Two views from the Osaka area in late July.

JRF_EF66-35GB_280709

JR FREIGHT(JRF) EF66-0 Bo-Bo-Bo 1,500V dc electric locomotive No. 35 shows off its shapely lines as it hums over the level crossing at Higashi-Yodogawa station (one stop north of Shin-Osaka), Osaka Prefecture, with an eastbound container service on July 28th, 2009. In the background, on the left, can be seen a sign for one of Japan’s ubiquitous Pachinko parlours - a national obsession!

JR貨物 EF66-0 Bo-Bo-Bo 直流1500V 電気機関車 35 @ 東淀川駅、大阪府、日本、2009年7月28日。

JRW_485-A08GB_280709

Wearing the tasteful tan/burgundy livery, JR West/West Japan Railway 485 Series EMU set No. A08 (with driving trailer 481-2302 leading) approaches the busy level crossing and station at Higashi-Yodogawa, Osaka Prefecture, with a Kanazawa to Osaka ‘Raichō’ (雷鳥, or Thunderbird/Ptarmigan) limited express on a miserable July 28th (2009) afternoon.

JR西日本 485系 特急あいづ A08 雷鳥 @ 東淀川駅、大阪府、日本、2009年7月28日。