The limited express train 3000 type SE series

The Electric Multiple-Unit was even able to gather high speed with the track laid in a weak foundation. However, when the Shinkansen was planned, the steam locomotive was still mainly being used. Moreover, the system of traction by an engine was also the main one used throughout the world. This situation has not changed even now. In the West, there is often traction by an engine. However, JNR of those days had many trains which were still towed by an engine. This was also the plan for the DANGAN-TRAIN. However, TAKEO SHIMA which was a chief engineer understood the possibilities of trains in Japan. This became a large cause of the success of the present Shinkansen. In 1950, the 80 series Electric Multiple-Unit developed by the SHIMA engineer's initiative became a prototype of the Shinkansen. This success brought about the result that the train was excellent also in long-distance operation.
Odakyu Electric Railway, which is a private line in Tokyo, manufactured streamlined limited express 3000 type trains with Electric Multiple-Unit "SE series" in 1957. This was the design influenced by the "electro liner" developed in the United States in 1941. The highest speed was nearing 145 km/h. JNR borrowed the SE series from Odakyu for the purpose of research of high speed operation. JNR did speed tests of the SE series on the main Tokaido line in September, 1957. It attained 145 km/h. It was a world speed record in a narrow gauge railway in those days.