Background and overview
JR Shikoku modified Class 1000 DMU vehicles operating in the Tokushima area in 2006 to enable multiple unit operation with the newly introduced Class 1500 DMU fleet. A total of 18 vehicles were converted to Class 1200 between June 2006 and October 2008.
Car body
The vehicles have carbodies measuring 21,300 mm in length and 2,894 mm
in width, with a bogie centre distance of 14,400 mm. The structure is constructed
primarily of stainless steel to achieve a lightweight body, except for
the bolster beams, the end sections of the centre beam, and several cross
beams, which are made of weatherproof steel plate (Steel Plate Atmospheric).
The exterior skin consists of unpainted, bead-stiffened stainless-steel
panels with green vertical bands at the doors located at both ends.
The gangwayed cab end, constructed from steel, incorporates a low profile
driver's cab designed for conductor less operation. Curved windscreens
are employed, and a destination rollsign is installed above the gangway
door. Two rectangular sealed beam headlights and rectangular taillights
are mounted below the windscreens. Hinged crew doors are located beside
the driver's cab.
Each vehicle is equipped with two 850 mm-wide single-leaf automatic sliding doors located immediately behind the cabs, actuated by TK105 pneumatic direct-drive mechanisms, and a 1,300 mm-wide double‑leaf sliding door at the centre, actuated by TK106. Door operation buttons are additionally installed beside the doors. A 1,080 mm wide door case window is installed beside the double leaf door, and double hung side windows—featuring an upper sash that lowers and a lower sash that raises—are located between the doors.
Two outdoor units of the self powered AU26 air conditioning system, each rated at 16,000 kcal/h, are installed beneath the floor. When the available power is insufficient for air conditioner operation, the prime mover supplements the supply. The vehicles are also equipped with two bus type ventilation fans and two indoor air conditioning units mounted on the roof. The exhaust pipe of the prime mover is located immediately in front of the right hand front door.
The original couplers were replaced with tight lock automatic couplers equipped with automatic jumper couplers to facilitate rapid coupling during rush up operations.
Bogies
They are equipped with an S-DT57 powered bogie and an S-TR57 trailer bogie,
featuring bolster-less secondary air suspension, a journal-supporting system
combining buffer rubbers and spring suspension, and a Watts-linkage traction
device. The powered bogie employs a two-axle drive system to enhance anti‑slip
performance. Both bogie types are fitted with single-tread brake rigging.
Traction unit and ancillary equipment
They are powered by an SA6D125-H four cycle straight six diesel prime mover with an output of 400 PS, equipped with an exhaust gas driven turbocharger and an aftercooler. The hydraulic transmission, classified as type DW14C, features a three element single stage torque converter, a multi plate wet clutch, and a two stage direct coupled range. The prime mover and hydraulic transmission are controlled by a programmable logic controller to reduce the amount of control equipment and improve overall reliability.
The braking system is an electric command pneumatic brake supplemented by both engine braking and an exhaust brake. When the engine brake and exhaust brake are unable to provide the required braking force, the pneumatic brake system compensates accordingly.
Accommodation
The interior features a combination of longitudinal bench seating and transverse bucket style seating bays arranged symmetrically. Hand straps are installed above the longitudinal seating. The passenger saloons are illuminated by two rows of fluorescent light fixtures. A water heating system is provided. The air conditioning duct is installed above the ceiling to improve the interior appearance, and slit shaped air conditioning vents are employed. A universal access toilet is additionally installed immediately in front of the rear door.
The cab is a left side compartment type designed for conductor less operation.
Ticket issuing machines, which dispense boarding station tickets, are located
behind the driver's cab; fare boxes are positioned beside the driver's
cab; and seven segment fare chart displays are mounted above the gangway
door. The master controller adopts a lateral motion operating handle.
Operations
One Class 1200 vehicle was converted when eight Class 1500 vehicles were delivered in 2006, and it entered rural service in the Tokushima area alongside the Class 1500 fleet. An additional eighteen Class 1200 vehicles were converted when seven more Class 1500 vehicles were delivered in 2008, and these also entered rural service.
Class 1200 vehicles are currently operated on rural services on the Kotoku, Tokushima, Mugi, and Naruto Lines. |
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