As the opening date for the Hokuriku Shinkansen has been announced,
we take look in the vault at a few scenes which have already been a casualty
of the new line's construction and some scenes which will vanish forerver after
March 2015.
All photos: Anthony Leith
A 419 series awaits depature from Toyama on a local Hokuriku Main Line service
bound for Itoigawa. These sets were withdrawn from service in 2011. In this scene
the heavy re-construction of Toyama Station was just getting underway. 04/05/2009.
An Echigo-Yuzawa bound "Hakutaka" Ltd Express operated by a JR West 681 series
calls at Itoigawa alongside a Naoetsu bound local service operated by a 415 series. The
name "Hakutaka" will be transferred to the 'All-Stops' Shinkansen services when the new
line opens. The local services on the Hokuriku Main Line will be spun-off to a 3rd sector
operator. 04/05/2009.
The shed in Itoigawa Yard was demolished to make way for the Shinkansen's elevated trackbed.
This shed was used to stable the then elderly KiHa 52's which operated the JR West portion of
the Ōito Line as far as Minami-Otari until 2010. One of these veteran units is seen stabled to the
left of the shed. 04/05/2009.
