Background and overview
Japanese National Railways (JNR) developed kiha183-500 series diesel multiple unit (DMU) featuring some improvements to make shorter trains sets in order to reduce the total amount of vehicles allocated for Hokkaido in August 1986 and delivered 36 vehicles in order to stabilize business bases of JR Hokkaido after the splitting of JNR into the privatized JR companies in 1987.
Car body
They have 2903mm wide body constructed by steel incorporating lightweight
shaped beam and pressed forming beam, 1.6mm thick plate for the skin, and
1.2mm thick weatherproof steel sheet (Steel Plate Atmospheric) for the
roof. They also employ the floor thermal insulator as a protection against
extreme coldness. The cab end section having a gangway door feature raised
driver's cab with high curved glass windscreens to have a commanding view
of the tracks ahead. An external classification headboard is fitted on
the gangway. Two sealed beam headlights are fitted at each side of the
classification headboard and two extra sealed beam headlights and two taillights
are also fitted above the windscreens. 1st class high seating vehicles
are equipped with a 700mm wide single-leaf automatic sliding door and 910mm
wide and 1000mm high horizontal band windows featuring curved double-grazing
glass with 400mm radius aligned each seat. Their floor level is 1750mm,
500mm higher than the other kiha183 series' vehicles to employ high seating
floor. The floor level at the doorway is 1350mm, 150mm higher than the
other vehicles, introduces 2-tier step at the doorway to eliminate the
distance between the platform and the doorway. A 1/12 slopes are provided
between the front of the vehicle and the doorway, and between the rear
of passenger saloon and the end of the vehicle or a 1/8 lope between the
doorway and the front of the passenger saloon to consider the easy passage
of service trolleys. In addition, the floor on which seats are fitted has
a step from the aisle. On the other hand, standard class vehicles are equipped
with a 700mm wide single-leaf sliding stepped door and wide fixed double-grazing
windows aligned two seating bays. In both cases, black coloured aluminum
window frames are fitted from the outside. Their door operating equipment,
TK103C, is fitted above the door header of the sliding door. Traditional
destination rollsigns are fitted on the side of their body. Exhaust pipes
of the prime mover is fitted inside the wall at the end of the vehicle.
1st class bilevel vehicles are equipped with two air conditioners, AU76,
rated at 15,000kcal/h on the end of roof and the other vehicles are equipped
with an air conditioner, AU79, rated at 28,000kcal/h on the centre of their
roof. They are also equipped with two motored intake fans, two forced draught
ventilators, and two sucking ventilators instead of electric powered intake
fan units on the roof. Their livery is white with the orange and vermilion
waistline band running the length of each car below the side windows and
an orange narrow band above the side windows.
Bogies
Powered bogies are DT53 incorporating 1-axle drive and DT54 incorporating 2-axle drive. Trailer bogies are TR239. These bogies incorporate bolster-less secondary air suspension, corn-shaped multilayered rubber spring journal supporting system, and the Z link traction device. These bogies are ready to adopt the ant-yaw dampers to ensure smooth ride characteristics even at 120km/h. Corrugated wheels are also employed for the reduction of unsprung mass. A hollow shaft for driving axle is not applied though kiha183-0 series did. Their gear ratio is changed into 2.417 to raise the service speed up to 120km/h in the future. Their bogies apply the double tread brake device.
Traction unit and ancillary equipments
Class kiha183-1500 end vehicles are powered by a four-cycle flat-six diesel
prime mover, DMF13HS, with a power output of 250PS employing a turbocharger
powered by the flow of exhaust gas and the other vehicles are a four-cycle
180° V12-cylinder diesel prime mover, DML30HSJ, with a power output
of 550PS employing a turbocharger powered by the flow of exhaust gas. Their
hydraulic transmission gear employs constant oil filling type six-member
three-stage torque converter, multi-plate wet clutch featuring constant
oil filling of the hydrodynamic circuit. The hydraulic transmission gear
of class kiha183-1500 vehicles is DW13 and the other vehicles is DW12.
A radiator and heat exhaust fan unit is miniaturized to be fitted under
the floor in order to increase seating capacity. A power generator unit
consisting of a diesel engine, DMF13HS-G, with a power output of 230PS
and generator, DM82, with a power output of 180kVA three-phase is located
under the floor of class kiha183-1500 vehicles. Class kiha183-1500 vehicles
are equipped with a water-cooled air compressor, C600, powered by a prime
mover, transplanted from scrapped DMU and the other vehicles are CW750D.
Their brake system is the automatic electromagnetic (CLE) air brake. In
addition, they are ready to introduce the mixture of the hydraulic retarder
and engine braking in order to reduce the heat affection on the wheels
at 120km/h operation. Furthermore, they employ anti-slip control to lower
the air pressure while skidding and to return the designated air pressure
at the moment of adhesion recovery in order to prevent wheel flat.
Accommodation
All seats are adjustable reclining R36 for 1st class and R55 for standard
class. 1st class vehicles have 2-2 abreast seating with 1160mm seating
pitch and standard class have 2-2 abreast seating with 940mm seating pitch,
introducing weight reduction at 20-25%. 1st class seating is covered with
pale green coloured fabric and standard class seating is covered with pale
orange coloured fabric with a black, an orange, and some vermilion vertical
strips. They adopt sliding curtains at the side window. The passenger saloons
use fluorescent lighting with covers. The air conditioning duct is fitted
above the ceiling in order to improve interior design. Class kiha183-500
vehicles are equipped with a large window on the wall behind the cab to
have a commanding view of the tracks ahead. A door between a vestibule
and a passenger saloon is automatic, detecting by the photo sensor. Its
door operating equipment is TK104, fitted above the door header of the
door. All vehicles excepting class kiha183-1500 vehicles are equipped with
a Japanese style toilet and a wash room. Class kiro182-500 vehicles are
also equipped with a downsized catering room a conductor room. A service
entrance for foodstuff was discontinued.
Additional delivery
JR Hokkaido developed kiha183-550 series with substantial improvements over previous kiha183-500 series featuring a high-power prime mover and improved pneumatic brake to raise the service speed of the "Hokuto" services linking Sapporo and Hakodate to 120km/h at the start of the operations on Tsugaru-Kaikyo line in 1988. 4 kiha182-550 intermediate vehicles and kiha183-1500 end vehicles were delivered in February 1988.
Class kiha182-550/class kiha183-1550
Car body
Their body have some differences over kiha182-500. Their water tank located on the floor was moved on the roof to earn the space for a flush urinal additionally fitted. Electric powered intake fan units instead of two motored intake fans, two forced draught ventilators, and two sucking ventilators are fitted on the roof in order to prevent flue gas from entering the passenger saloon.
Bogies
Powered bogies are DT53 incorporating 1-axle drive and DT54 incorporating 2-axle drive. Trailer bogies are TR239. These bogies incorporate bolster-less secondary air suspension, corn-shaped multilayered rubber spring journal supporting system, and the Z link traction device. These bogies are equipped with the ant-yaw dampers to ensure smooth ride characteristics even at 120km/h. Corrugated wheels are also employed for the reduction of unsprung mass. Their gear ratio is changed into 2.28 for the 120km/h operation. Their bogies apply the double tread brake device.
Traction unit and ancillary equipments
Class kiha183-1550 end vehicles are powered by a four-cycle flat-six diesel prime mover, DMF13HZ, with a power output of 330PS employing an intercooler and a turbocharger powered by the flow of exhaust gas and the other vehicles are a four-cycle 180 V12-cylinder diesel prime mover, DML30HZ, with a power output of 6600PS employing and intercooler and a turbocharger powered by the flow of exhaust gas. Their hydraulic transmission gear employs constant oil filling type six-member three-stage torque converter, multi-plate wet clutch featuring constant oil filling of the hydrodynamic circuit. The hydraulic transmission gear of class kiha183-1550 vehicles is DW13A and the other vehicles is DW12A.They adopt the mixture of the hydraulic retarder and engine braking in order to reduce the heat affection on the wheels at 120km/h operation. Furthermore, they employ anti-slip control to lower the air pressure while skidding and to return the designated air pressure at the moment of adhesion recovery in order to prevent wheel flat.
Accommodation
Class kiha182-550 vehicles are additionally equipped with a flush urinal and the expanded wash room featuring an electronical automatic cock. Class kiha183-1550 vehicles are additionally equipped with the rubbish bin at the doorway.
JR Hokkaido additional 4 kiha182-550 vehicles and 4 kiha183-1550 vehicles
in July 1988, 4 kiha182-550 vehicles and 4 kiha183-1550 vehicles in April
1989, and finally 4 kiha183-1550 vehicles in May 1990. The door of the
flush urinal was changed into the folding door. The windows on the door
between a vestibule and a passenger saloon is changed into bronze glass.
Furthermore, JR Hokkaido built 4 bilevel trailer vehicle, class kiroha182-550
in order to improve the service level of "Tokachi" intercity
services linking Sapporo and Obihiro in July 1991.
Class kisaroha182-550
Car body
They have 2926mm wide body constructed by steel incorporating lightweight shaped beam and pressed forming beam, 1.6mm thick plate for the skin, and stainless sheet (Steel Plate Atmospheric) for the roof in order to reduce the body mass. The bogie distance is 14400mm to make the lower saloon as long as possible. They are equipped with a 900mm wide single-leaf automatic plug door at the front of the vehicle, side horizontal band windows aligned each seat featuring curved double-grazed glass with a width of 930mm and a height of 946mm for upper deck, and side horizontal band windows featuring double-grazed glass with a width of 1050mm and a height of 700mm for the compartment in the lower deck. Traditional destination rollsigns are fitted on the side of their body. Electric powered intake fan units are fitted on the both end of the roof, two air conditioners, N-AU183A, rated at 13000kcal/h for the upper deck are on the both end of the one-story floor, an air conditioner, N-AU183TD, rated at 7000 kcal/h for the lower deck under the upper deck floor. Two rectangular louver windows for the ventilation of N-AU183A and a rectangular louver window for N-AU183TD is fitted on the side of the body. An air conditioner, N-AU183A, located near the doorway is detachable and can be removed for the place where this AC is fitted to use for the luggage room during winter. Their livery is light gray with violet-coloured accents at the both end of the body and light green-coloured boundaries between a light gray part at the body end and a violet-coloured accents. A "SUPER TOKACHI" logo is applied each side of the body.
Bogies
Their trailer bogies are N-TR239A. These bogies incorporate bolster-less secondary air suspension, corn-shaped multilayered rubber spring journal supporting system, and the Z link traction device. These bogies are equipped with the ant-yaw dampers to ensure smooth ride characteristics even at 120km/h. Corrugated wheels are also employed for the reduction of unsprung mass. Their bogies apply the double tread brake device.
Traction unit and ancillary equipments
Their brake system is the automatic electromagnetic (CLE) air brake. In addition, they employ anti-slip control to lower the air pressure while skidding and to return the designated air pressure at the moment of adhesion recovery in order to prevent wheel flat.
Accommodation
1st class accommodation on the upper deck features 2+1 abreast reclining seating with 1180mm seating pitch. These seats have a built-in 5-inch LCD TV set on the seatback. The overhead luggage rack is fitted above the 2 abreast seating. A baggage room is located at the both end of 1 abreast seating. On the other hand, standard class accommodation on the lower deck has five 2-seat compartments with flip-over transverse seating to sit facing direction forward. A wester style toilet with a wash stand and a flush urinal are located at the front end of the vehicle. A conductor room having an audio and video equipments and a service trolly storage are located at the doorway.
Modification and refurbishment
Side windows outside began to be additionally framed with polycarbonate reinforcement for the protection against the breakdown of the windowpane excepting kiha182-510, 511, 514, and 2553 from 1999.
Kiro182-504 to 507
Kiro182-504 to 507 used on "Hokuto" intercity services even after introducing kiha281 series were refurbished to have same interior as kiha281 series over the period from September 1993 until April the following year. Their accommodation was changed into 2+1 abreast reclining seating which was also applied for kiha281 series. The level difference between the aisle and the floor on which seats was eliminated. Their livery was changed into light gray with blue-coloured accents at the doorways, a dark gray wide band below the windows, a blue-coloured waistline band, and a light green coloured boundary between a light gray part and a blue-coloured accents at the doorways. In 2012, kiro182-504 and 505 among them had the further refurbishment having upgraded seating having a large tray table behind the seat, a power supply outlet on the armrest, and a reading light beside the headrest, and decorative plates replacement.
Kiro182-2551 to 2553
Kiro182-501 to 503 used on "Hokuto" intercity services even after introducing kiha281 series were refurbished to have same interior as kiha281 series, and classified into -2550 subclass over the period from July 1993 until January the following year. They have some improvements to introduce the 130km/h operation to "Hokuto" services. Their prime mover was changed into more high power DML30HZ with a power output of 660PS and their hydraulic transmission gear was changed into DW12A. The bore diameter of pneumatic brake cylinder was changed from 140mm into 160mm and high fiction brake shoes made of special cast iron to reduce the braking distance. Anti-slip control to lower the air pressure while skidding and to return the designated air pressure at the moment of adhesion recovery was also employed in order to prevent wheel flat. Their accommodation was changed into 2+1 abreast reclining seating which was also applied for kiha281 series. The level difference between the aisle and the floor on which seats was eliminated. Their livery was changed into light gray with blue-coloured accents at the doorways, a dark gray wide band below the windows, a blue-coloured waistline band, and a light green coloured boundary between a light gray part and a blue-coloured accents at the doorways. In 2012, kiro182-504 and 505 among them had the further refurbishment having upgraded seating having a large tray table behind the seat, a power supply outlet on the armrest, and a reading light beside the headrest, and decorative plates replacement.
Kiro182-508
Not refurbished kiro182-508 used on "Tokachi" intercity services was also refurbished to have same interior as kiha281 series over the period from September 1993 until April the following year. Their accommodation was changed into 2+1 abreast reclining seating which was also applied for kiha281 series. These seats have a small electrical appliance and a port on the armrest for headphones for the audio entertainment. The level difference between the aisle and the floor on which seats was eliminated.
Kiro182-7551 to 7553
Until the cause of fume accident that occurred on the "Hokuto No. 20" intercity service on 8 April, 2013, and the fire accident that occurred on the "Hokuto No. 14" intercity service was received, trains featuring class kiro182-500 or kiha182-2550 vehicles equipped with a prime mover DML30HSJ and DML30HZ canceled to be operated. As a result, these accidents were caused by a superannuated prime mover, DML30HZ, and the insufficient spare parts supply to maintain. For these reasons, a prime mover DML30HZ applied for kiro182-2551 to 2553 was displaced with a new prime mover, N-DMF13HZK, with a power output of 460PS and their hydraulic transmission gear was changed into N-DW16A, featuring natural air cooling and four-staged direct coupled range and class kiro182-2550 was reclassified into class kiro182-7550. A N-DMF13HZK prime mover differs from N-DMF13HZJ applied for kiha261 series in having a starting motor system and C600 air compressor applied for kiha183 series originally. Anti-fall plates between vehicles were additionally introduced.
Kiha182-404 to 406, 413
Superannuated class kiha182-0 vehicles allocated at Hakodate depot were replaced with four surplus kiha182-500 vehicles which were used on "Tokachi" intercity services and replaced with kiha261-1000 series in October 2009. The prime mover of these kiha182-500 underwent the reduction of power output. The power output of DML30HS originally with a power output of 550PS was lowered to 500PS by the change of engine control program and the kiha182-504 to 506, and -513 equipped with this lower powered engine were classified into -400 subclass.
Kiha182-501 to 503
Kiha183 series DMU entered "Sarobetsu" and "Rishiri" intercity services linking Asahikawa and Wakkanai via Soya line at the start of "Super Soya" intercity services operated by kiha261-0 series DMU in 2000. Surplus kiha182-501 to -503 vehicles, which had been used on "Ozora" intercity services and replaced with kiha283 series DMU, were transferred to "Sarobetsu" and "Rishiri" services, and refurbished to have same interior as kiha261 DMU. Their reclining seating was replaced with same seating as kiha261 series with extended seating pitch to 1050mm and a power supply outlet.
Kiha182-504 to 514
Kiha182-504 to 514 used on "Hokuto" intercity services even after introducing kiha281 series were refurbished to have same interior as kiha281 series over the period from September 1993 until April of the following year. Their livery was changed into light gray with blue-coloured accents at the doorways, a blue-coloured waistline band, and a light green coloured boundary between a light gray part and a blue-coloured accents at the doorways. Kiha182-508 and -511 among them had the refurbishment having upgraded seating having a movable headrest behind the seat and 2cm increased seating pitch than before over the period from December 2008 until July of the following year.
Kiha182-561 and -562
Their livery was changed into light gray with a dark brown wide band around side windows and a lavender violet and light green coloured waistline band running the length of each car below the windows when the former "Taisetsu" overnight sleeper express service was upgraded and integrated with "Okhotsk" overnight sleeper intercity service featuring a Sahanefu14-500 sleeping car inserted in the DMU set in 1992.
Kiha182-2551 to 2562
Kiha182-551 to 562 used on "Hokuto" intercity services even after introducing kiha281 series were refurbished to have same interior as kiha281 series, and classified into -2550 subclass over the period from April 1993 until June of the following year. They have some improvements to introduce the 130km/h operation to "Hokuto" services. The bore diameter of pneumatic brake cylinder was changed from 140mm into 160mm and high fiction brake shoes made of special cast iron to reduce the braking distance. Anti-slip control to lower the air pressure while skidding and to return the designated air pressure at the moment of adhesion recovery was also employed in order to prevent wheel flat. The fabric covering their seating was changed into brown and their floor covering and their curtain were changed into warm gray. Their livery was changed into light gray with blue-coloured accents at the doorways, a blue-coloured waistline band, and a light green coloured boundary between a light gray part and a blue-coloured accents at the doorways. Kiha182-2553 to -2562 which continued to be used on "Hokuto" had the further refurbishment having upgraded seating having upgraded seating having a movable headrest behind the seat and 2cm increased seating pitch than before over the period from December 2008 until March 2010.
Kiha182-7551 to 7562
Until the cause of fume accident that occurred on the "Hokuto No. 20" intercity service on 8 April, 2013, and the fire accident that occurred on the "Hokuto No. 14" intercity service was received, trains featuring class kiro182-500 or kiha182-2550 vehicles equipped with a prime mover DML30HSJ and DML30HZ canceled to be operated. As a result, these accidents were caused by a superannuated prime mover, DML30HZ, and the insufficient spare parts supply to maintain. For these reasons, a prime mover DML30HZ applied for kiha182-2551 to 2562 was displaced with a new prime mover, N-DMF13HZK, with a power output of 460PS and their hydraulic transmission gear was changed into N-DW16A, featuring natural air cooling and four-staged direct coupled range and class kiha182-2550 was reclassified into class kiha182-7550. A N-DMF13HZK prime mover differs from N-DMF13HZJ applied for kiha261 series in having a starting motor system and C600 air compressor applied for kiha183 series originally. Anti-fall plates between vehicles were additionally introduced.
Kiha183-405 and -406
Superannuated class kiha183-0 vehicles allocated at Hakodate depot were replaced with two surplus kiha183-500 vehicles which were used on "Tokachi" intercity services and replaced with kiha261-1000 series in October 2009. The prime mover of these kiha183-500 underwent the reduction of power output. The power output of DML30HS originally with a power output of 550PS was lowered to 500PS by the change of engine control program and the kiha183-505 and -506 equipped with this lower powered engine were classified into -400 subclass.
Kiha183-501 and -503 to -505
The seating fabric of kiha183-501 and -503 to -505 was displaced with new one applied for kiha283 series DMU over the period from August 1996 until December. The colour of decorative cover on the tip of the overhead luggage rack was changed into light gray. Their livery was changed into light gray with blue-coloured accents at the doorways, a blue-coloured waistline band below the windows, and a light green coloured boundary between a light gray part and a blue-coloured accents at the doorways. A "HET183 (Hokkaido Express Train 183)" logo is applied to the side of the cab section.
Kiha183-506 and -507
The seating of kiha183-506 and -507 vehicles transferred to "Tokachi" intercity services was replaced with new adjustable reclining seating, R55, employing same fabric as 283 series DMU in July 1996. The colour of decorative cover on the tip of the overhead luggage rack was changed into light gray. Its livery was changed into light gray with a dark brown wide band around side windows and a lavender violet and light green coloured waistline band running the length of each car below the windows.
Kiha183-1501 to 1507
Kiha183-1501 to 1507 used on "Hokuto" intercity services even after introducing kiha281 series were refurbished to have same interior as kiha281 series over the period from July 1993 until February of the following year. Their livery was changed into light gray with blue-coloured accents at the doorways, a blue-coloured waistline band, and a light green coloured boundary between a light gray part and a blue-coloured accents at the doorways. A "HET183 (Hokkaido Express Train 183)" logo is applied to the side of the cab section. Kiha183-1506 and -1507 among them had the refurbishment having upgraded seating having a movable headrest behind the seat and 2cm increased seating pitch than before over the period from March 2009 until February of the following year.
Kiha183-1501 to 1503
Kiha183 series DMU entered "Sarobetsu" and "Rishiri" intercity services linking Asahikawa and Wakkanai via Soya line at the start of "Super Soya" intercity services operated by kiha261-0 series DMU in 2000. Surplus kiha183-1501 to -1503 vehicles, which had been used on "Ozora" intercity services and replaced with kiha283 series DMU, were transferred to "Sarobetsu" and "Rishiri" services, and refurbished to have same interior as kiha261 DMU. Their reclining seating was replaced with same seating as kiha261 series with extended seating pitch to 1050mm and a power supply outlet. A side windows located next to the doorway was filled with the plate by welding to locate a western style toilet, a water tank, and a vending machine on the right side, and a luggage room, a reservoir tank, and a wash room on the left side additionally.
Kiha183-15044
Kiha183 series DMU entered "Sarobetsu" and "Rishiri" intercity services linking Asahikawa and Wakkanai via Soya line at the start of "Super Soya" intercity services operated by kiha261-0 series DMU in 2000. Surplus kiha183-1504 vehicle, which had been used on "Ozora" intercity services and replaced with kiha283 series DMU, was transferred to "Sarobetsu" and "Rishiri" services, and refurbished to have same interior as kiha261 DMU. Their reclining seating was replaced with same seating as kiha261 series with a power supply outlet in January.
Kiha183-1551 to -1554
The seating fabric of kiha183-1551 to -1554 was displaced with new one applied for kiha283 series DMU over the period from June 1996 until March of the following year. The colour of decorative cover on the tip of the overhead luggage rack was changed into light gray. Their livery was changed into light gray with blue-coloured accents at the doorways, a blue-coloured waistline band below the windows, and a light green coloured boundary between a light gray part and a blue-coloured accents at the doorways. A "HET183 (Hokkaido Express Train 183)" logo is applied to the side of the cab section.
Kiha183-1555 and -1556
The seating of kiha183-1555 and -1556 vehicles transferred to "Tokachi" intercity services was replaced with new adjustable reclining seating, R55, employing same fabric as 283 series DMU in July 1996. The colour of decorative cover on the tip of the overhead luggage rack was changed into light gray. Its livery was changed into light gray with a dark brown wide band around side windows and a lavender violet and light green coloured waistline band running the length of each car below the windows.
Kiha183 series DMU entered "Sarobetsu" and "Rishiri" intercity services linking Asahikawa and Wakkanai via Soya line at the start of "Super Soya" intercity services operated by kiha261-0 series DMU in 2000. Surplus kiha183-1555 and -1556 vehicles, which had been replaced with kiha283 series DMU, was transferred to "Sarobetsu" and "Rishiri" services, and refurbished to have same interior as kiha261 DMU. Their reclining seating was replaced with same seating as kiha261 series with a power supply outlet over the period from July 2001 until August.
Kiha183-3559, and -3563 to 3566
Kiha183-1559 and -1563 to -1566 used on "Hokuto" intercity services even after introducing kiha281 series were refurbished to have same interior as kiha281 series, and classified into -3550 subclass over the period from April 1993 until January of the following year. They have some improvements to introduce the 130km/h operation to "Hokuto" services. The bore diameter of pneumatic brake cylinder was changed from 140mm into 160mm and high fiction brake shoes made of special cast iron to reduce the braking distance. Anti-slip control to lower the air pressure while skidding and to return the designated air pressure at the moment of adhesion recovery was also employed in order to prevent wheel flat. The fabric covering their seating was changed into brown and their floor covering and their curtain were changed into warm gray. Their livery was changed into light gray with blue-coloured accents at the doorways, a blue-coloured waistline band, and a light green coloured boundary between a light gray part and a blue-coloured accents at the doorways. A "HET183 (Hokkaido Express Train 183)" logo is applied to the side of the cab section. Kiha183-3565 and -3566 which continued to be used on "Hokuto" had the further refurbishment having upgraded seating having upgraded seating having a movable headrest behind the seat and 2cm increased seating pitch than before over the period from July 2011 until March of the following year.
Kiha183-4558, and -4560 to 4562
Kiha183-1558 and -1560 to -1562 used on "Hokuto" intercity services even after introducing kiha281 series were refurbished to have same interior as kiha281 series, and classified into -3550 subclass over the period from April 1993 until January of the following year. They have some improvements to introduce the 130km/h operation to "Hokuto" services. The bore diameter of pneumatic brake cylinder was changed from 140mm into 160mm and high fiction brake shoes made of special cast iron to reduce the braking distance. Anti-slip control to lower the air pressure while skidding and to return the designated air pressure at the moment of adhesion recovery was also employed in order to prevent wheel flat. Furthermore, they have an automatic valve to change the pressure of the pneumatic brake corresponding to both the maximum service speed at 120km/h and 130km/h in order to secure standby vehicles for 120km/h operation. The fabric covering their seating was changed into brown and their floor covering and their curtain were changed into warm gray. Their livery was changed into light gray with blue-coloured accents at the doorways, a blue-coloured waistline band, and a light green coloured boundary between a light gray part and a blue-coloured accents at the doorways. A "HET183 (Hokkaido Express Train 183)" logo is applied to the side of the cab section. Kiha183-4560 and -4562 which continued to be used on "Hokuto" had the further refurbishment having upgraded seating having upgraded seating having a movable headrest behind the seat and 2cm increased seating pitch than before over the period from March 2009 until February of the following year.
Kiha183-4559
Kiha183-4559 was additionally fitted with an automatic valve to change the pressure of the pneumatic brake corresponding to both the maximum service speed at 120km/h and 130km/h in order to secure standby vehicles for 120km/h operation in April 1994.
Kiha183-8563 to 8566
Until the cause of fume accident that occurred on the "Hokuto No. 20" intercity service on 8 April, 2013, and the fire accident that occurred on the "Hokuto No. 14" intercity service was received, trains featuring class kiro182-500 or kiha182-2550 vehicles equipped with a prime mover DML30HSJ and DML30HZ canceled to be operated. As a result, these accidents were caused by a superannuated prime mover, DML30HZ, and the insufficient spare parts supply to maintain. For these reasons, a prime mover DML30HZ applied for kiha183-3563 to 3566 was displaced with a new prime mover, N-DMF13HZK, with a power output of 460PS and their hydraulic transmission gear was changed into N-DW16A, featuring natural air cooling and four-staged direct coupled range and class kiha183-3550 was reclassified into class kiha182-8550. A N-DMF13HZK prime mover differs from N-DMF13HZJ applied for kiha261 series in having a starting motor system and C600 air compressor applied for kiha183 series originally. Anti-fall plates between vehicles were additionally introduced.
Kiha183-9560 to 9562
Until the cause of fume accident that occurred on the "Hokuto No. 20" intercity service on 8 April, 2013, and the fire accident that occurred on the "Hokuto No. 14" intercity service was received, trains featuring class kiro182-500 or kiha182-2550 vehicles equipped with a prime mover DML30HSJ and DML30HZ canceled to be operated. As a result, these accidents were caused by a superannuated prime mover, DML30HZ, and the insufficient spare parts supply to maintain. For these reasons, a prime mover DML30HZ applied for kiha183-4560 to 4562 was displaced with a new prime mover, N-DMF13HZK, with a power output of 460PS and their hydraulic transmission gear was changed into N-DW16A, featuring natural air cooling and four-staged direct coupled range and class kiha183-4550 was reclassified into class kiha183-9550. A N-DMF13HZK prime mover differs from N-DMF13HZJ applied for kiha261 series in having a starting motor system and C600 air compressor applied for kiha183 series originally. Anti-fall plates between vehicles were additionally introduced.
Operations
Kiha183-500 series entered the revenue services in November 1986 and 8-car sets were used on three returns "Ozora" intercity services linking Sapporo and Kushiro, 7-car sets which were coupled with a kiha183-500 end vehicle at car number 1 on three return "Ozora" services, six return "Hokuto" services linking Sapporo and Hakodate, and one return "Otori" services linking Hakodate and Abashiri, an 6-car sets which contains a kiro182-500 intermediate double decker vehicle on one return "Ozora" services, one return "Hokuto" service, two return "Okhotsk" services linking Sapporo and Abashiri in November 1986.
After splitting JNR into new privatized JR companies in 1987, JR Hokkaido deliver 8 kiha183-550 series vehicles to raise the maximum service speed of "Hokuto" up to 120km/h and trainsets used on "Hokuto" consisted of only kiha183-500 series vehicles and kiha183-550 series vehicles. Kiha183-2550, -3550, and -4550 series vehicles were remodeled from kiha182-550 series to raise the maximum service speed of "Hokuto" intercity services to 120km/h or 130km/h after introducing kiha281 series tilting train to start "Super Hokuto" intercity services to reduce the journey time between Sapporo and Hakodate. However, after kiha283 series tilting trains were introduced to "Ozora", kiha183-500 series and modified kiha183-500 series vehicles were transferred to "Sarobetsu", "Tokachi", and "Okhotsk" intercity services. Furthermore, vehicles used on these services were replaced with kiha261 series DMU. Now they are used on some of "Okhotsk" intercity services and "Taisetsu" intercity services. |
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