Container Flatcar, Japan, Koki 50000

History: The KOKI 50000 was introduced in 1971, with the ability to carry 20-foot containers for rail/truck use. Similarly to the KOKI 10000, this was based on the open-deck side-frame design used in the KOKI 5500. The standard top speed was 95 kph, but some variants for 100 kph (series 250000) and 110 kph (series 350000) use were created. When JR Freight adopted these, the standard red color was changed to green on the 250000 series cars, as they were no longer always used in dedicated express trains. Some 350000 series trains with “electromagnetic brakes” were created, and painted “Shonan Orange” to distinguish them from other cars. The general 50000-series trains are apparently still in use, but are being replaced by the KOKI 107. Some were also converted to TIKI 100 and TIKI 900 series flatcars.

The KOKIFU 50000 is a variant incorporating the conductor’s room on the end, as the YO caboose cannot be used at the operating speed of the KOKI 10000 and 50000.

Read more of Japanese freight cars on Sumida Crossing website.