Background and overview
JR Kyushu delivered additional 817 series EMU having some improvements in order to replace superannuated 457 series and 475 series used on Kagoshima and Nippo lines in Kagoshima region. They are classified into -1100 subseries and 4 two-car sets consisting of a powered vehicle and a trailer vehicle were delivered in March 2007.
They employed larger LED destination indicators fitted on the cab end and body side to improve visibility. This change made the height of side windows below the destination indicator smaller. Their motor-driven air compressor was changed into scroll type, MH1092-SC1100K, to improve workability in maintenance. An additional sliding door is fitted at the gangway connection facing to another vehicle for fire protection. They are not equipped with the equipments for conductor-less operation but just prepared to be fitted.
Modification
They were scheduled to undergo a programme of refurbishment from 2021. Their accommodation was changed into longitudinal seating by removement of armrests, setback fixedness, and direction change of existing flip-over transverse seating and they were renumbered into -1600 subseries. At the same time, fold-down ancillary seating located at the doorway was gotten rid of, and external security cameras were fitted on the side of the vehicle for driver only operation.
Operations
They entered revenue services and are now used on the Fukuhoku-Yutaka line regional and rapid services. |
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