 / New 6000 series
6000 series EMU in revised livery, 1993
In service1961–2004
ManufacturerHitachi
Constructed1961–1974
Number built190 cars
Number in service0
OperatorsSotetsu
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel/aluminium
Doors4 pairs per side
Electric system(s)1,500 V DC
BogiesHitachi KH series
Safety system(s)Sotetsu ATS
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Overview edit

Sagami Railway had made the Sotetsu 5000 series EMUs in 1955, but their short 18 meter frames were not large enough to carry the rapid increase of commuters that accompanied the Japanese post-war economic miracle. Considering this population growth and aging of the 5000 series, Sagami planned new EMUs with larger bodies and flexible formations.

6000 series edit

History edit

From 1961 to 1970, 120 6000 series train cars were built by Hitachi. Starting in 1990, the 6000 series began to be replaced by the Sotetsu 8000 series and Sotetsu 9000 series EMUs, with its last run taking place in 1997.

Body edit

 
Lightweight body set 6021

The 6000 series was constructed with a 20-meter steel body. The No. 6021 prototype was successfully created and run using lightweight aluminum, which thereafter became the material of choice for many 6000 series body cars.

Traction edit

The motor power of the 6000 series is 110 kW.

Liveries edit

Sotetsu experimented with testing green and yellow colors for the trains. The green type was selected by voting within the company.

New 6000 series edit

 
New 6000 series EMU, in Ryokuentoshi livery
 
Art gallery livery
 
Hohoemi livery

History edit

From 1970 to 1974, 70 New 6000 series cars were made by Hitachi.

Starting in 1997, New 6000 series began to be replaced by the Sotetsu 8000, 9000, and 10000 series EMUs. The last use of the New 6000 series took place on 22 August 2003, with a special running of two trains on 12 November 2003.

Body edit

The body of the improved series was 20 m long and 2930 mm wide.

Interior design edit

The company began to adopt air conditioners in some of the New Series cars.

Motors edit

The motor power of the New Series is 130 kW.

Liveries edit

  • Art gallery livery
  • Ryokuentoshi livery - This name came from Ryokuentoshi new town along Izumino line in Yokohama.
  • Hohoemi livery - Hohoemi in Japanese means "smile".
  • Revival livery - Old original livery
  • Green Box - Advertising train

Preservation edit

6000 Series cars nos. 6001 and 6021 are preserved at Kashiwadai depot, while no New 6000 series vehicles have been retained.