Background and overview
JR Kyushu developed class kiroshi47 deluxe excursion diesel multiple unit (DMU) train provisionally called the "Sweets Train Aru Ressha (Aru Ressha means a certain train in English)" in order to displace superannuated open coaches train, "TORO-Q" in 2015. The name "Sweets Train" derives from the sweets served on board. Class kiroshi47 vehicles were converted from kiha47 176 and kiha47 1505 which JR Shikoku had owned and withdrawn. They are intended to replicate the design and ambience of the luxury Brill coaches purchased by the Kyushu Railway in 1908. The purchase occurred just before the company was nationalized under the Railway Nationalization Act and the cars were never put into service. The rebuilding project was overseen by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka.
Car body
Kiroshi47 9176 was converted from kiha47 176 and kiroshi47 3505 was from
kiha47 1505. The gangway connection base fitted in front of the vehicle
was removed and the windows fitted on the gangway door at the front was
changed into oval shape. An additional headlight is fitted at the centre
of the roof. Ornament plates designing arabesque pattern in gold and black
made of brass and stainless steel were fitted on the wainscot of the cab
section and the rear side. The front doorways of kiroshi47 3505 and the
rear of kirosh47 9176 were filled with the plates by welding. Remaining
doorways adopting double-leaf automatic sliding doors feature stained glass.
Windows were changed into fixed decorated with an arched ornament above
and golden band plates around. Wainscot panels are also decorated with
golden band plates fitted horizontally and vertically. Original windows
not facing seating were filled with plates by welding and fitted with brass
emblems. Loudspeakers are fitted on each side of the body. Their bodies
are painted in gold and black. They employ a prime mover driven air conditioner,
AU619K, rated at 20,600kcal/h and a self-powered air conditioner, AU620K,
rated at 20,000kcal/h. Two indoor units are fitted on their roof and two
outdoor units are fitted under their floor. Ventilators are removed.
Bogies
A kiroshi47 9176 vehicle is equipped with a powered bogie, DT22D, and a trailer bogie, TR51C which were transplanted from kiha47 176 vehicle, featuring pedestal guide type journal supporting system, coil springs secondary suspension, 1-axle drive, and variable damping force damper to ensure smooth ride characteristics. A kiroshi47 3505 vehicle is equipped with a powered bogie, DT44BK, which is modified from DT44A transplanted from scrapped vehicles and introduces 2-axle drive, and a trailer bogie, TR227, transplanted from kiha47 1505, adopting air suspension bogies.
Traction unit and ancillary equipments
Their prime mover is changed into SA6D125H-1A of Komatsu Limited with a
power output of 300PS and their hydraulic transmission gear is changed
into TACN-22-1612A of Niigata Converter Co. in order to improve the running
performance. A diesel generator, DCA-6LSX, of Denyo CO., Ltd. is fitted
under their floor to supply electricity with power output of 6kVA to the
refrigerator cooling sweets served on board. Their brake system is the
automatic electromagnetic (CLE) pneumatic brake with compression release
engine brake.
Accommodation
Kiroshi47 9176
This accommodation is fitted out with maple wood, ceiling paneled with ivory plasterworks, and thick carpets throughout. Seats are arranged in groups of four or two, featuring open plan arranged with five 2-seat sofa bays and three 4-seat sofa bays. A refrigerator to cool sweets is located at the front and a buffet counter serving course meal and having wooden counter table is at the end. Wooden roller blinds, muntin lattice screens, and sliding curtains are fitted on the windows. Many muntin ornaments were also displayed throughout the passenger saloon. An original toilet kiha47 176 fitted with was removed.
Kiroshi47 3505
This accommodation is fitted out with darker walnut wood and luminous ceiling by LED diming lighting throughout. Eight compartments separated by lattice screens the part of which can vertically slide to open. Wooden roller blinds, muntin lattice screens, and sliding curtains are fitted on the windows. A buffet counter serving drinks with wooden counter table is located at the end. A western style toilet and a universal access toilet are located at the front. The floor in front of the toilets and a buffet counter is paved with marble.
Operations
Kiroshi47 vehicles have run round trip journeys between the Oita and Hita
stations on the Kyudai line since August, 2015. They also run on Kagoshima,
Sasebo, Ohmura, and Nagasaki lines. |
|
