Kamome

Kamome

300px 885 series Shiroi Kamome
Overview
Service type	Limited express
First service	1937
Current operator(s)	JR Kyushu
Route
Line used	Kagoshima Main Line, Nagasaki Main Line
Technical
Rolling stock	783 series, 885 series EMUs
Operating speed	130 km/h (80 mph)

File:885SeriesKamomeInterior.jpg

Interior of 885 series Kamome

Kamome (かもめ) is a limited express train operated by JR Kyushu in Japan. It operates between Hakata and Nagasaki on the Kagoshima Main Line and the Nagasaki Main Line. Kamome means seagull in Japanese.

History

The Kamome name (written as "鷗") was first used from 1 July 1937 on limited express trains operating between Tokyo and Kobe. This service continued until February 1943.

The name (written as "かもめ") was subsequently revived from 15 March 1953 for use on limited express services operating between Kyoto and Hakata. This service was discontinued in March 1975 with the completion of the Sanyō Shinkansen to Hakata.

The service in its current form commenced on 1 July 1976, coinciding with electrification of the Nagasaki Main Line (initially operating between Kokura and Nagasaki, later between Hakata and Nagasaki) using 485 series EMUs.

Rolling stock

Rolling stock currently used

• 783 series EMUs (initially branded Hyper Saloon, since 1989)
• 885 series tilting EMUs (branded Shiroi Kamome and Shiroi Sonic, since 2000)

Rolling stock used in the past

File:JRKyushu485 KamomeExpress.jpg

485 series, December 1992

• 485 series EMUs
• 787 series EMUs

Station stops

Stations in parentheses are not served by all trains.

• Hakata - (Futsukaichi) - Tosu - Shin-Tosu - Saga - (Hizen-Yamaguchi) - Hizen-Kashima - Isahaya - Urakami - Nagasaki

Special stops

• Balloon Saga: Some trains heading towards Nagasaki stop here during the Saga International Balloon Fiesta.
• Tara: Some trains stop here during the crab season (generally December to February).

References

• JR Timetable, December 2008