Kiha80 series DMU trains used for intercity services on unelectrified lines
gained a good reputation, but Kiha80 series were more powerless than Kiha58
series consisted by only 2 engined vehicles used for the express services
because end cars of Kiha80 series were 1 engined vehicles because of fitting
a diesel generator powered for air conditioners. So Kiha80 series could
not enter the intercity services operated on graded mountain routes. So,
Japanese national Railways (JNR) developed Kiha181 series intercity diesel
multiple unit (DMU) trains employing high power prime movers in 1968.
Their body design incorporates lightweight shaped steel and press forming
beam for light weight. The body construction is basically same as that
of Kiha80 series, featuring sealed double-glazed windows. Their body differ
from those of Kiha80 series in having 200mm longer body and employing the
folding doors. Intermediate engined cars, Kiro180 and Kiha180, are equipped
with natural draft engine cooling radiators on the roof. The end cars are
equipped with the forced draft engine cooling radiator. Destination indicator
screens are fitted on the side of their body. They employ tight lock type
automatic couplers with the electric jumper coupler.
Bogies are DT36B/TR205B/TR205C featuring bolster air suspension, link type journal box supporting system, and anti-rolling stabilizer to ensure smooth ride characteristics. DT36B features 2 axle drive. Brake devices are tread brake.
Kiha181 series are equipped with a prime mover, DML30HS rated at 500PS,
excepting intermediate trailer restaurant car, Kisashi180. Hydraulic transmission
gears employing automatic synchronized claw clutch are DW4C, which switches
between shift stage and lockup stage automatically by using the detector
of the rotational speed ratio.
The brake system is the automatic electromagnetic (CLE) air brake, incorporating
the engine braking and convertor braking.
1st class cars have adjustable reclining seating with 1160mm seating pitch,
two washrooms, a western style toilet and a Japanese style toilet. Standard
class cars have rotatable transverse seating with 910mm seating pitch,
a washroom and a Japanese style toilet. The air conditioner is AU13S.
Kiha181 series built from 1968 differ from earlier Kiha181 series in adopting
new bogies, DT40/TR219, TR219A, TR219B, employing disc brakes to improve
the brake performance, and minor improved hydraulic transmission gears,
DW4E, which employing multi-plate wet clutch. Besides, All DW4Cs were remodeled
into DW4E later.
The journal box supporting system of Kiha181 series was changed into the
pedestal in the later years.
After Kiha181 series entered "Shinano" intercity services of the Chuo line, Kiha82 series used on "Tsubasa" intercity services were continuously displaced with Kiha181 series in 1969. Then Kiha181 series entered "Oki" intercity services of the Hakubi line in 1971 and entered intercity services in Shikoku in 1972. After the Chuo line, the Ohu line and the Hakubi line were electrified, Kiha181 series were transferred to Sanin region and displaced with superannuated Kiha82 series used on intercity services of the Sanin line. After Kiha185 series diesel multiple unit trains and 2000 series tilting diesel multiple unit trains were delivered for the intercity services in Shikoku, Kiha181 series used in Shikoku were withdrawn completely. In addition, Kiha181 series used on the intercity services in Sanin region began to be displaced with Kiha187 series tilting diesel multiple unit in 2001. Finally, remaining superannuated Kiha181 series used on "Hamakaze" intercity services were displaced with Kiha189 series diesel multiple unit trains. |
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