JR East Takasaki Branch will introduce the GV-E197 series, which has been used as a construction vehicle, as a new towing vehicle for tourist trains that are coupled with steam locomotives (SL).
Five ELs and DLs will be retired from passenger service
When the “SL Gunma” trains, led by D51 and C61 SLs, were operated on the Shinetsu Main Line and Ryomo Line, which do not have a turntable, an electric locomotive (EL) or diesel locomotive (DL) was coupled to the opposite side of the SL as a towing rollingstocks. A total of five locomotives, including EF64, EF65, and DD51, were in operation in the Takasaki area, but all of them were aging and will cease commercial operation as passenger trains in the fall of 2024.
The successor to the GV-E197 series, which features a warning yellow front design, will be the only vehicle that can tow a SL. These diesel railcars were manufactured for commercial use to transport crushed stone, for work, and to pull vehicles for out-of-service, but the two cars selected to pull the steam locomotive have undergone special modifications such as brake adjustments. The train will be made up of three passenger cars, one with a steam locomotive on one side and two GVs on the other.
“Gumma-chan” sees them off at Takasaki Station
The “GV-SL Gumma Yokokawa” bound for Yokokawa Station, which will depart Takasaki Station at 9:47 on Saturday, July 19, 2025, will be the debut train for the GV to pull a steam locomotive, and a departure ceremony will be held at Takasaki Station with Gunma Prefecture’s mascot “Gumma-chan” serving as stationmaster. From Sunday, July 21 (national holiday), the train will pull the steam locomotive from Kiryu Station to Takasaki Station as the “GV-SL Gumma Kiryu.”
On the first two days of each operation, people along the line will wave flags as the train moves, and the GV and the SL at the back will respond with a whistle as part of the “GV Support Project.” In addition, various campaigns are planned to celebrate the debut of the GV, including invitations to GV-related railway experience events, a ride campaign with a chance to win JRE POINTS by lottery, and a “GV & SL fan” giveaway on board.
