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The train designed in the image of Galaxy Express 999 ran the tracks of Seibu Railways for many years, gathering popularity along the way. Countless fans attended the farwell event held on Dec. 20 after it ceased operations due to becoming obsolete in December 2014. However, the voices of those wishing to revive the train was so strong it resulted in launching the Galaxy Express 999 Realization Project, the crowdfunding for which has started on July 7.
Carrying the project forward are Leiji Matsumoto, the author of the original manga, Seibu Railways, the Amaneri Association, the Institute of Creative Industries & Culture, and the cyber agents operating the crowdfunding website Makuake who raise the necessary funds for the project.
In addition, a fictitious society called “Galaxy Express 999 Science” was established with Leiji Matsumoto appointed as honorary executive committee director. The society’s aim is to develop the means to attempt recreating fictional things in the real world with the help of various researchers and cooperating companies.
Besides the outer Galaxy Express 999 design, the Galaxy Express 999 Realization Project is pursuing an interior that convincingly recreates the world of Galaxy Express 999. They aspire to implement advanced technology, run the train for various events, and serve regional cooperation.
They are planning to use an eight-car train from the 20,000 series, and they are recruiting a supporting company for each train car. The ultimate goal of the project is to have a futuristic steam-engine-shaped train running on the Seibu Line.
The crowdfunding is aimed at individuals, offering donation tiers ranging from ¥5,000 to ¥100,000. Donations comes with rewards such as being among the first to ride the train, a strap that has your name on it, or a tour of train-wrapping work along with first-hand experience. Being able to take pictures of the New Galaxy Express 999 train prior to its public unveiling is also a perk. Making a donation of the highest tier, ¥100,000, entails a lunch with Leiji Matsumoto and a paperboard of Maetel.
Donations are being accepted until Sept. 29, the goal being ¥29,990,000. The first run of the train is scheduled for December 2015. Don’t forget to check back for follow-ups!
Source: animeanime
