However, 80 series JNR train-cars, which were developed in 1950 under Shima's leadership for local trains on the Tokaido railway line, were initially considered being suited for short-distance use, but it was verified that they also exhibited superior performances in long-distance operations as well, providing, after that, the motive force to promote use of electric train-cars and diesel train-cars in the regular railway lines of JNR.
しかしながら、彼の指揮の下で1950年に開発された東海道線普通列車用の国鉄80系電車は、短距離向けと見られていた電車が、長距離運転にも優れた特性を発揮するという事実を実証し、その後国鉄の在来線に電車・気動車の普及を進める原動力となった。