 |
Japanese National Railways-- a "KRK" adventure!
Author: KRK
Date: 10-15-2013 - 16:42
I ran this story on Trainorders a few years back but couldn't remember if I ran it for my A-P friends. After reading about my drive to the Red Chinese border herein below under "Hong Kong Trams" thread, and after recently reading about my cab-ride 46 years ago on the Great Northern,
I thought you would enjoy this grand tour I received on the Japanese railway system many years ago, while stationed in that country with the United States Navy... So sit back and Enjoy !!
---------------------------------------
I thought I would relate the story of how I got permission to photograph the inner workings of the various railway facilities and rolling stock of the "Japanese National Railways" (JNR) -- circa 1967 ...
I haven't touched on this exploit with you folks before, so here goes ---
During the nine years I served with the United States Navy, I was stationed at different bases as well as on two Naval destroyers. USS TWINING (DD-540) and USS OZBOURN (DD-846).
It was during the height of the Vietnam conflict that I was assigned to USS OZBOURN and homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. Our primary mission was to participate in "Operation Sea Dragon" where we shelled the various areas of North Vietnam.
In January-1968, I was also with the OZBOURN when the Commander-7th Fleet selected "US" to attempt a rescue mission of the USS PUEBLO which had been seized by the North Koreans. This was quite an operation in itself (Operation Formation Star) and pretty scary too. Most media today believe that the U.S. never attempted a rescue mission. WRONG !!
More on this story at some other time !!
While stationed in Yokosuka, Japan for two years, I frequently would take trips to other Japanese cities to see the sights, when our ship was going to be in port long enough to use some "leave" time.
One day, while out at sea, I drafted a letter to the main office in Tokyo, of the Japanese National Railways.
My request was simple and straight-forward. I wanted to get permission to SEE and FILM some of their general operations not normally available to the Public.
I explained that I was a U. S. Sailor and that I belonged to a handful of railroad-oriented clubs and so forth.
After two or three weeks went by-- maybe longer-- I received a letter from a gentleman at the "JNR" ..
My "request" had been granted !!!
I was directed to meet with the gentleman in his office at the massive "JNR Building" in Tokyo next time my ship was in port. I used to travel from Yokosuka to Tokyo either by Taxi or Train ... The taxis were small but crazy and fun to ride in, with a crazy Japanese driver.
The fare was 1500 Yen-- about $5.00 at the time for a sixty or so mile trip.
But the narrow-gauge electric trains were fantastic too.
When I got to Tokyo, I had a room reserved at the "Tokyo Station Hotel" --just down the street from the JNR Building. There seemed to be a "zillion" tracks right outside my bedroom window--it was fantastic !
About 9:30 am the next morning, I went to the JNR Building and took the elevator up to about the 20-something floor..
A secretary greeted me and introduced me to my "English-speaking Guide"--the gentleman who had replied to my letter. He "offered me a drink" which I whole heartedly accepted and we sat down and discussed the days plans.
It was THEN that I found out that two gentlemen from INDIA were going with me as well.
It was THEN that I also found out that we would be provided with a "driver" with a Limo to take us around here and there.
YES--that's what I said-- I would have a "driver" ...
We went everywhere imaginable on the JNR around Tokyo and outline areas. Locomotive facilities, Shops, Stations, Yards.. We were given an in-depth tour of the master control center for the high-speed "New Tokaido Line".. You had to "take your shoes off" before entering!
The room had TWO giant "Model Boards" in a concave configuration. The LEFT half as I recall was for control or dispatching of trains--the RIGHT half was for overall electrical power control and distribution.
Although maybe it was the other way around-- Oh well!
At the big Tokyo Station, there was a long (15-cars ??) Tokaido Line train sitting there EMPTY !!!
The Guide requested we step inside the CAB with the Engineer/Driver/Motorman... The Guide introduced us and before we could blink our eyes--the door slammed shut--and ZOOM--we were off and running and I thought "WOW".. Where are we going--hadn't even bought a ticket !!
Went out of town about twenty-five miles and ran the train thru an automatic washer. What an experience!
Geez!!
Toured rail yards and all kinds of things. It was the ultimate rail adventure of my entire life, other than my cab ride on the GN over Steven's Pass, also in 1967, before shipping out overseas.
I have never determined how this "sailor boy" lucked out with this grand tour I received. It was unbelievable !!
Later on I thought that maybe they accidentally came up with the notion that I was the "Official Representative of the Railways of the United States" !!!!!! (grin)
No matter-- I had a blast!!
The entire episode, or most of it, was recorded by me on color motion picture film as well as Kodak color prints.
The film includes the scene of going thru the Washer, extensive yard switching operations, manual cleaning of commute trains and so on. The "stills" depict a number of subjects. Maybe I can dig them out and scan some for you guys sometime!
The FILM is on a 400-foot reel along with some five other similar size reels of my Navy Days!! Might be interesting to transcribe part of that JNR stuff onto a DVD or something. Gosh--more film projects !!
By the way, one of the "ceremonies" the NAVY would conduct when your ship crossed the EQUATOR was the official entering into "King Neptune's Realm" .. THAT is a ceremony beyond belief! On my way to Australia, we crossed the EQUATOR and I "was inducted"..
I have the entire thing on FILM and am thinking of submitting it to the History Channel or such. The NAVY had to back off from this time-old tradion because it was considered "HAZING" by officials here and there.
I was on a ship that carried me to a war zone, but also to a railfan's delight!
And remember-- it doesn't hurt to "ASK PERMISSION"
once in a while, does it ??
Maybe Rich Hunn, Mook, and a few others on here could get the UPRR to give them a "Driver" for a look around Bailey Yard in North Platte ! (grin)
Cheers.
"Key Route Ken"
ETR2-- USS OZBOURN (DD-846)
"An Old OAKTOWN Native"
I thought you would enjoy this grand tour I received on the Japanese railway system many years ago, while stationed in that country with the United States Navy... So sit back and Enjoy !!
---------------------------------------
I thought I would relate the story of how I got permission to photograph the inner workings of the various railway facilities and rolling stock of the "Japanese National Railways" (JNR) -- circa 1967 ...
I haven't touched on this exploit with you folks before, so here goes ---
During the nine years I served with the United States Navy, I was stationed at different bases as well as on two Naval destroyers. USS TWINING (DD-540) and USS OZBOURN (DD-846).
It was during the height of the Vietnam conflict that I was assigned to USS OZBOURN and homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. Our primary mission was to participate in "Operation Sea Dragon" where we shelled the various areas of North Vietnam.
In January-1968, I was also with the OZBOURN when the Commander-7th Fleet selected "US" to attempt a rescue mission of the USS PUEBLO which had been seized by the North Koreans. This was quite an operation in itself (Operation Formation Star) and pretty scary too. Most media today believe that the U.S. never attempted a rescue mission. WRONG !!
More on this story at some other time !!
While stationed in Yokosuka, Japan for two years, I frequently would take trips to other Japanese cities to see the sights, when our ship was going to be in port long enough to use some "leave" time.
One day, while out at sea, I drafted a letter to the main office in Tokyo, of the Japanese National Railways.
My request was simple and straight-forward. I wanted to get permission to SEE and FILM some of their general operations not normally available to the Public.
I explained that I was a U. S. Sailor and that I belonged to a handful of railroad-oriented clubs and so forth.
After two or three weeks went by-- maybe longer-- I received a letter from a gentleman at the "JNR" ..
My "request" had been granted !!!
I was directed to meet with the gentleman in his office at the massive "JNR Building" in Tokyo next time my ship was in port. I used to travel from Yokosuka to Tokyo either by Taxi or Train ... The taxis were small but crazy and fun to ride in, with a crazy Japanese driver.
The fare was 1500 Yen-- about $5.00 at the time for a sixty or so mile trip.
But the narrow-gauge electric trains were fantastic too.
When I got to Tokyo, I had a room reserved at the "Tokyo Station Hotel" --just down the street from the JNR Building. There seemed to be a "zillion" tracks right outside my bedroom window--it was fantastic !
About 9:30 am the next morning, I went to the JNR Building and took the elevator up to about the 20-something floor..
A secretary greeted me and introduced me to my "English-speaking Guide"--the gentleman who had replied to my letter. He "offered me a drink" which I whole heartedly accepted and we sat down and discussed the days plans.
It was THEN that I found out that two gentlemen from INDIA were going with me as well.
It was THEN that I also found out that we would be provided with a "driver" with a Limo to take us around here and there.
YES--that's what I said-- I would have a "driver" ...
We went everywhere imaginable on the JNR around Tokyo and outline areas. Locomotive facilities, Shops, Stations, Yards.. We were given an in-depth tour of the master control center for the high-speed "New Tokaido Line".. You had to "take your shoes off" before entering!
The room had TWO giant "Model Boards" in a concave configuration. The LEFT half as I recall was for control or dispatching of trains--the RIGHT half was for overall electrical power control and distribution.
Although maybe it was the other way around-- Oh well!
At the big Tokyo Station, there was a long (15-cars ??) Tokaido Line train sitting there EMPTY !!!
The Guide requested we step inside the CAB with the Engineer/Driver/Motorman... The Guide introduced us and before we could blink our eyes--the door slammed shut--and ZOOM--we were off and running and I thought "WOW".. Where are we going--hadn't even bought a ticket !!
Went out of town about twenty-five miles and ran the train thru an automatic washer. What an experience!
Geez!!
Toured rail yards and all kinds of things. It was the ultimate rail adventure of my entire life, other than my cab ride on the GN over Steven's Pass, also in 1967, before shipping out overseas.
I have never determined how this "sailor boy" lucked out with this grand tour I received. It was unbelievable !!
Later on I thought that maybe they accidentally came up with the notion that I was the "Official Representative of the Railways of the United States" !!!!!! (grin)
No matter-- I had a blast!!
The entire episode, or most of it, was recorded by me on color motion picture film as well as Kodak color prints.
The film includes the scene of going thru the Washer, extensive yard switching operations, manual cleaning of commute trains and so on. The "stills" depict a number of subjects. Maybe I can dig them out and scan some for you guys sometime!
The FILM is on a 400-foot reel along with some five other similar size reels of my Navy Days!! Might be interesting to transcribe part of that JNR stuff onto a DVD or something. Gosh--more film projects !!
By the way, one of the "ceremonies" the NAVY would conduct when your ship crossed the EQUATOR was the official entering into "King Neptune's Realm" .. THAT is a ceremony beyond belief! On my way to Australia, we crossed the EQUATOR and I "was inducted"..
I have the entire thing on FILM and am thinking of submitting it to the History Channel or such. The NAVY had to back off from this time-old tradion because it was considered "HAZING" by officials here and there.
I was on a ship that carried me to a war zone, but also to a railfan's delight!
And remember-- it doesn't hurt to "ASK PERMISSION"
once in a while, does it ??
Maybe Rich Hunn, Mook, and a few others on here could get the UPRR to give them a "Driver" for a look around Bailey Yard in North Platte ! (grin)
Cheers.
"Key Route Ken"
ETR2-- USS OZBOURN (DD-846)
"An Old OAKTOWN Native"
| Subject | Written By | Date/Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|
 Japanese National Railways-- a "KRK" adventure! |
KRK | 10-15-2013 - 16:42 |
|
Re: Japanese National Railways-- a "KRK" adventure!
|
Tony Johnson | 10-15-2013 - 16:57 |