Michelle ThompsonRail business swamped with demands after putting up for sale 50 old trolleys from the Tokyo-Osaka shinkansen route.
They are basic, functional devices that have slid flawlessly along bullet train aisles for decades, bringing goodies for millions of hungry passengers as they travel at speeds of up to 300km/h (186mph).
However, the basic food and beverage trolleys of one of Japan’s shinkansen routes have become an unexpected must-have item in canteens and household kitchens across the country.
The carts, which can hold up to 50kg of food and drink, went on sale in January after Central Japan Railway Company discontinued food and drink sales on the popular Tokyo to Osaka shinkansen route, citing staff shortages and a lack of demand from passengers who buy snacks for the 500-kilometer journey from railway station outlets before boarding.
The firm first intended to trash the artifacts but was persuaded to put them up for sale by train fans who wanted to secure a slice of Japanese railway history – for ¥100,000 (£528) per cart.
When online bids to get one of the 50 carts available concluded earlier this month, the firm stated it had received 1,942 bids for a total of 2,432 carts.
Enthusiasts, who were each allowed two bids, reportedly included school cafeterias and people dreaming that the contraptions will one day grace their kitchen.
The 110cm high, 33cm broad trolleys became a feature of high-speed rail travel immediately after the shinkansen, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, began operation ahead of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
According to the Asahi Shimbun, they include rear brakes that automatically lock when catering personnel take their hands off the steering lever, and the front wheel can be manoeuvred to overcome uneven ground between train cars.
The carts had over 60 things, including soft and alcoholic beverages, bento boxes, chocolate, and snacks. However, many travelers on the road would remember them for their “too hard” ice cream, which was refrigerated with dry ice to allow for slow consumption on long rides, with some resting it on top of a sealed hot coffee to soften it.
Fans of bullet train coffee and ice cream may now purchase the goods from vending machines located on stations.
