Background and overview
To enhance the public image and reduce travel times on the Hohi Line in response to growing residential development, JR Kyushu developed the class kiha220-1100, a double-ended suburban diesel-hydraulic multiple unit (DMU). This configuration is based on the single-ended class kiha200-1100 DMU, with the addition of a second driving cab installed at the rear end of the carbody to enable bidirectional operation.
In 1996, two vehicles were delivered to the Kumamoto depot, marking a localized fleet enhancement aligned with regional service requirements.
Car body
The vehicles feature steel-constructed bodies measuring 20,800 mm in length and 2,994 mm in width, with a 14,400 mm bogie centre distance. The cab end is equipped with a gangway door, above which a destination rollsign is mounted. Flanking the gangway are two horizontally arranged rectangular headlights and taillights.
Each side of the vehicle is fitted with three double-leaf automatic doors
with steps, each 1,300 mm wide. Door actuators are housed within the door
headers. Between the doors, two pairs of fixed or drop windows measuring
974 mm × 890 mm provide natural light and ventilation.
Additional exterior components on the car sides include a destination rollsign and station broadcast speakers mounted on the frieze panel. Roof-mounted air conditioning comprises two units: a prime mover-driven AU607K rated at 20,600 kcal/h and a self-powered AU608K rated at 20,000 kcal/h. Notably, the design omits roof ventilators. Indoor units are installed in the ceiling, while the outdoor units are positioned beneath the floor.
To maximize the passenger saloon space, the prime mover's exhaust pipe is positioned immediately behind the rear cab. The vehicles also utilize close-contact couplers, designed to accommodate automatic jumper couplers for streamlined multiple-unit operations.
Bogies
The powered bogies used are type DT600KA, while the trailer bogies are type TR600KA. Both types feature bolster-less secondary suspension with air springs, corn-shaped multilayer rubber springs for journal support, and draw gear with a Watts linkage system.
The powered bogies utilize a two-axle drive configuration, supporting traction performance under varied operating conditions. To achieve a lower floor height, both bogie types incorporate bow-shaped frames that allow the bolster suspension mounting points to be positioned below the conventional baseline.
Tapered roller bearings are adopted for axle support, ensuring stable rotational performance and durability under fluctuating loads.
In terms of braking systems, the powered bogies are equipped with single-tread brake rigging, while the trailer bogies feature a combination of single-tread brake rigging and disc brake systems, providing enhanced braking force.
Traction unit and ancillary equipments
The units are powered by a DMF13HZA four-cycle straight-six diesel engine manufactured by Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd., delivering an output of 450 PS. The prime mover incorporates an exhaust-gas-driven turbocharger and an intercooler, enabling a maximum service speed of 110 km/h.
Power is transmitted via an R-DW4 hydraulic transmission system, featuring a jaw clutch and a two-stage direct-coupled drive range. This configuration achieves high mechanical transmission efficiency despite the use of a friction clutch mechanism.
The braking system is electronically controlled and integrates both exhaust braking and holding brake functions, ensuring effective deceleration and operational safety under varied service conditions.
Accommodation
The class kiha220-1100 features flip-over transverse seating throughout the passenger saloon, arranged with a standard seating pitch of 910 mm to support commuter comfort. Some seat armrests are equipped with integrated ashtrays.
A ceiling-mounted air conditioning duct spans the length of the cabin, incorporating slit-type vents to ensure balanced thermal distribution while contributing to the overall interior aesthetics. The system is designed to accommodate optional crossflow blowers for enhanced airflow.
The fluorescent lighting system has been streamlined by omitting lamp covers and reducing the total number of fixtures.
Passenger information is provided via LED displays installed above the door headers of each sliding door. These locations also house door chimes for audible boarding notifications. Hand straps are installed exclusively in the doorway areas to facilitate standing support while maintaining unobstructed passenger flow within the cabin.
At the end-doorway of the vehicle, a fixed trash receptacle is provided.
They are externally identical to the existing kiha200-0 series, with installation of the ticket machine, which put the ticket indicating the boarding station, a fare display and a fare box for conductor-less operation.
Modification
Kiha220-1101
In 2007, kiha220-1101 was retrofitted with a universal access toilet, installed adjacent to the front doorway.
Kiha220-1102
In 2004, kiha220-1102 underwent a series of interior modifications to support
its integration into "Nanohana DX" special rapid services on
the Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line:
- The center doorway was sealed by welding steel plates over the opening,
allowing installation of a longitudinal fixed window.
- The flooring was replaced with wood paneling, enhancing the interior ambiance
for reserved seating use.
- All standard seating was replaced with reclining seats.
Following the discontinuation of "Nanohana DX" services, kiha220-1102
was further modified to accommodate general passenger accessibility:
- Selected seats were replaced with a universal access toilet and a dedicated wheelchair space.
Subsequently, the vehicle was converted into a multi-functional inspection and survey train under the brand name "BIG EYE," used for infrastructure monitoring and special operations.
Operations
They entered revenue services on the Houhi and Kyudai lines in 1997. Then kiha220-1102 was transferred to the "Nanohana DX" special rapid services on the Ibusuki-Makurazaki line in 2004, following extensive interior upgrades tailored for premium reserved seating.
After termination of the "Nanohana DX" service in 2011, the unit
was reassigned to rural operations on the Hohi and Misumi lines, serving
as a conventional passenger DMU.
On the contrary, kiha220-1101 was transferred to "Sea sideliner" rapid services operated on the Nagasaki, Omura, and Sasebo lines in 2007. Eventually, kiha220-1101 was replaced with YC1 series DMU. Now, kiha220-1101 is now used on the rural services on the Kudai and Houhi lines. |
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