Back to Page 18: Shasta Route trains - the fastest solution
The type 283 tilting DMUs of JR Hokkaido have been developed for the very tight curvature between Sapporo and Kushiro. Running time of the "Super Ozora" Limited Express was reduced from 4:43h to 3:34h with these trains. An average of 61 mph is an impressive result with the restrictions of this route.
The snowshed covers a siding switch. Due to winter conditions in the mountains of Hokkaido, this is a standard arrangement on this part of the Nemuro line.
© Rodney Williams. On his own website with railroad photos, you'll find more winter pictures taken in northern Japan.