Since Kiha40 series DMU, which were built in order to displace kiha17 series
DMU, have too heavy equipment to use for rural services. So, Japan National
Railways (JNR) developed the new light diesel train, Kiha37 diesel multiple
unit (DMU), which can decrease the initial and running cost.
The standard formation Kiha37 is 2 cars. They are equipped with 2 single-leaf
doors on each side of the body. A door located at the rear is fitted near
the centre of the body. Their body is 1300mm shorter and 100mm narrower
than that of Kiha40 series.
Kiha37 adopts DT22E/TR51D reused from withdrawn DMU vehicles.
Kiha37 adopts an inline-six diesel engine, DMF13S rated at 210PS, featuring
a direct injection and a turbo charger. DMF13S manufactured by NIIGATA
ENGINEERING CO., LTD. is based on the diesel engine designed for the ship.
The hydraulic transmission gear is TC2A/DF115A from withdrawn superannuated
DMU trains.
Seating is longitudinal throughout. Kiha37-0 vehicles are equipped with
a Japanese style toilet.
Although Kiha37 DMU vehicles are not air-conditioned, JR West fitted the
air conditioner, AU34 in 1994, and JR East fitted AU26 in 1998. JR West
transplanted the traction engine of Kiha37 DMU to SA6D125H-1 of Komatsu
Limited. JR East transplanted the traction engine to DMF14FZ of Cummins
INC., US., in order to improve the running performance.
Kiha37 vehicles had been used on the rural services of Kakogawa line in
Hyogo Pref. and Kururi line in Chiba Pref. All Kiha37 vehicles had been
withdrawn in 2012.
JNR discontinued delivering kiha37 after delivering pre-production vehicles.
Later many classes of new DMU trains adopt a new diesel engine, DMF13HS,
which is changed into flat-six arrangement. |
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