KiHa 201 series

The KiHa 201 series (キハ201系) is a tilting diesel multiple unit (DMU) train type operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) on Sapporo area suburban services in Hokkaido, Japan since 1997.[1] The KiHa 201 trains are designed to work in multiple with 731 series electric multiple unit (EMU) sets with which it shares numerous features, including appearance, interior layout, bodyshell and control systems. These daily interworkings are the only diesel-electric multiple working in Japan.[2] To allow them to work alongside faster and more powerful EMUs, KiHa 201 units are uniquely fitted with pneumatic tilting bogies designed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and used on KiHa 261 series express trains.

For the JNR electric multiple unit operated by JR East & JR West, see 201 series.
KiHa 201 series
KiHa 201 series in January 2010
In service1997–Present
ManufacturerFuji Heavy Industries
Constructed1996–1997
Number built12 vehicles (4 sets)
Number in service12 vehicles (4 sets)
Formation3 cars per trainset
Fleet numbersD-101–104
Operator(s)JR Hokkaido
Depot(s)Naebo
Line(s) servedHakodate Main Line, Sassho Line
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Car length21,670 mm (end cars)
21,300 mm (intermediate cars)
Width2,800 mm
Height4,012 mm
Doors3 per side
Maximum speed130 km/h (81 mph)
Prime mover(s)N-DMF13HZE (450 hp) x2 per car
Power output2,700 hp per 3-car set
TransmissionHydraulic
BogiesN-DT201
Multiple working731 series EMU
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Formation

The fleet is formed as four 3-car sets, D-101–104, as follows.[3][4]

Designation Mc1MMc2
Numbering KiHa 201-100KiHa 201-200KiHa 201-300
Weight (t) 40.038.040.0
Capacity
Total/seated		 141/50153/52141/50

Interior

Seating consists of longitudinal bench seating throughout.[3] The KiHa 201-200 cars are fitted with a toilet.[5] For greater capacity and shorter loading times, features typical to trains in Hokkaido, such as entrance vestibules designed to keep passenger compartments warm, are for the first time replaced by individually-opening semi-automatic doors and infrared heating.

History
KiHa 201 series DMU running in multiple with a 731 series EMU in January 2009

The first set was delivered from Fuji Heavy Industries to Naebo Depot in December 1996,[5] and the fleet of four sets entered revenue service from the start of 22 March 1997 timetable revision.[3]

Polycarbonate window covers were fitted to the fleet between June and September 2002.[5]

Services

Operating on the Hakodate Main Line between Rankoshi, Sapporo and Ebetsu, these commuter units are used on local and Ishikari Liner and Niseko Liner Rapid services, formerly operating on the Sassho Line before its electrification in 2012, as well as the Chitose Line. Multiple workings with 731 series EMUs are currently limited to one single trip a day.

Unlike other DMUs operated by JR Hokkaido, KiHa 201s are not equipped for driver only operation. Services on lines - such as on the Sassho Line pre-electrification - where most trains operate with the driver only still require conductors when KiHa 201s are used.

References
  1. Haraguchi, Takayuki (2009). Encyclopedia of JR's Railway Cars: JR全車輌. Japan: Sekai Bunka. p. 139. ISBN 978-4-418-09905-4.
  2. JR電車編成表 2010夏 [JR EMU Formations - Summer 2010]. Japan: JRR. May 2010. p. 2. ISBN 978-4-330-14310-1.
  3. JR全車輌ハンドブック2009 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2009]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2009. ISBN 978-4-7770-0836-0.
  4. JR気動車客車編成表 '04年版 [JR DMU & Coaching Stock Formations - 2004]. Japan: JRR. 1 July 2004. ISBN 978-4-88283-125-9.
  5. Nishiwaki, Kōji (September 2011). "JR各社の新世代気動車の現状　JR北海道キハ201形" [The Current Situation of JR Group Modern DMUs: JR Hokkaido KiHa 201]. Japan Railfan Magazine. Vol. 51 no. 605. Japan: Kōyūsha. pp. 92–94.
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