Limited express TSUBAME

The history of this Limited Express Tsubame started in 1930 when this limited express was driven between Tokyo Station and Kobe Station.


The time required of operation of Limited Express Tsubame at that time was 9 hours. It was no less than 2 hours shorter than the time required of the old limited express. JNR of those days tried all things for this operation.

Please look at a Japanese map. Mt. Fuji and Mt. Hakone which are volcanoes are on the west of Tokyo. The present main Tokaido line passes through them in a tunnel called the TANNA tunnel. The TANNA tunnel is 7804m in length and was a frightfully difficult construction. It was opened for traffic in 1934. This is a quake-prone area and during construction of the tunnel, big earthquakes caused the position of the tunnel to shift and cause accidents. The main Tokaido line till then avoided Mt. Hakone north, and passed through GOTENBA station. However, there was still a steep slope there. Therefore, an auxiliary steam locomotive was required. The Limited Express Tsubame connected the auxiliary engine in 30 seconds and it was separated during the run. Furthermore, the driver of the steam locomotive took the place of the fearful thing during the run. The limited express TSUBAME also connected the freight car carrying water. In this way, the limited express TSUBAME also saved time in supplying the water. However, the operation of the limited express TSUBAME was stopped by the Pacific War.

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