Toei Class E5000 Locomotive

Background

This locomotive is used to move trains from Toei Oedo Line to Magome Rolling Stock Inspection Yard via Toei Asakusa Line.

Toei Oedo Line is opened on December 12, 2000. This line implemented a system called linear motor propulsion, where the train use alternating electromagnetic field to propel itself forward (like a maglev train). This system makes the train operating on the Oedo Line unable to operate on other lines. Even though technically conventional rotary motor train can operate in the Oedo Line, the smaller tunnel and loading gauge prevent such thing to happen. This makes the Oedo Line a closed loop system and only the Class E5000 can go in and out of the line.

Toei originally planned to build a brand new inspection yard for the Oedo Line, however, budget constraints prevent the construction to happen and the renovation of the Magome Inspection Yard is already planned. As such, Toei build the Shiodome Connecting Tunnel, to connect the Oedo Line and the Asakusa Line. This enable the Oedo Line trains to be towed to Magome Inspection Yard through the tunnel and Asakusa Line. The Class E5000 serves as the tow locomotive to pull trains from Oedo Line to Magome Yard and vice versa.

Features

Toei Class E5000 have features that enable it to run on both Oedo and Asakusa Line and into Magome Yard. This locomotive is two mechanically joined electric locomotive, both locomotive have 2 bogies with 2 axles each to keep the load weight below the maximum limit on the subway lines ('EH' form in Japanese naming system). Train number 1 (odd numbered) features two tall pantograph to reach the overhead line in Asakusa Line and Magome Yard as they have normal size loading gauge. Train number 2 (even numbered) features one lower pantograph to accommodate the shorter overhead line in Oedo Line.

The design is emphasized on functionality and the cabin have a wide single windshield. On both ends, E5000 features a close-contact coupler with electrical coupling, the coupler's height can be adjusted to match the Oedo Line train at 550mm or Asakusa Line train at 880mm. There are camera right above the coupler for the ease of monitoring and coupling/decoupling.

Control

AG1 : Car 1 pantograph + Engine
AG2 : Car 2 pantograph + Engine
(AG1 and AG2 have different engine for.... realisticness)
Trim : Throttle, both forward and backward
AG3 : Headlight and taillight, automatic switch front and back according to throttle.
AG4 : Express Light
VTOL : Set coupler height (explained in pictures below)

Low Coupler Height

High Coupler Height