Keikyu 700 series (1956)

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Keikyu 700 series (1956) - short version

The Keikyu 700 series, later called the Keikyu 600 series, was a DC electric train used by Keikyu for limited-stop commuter services around Tokyo from 1956 to 1986. It was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Tokyu Car, with a steel body and two doors per side.

Trains ran in 2, 4, or 6-car sets. Each motor car had four 75 kW motors. Service speed was about 105 km/h (design speed 120 km/h). The trains used 1,500 V DC power collected by a pantograph on standard gauge track (1,435 mm).

The 700 series was based on the earlier 500 series. In 1966 they were reclassified as the 600 series, and about half of the driving cars were rebuilt into intermediate cars with the cabs removed. Headlamps were updated to sealed beams, and the steel doors were replaced with stainless doors.

Withdrawals began in 1984 with the introduction of the 2000 series, and the last units were retired in March 1986 after a farewell run. Six former 600 series cars were sold to Kotoden in Shikoku and became the 1070 series after modification. One car, DeHa 601, is preserved at No. 1 Recreation Park in Zushi, Kanagawa.