With the increase in population to the west of Otaru, JR Hokkaido needed high performance DMU to operate on the rural services of the non-electrified Hakodate line. Then JR Hokkaido developed Kiha201 series in 1996.
3-car unit includes intermediate powered vehicle classified into class
kiha201-300, and end powered vehicles classified into Kiha201-100/-300.
Kiha201-300 vehicles have the toilet. Bodies are constructed by lightweight
stainless steel. Seating consists of longitudinal bench seating throughout.
Kiha201 series vehicles differ from the former DMU used on the rural services
in discontinuing the partition door of the doorway and having the air curtains
on doorways for preventing from open-air coming in.
Kiha201 series are equipped with 2 traction engines, N-DMF13HZE, rated
at 450PS a vehicle and are equipped with hydraulic transmission gears,
N-DW16 in order to achieve maximum service speed at 130km/h and high acceleration
performance. As the result, Kiha201 series can be operated in multiple
with 731 series EMU.
Bolster-less bogies are used and their journal box supporting system is axle arm type like 731 series. The diameter of wheels is reduced to 810mm compared with 860mm on other vehicles, in order to make the floor level lower. Vehicle bodies can be tilted by up to 2 degrees using air suspension, when traveling at the curve. The brake system is the electric command brake, incorporating the exhaust braking.
Now Kiha201 series are used on Sapporo area suburban services. |
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