A railway enthusiasts' group has launched a crowdfunding campaign to restore Kobe Electric Railway's De 101 series. It plans to raise ¥3.8 million and complete restoration of the remaining half of car No. 101 by 2028, the centenary of the company's founding.
The De 101 series, a mainstay of Kobe Electric Railway introduced nearly 100 years ago, is being restored by the De 101 Preservation Team, a group formed by railway enthusiasts, which has launched a crowdfunding campaign. The target is ¥3.8 million. Using the only car to escape dismantling as the restoration base, the group has already restored half of the paintwork and the marker lights, and aims to complete the remaining half by November 2028, the month marking the company's centenary.
The De 101 series was introduced in 1929 by Kobe Arima Electric Railway, the predecessor of Kobe Electric Railway, with 10 cars numbered 101–110. The cars were gradually phased out in the 1960s. Car No. 101, the last one remaining, was used as an on-site shunting vehicle until 2016. It was characterised by a rugged undercarriage, in contrast to the refined appearance of its wooden ceiling and exterior.
Restoration of half the car has already progressed. The group is expected to continue restoring the paintwork and marker lights on the remaining half, as part of a restoration plan tied to the company's centenary in 2028.