Before Shinkansen

 

Odakyu 3000 series SE (Super Express) was introduced as a high-performance express train in 1957. In the same year it achieved the world’s highest speed of 145 km/h, on a narrow-gauge railway. This record gave impetus for the design of the first Shinkansen, the 0 Series.

3000 series SE was a “Romancecar” electric multiple unit (EMU) train type operated by the Odakyu Electric Railway in the Tokyo area.