The 153 series Electric Multiple-Units were developed for use on a flat route like the main Tokaido line. However, Japan is a country with many mountains and cold districts. The route of such a district was electrified in the 1960s. A new train was developed for the expresses on the route with the new electrification. It succeeded the design of the 153 series trains.
However, the motor was strengthened sharply for the express 165 series Electric Multiple-Units. This was actually operated from March, 1963.
These 165 series Electric Multiple-Units were operated in Nagano Prefecture or in the direction of Niigata at first. There was a JNR track with a steep slope which is known as the famous Usui Peak. Also, Niigata Prefecture is a heavy snowfall area famous for the Snow Country in Yasunari Kawabata's novel. These vehicles had been designed with the cold weather in mind. This express Electric Multiple-Unit was driven as a typical JNR train of Japan. The engine with exclusive use was required for the passage through Usui peak in those days. It is an EF63 type electric locomotive. For connection to the engine, the train needed a special design.
Therefore, JNR remodeled the 165 series and designed the 169 series. The present Usui peak is only used by the Nagano Shinkansen. However, the scenery exceeding the peak brings back impressive memories.
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