The Doctor Yellow inspection trains for Shinkansen lines in Japan are set to be retired due to aging and other factors.
Central Japan Railway Company and West Japan Railway Company announced their plans on Thursday. JR Central plans to retire theirs in January next year, and JR West in 2027 or later.
The yellow diagnostic trains based on the N700 series are used on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines to check the condition of tracks and other facilities. The seven-car trains make inspection trips about every 10 days.
N700S Shinkansen trains with special equipment are expected to take over the inspection work.
The public cannot ride Doctor Yellow trains except for special occasions, and their schedules are not disclosed. Spotting one is said to bring happiness, and they are popular among train fans.