-900 subseries
Background and overview
Due to limitations in the performance of the Kiha183 series intercity diesel
multiple unit trains used on services linking Sapporo and Hakodate, JR
Hokkaido faced challenges in reducing journey times to remain competitive
against the expanding expressway network and air travel. To address this,
JR Hokkaido developed the pre-production Kiha281-900 series intercity tilting
diesel-hydraulic multiple unit in 1992, aiming to shorten the travel time
between Sapporo and Hakodate to approximately three hours.
Car body
The vehicles feature stainless steel carbodies measuring 21,300 mm in length and 2,820 mm in width, with a bogie centre distance of 14,400 mm. To achieve a lightweight structure, stainless steel is used throughout, except for the bolster beams, end sections of the centre beam, and selected cross members, which are made of weather-resistant steel sheet (Steel Plate Atmospheric). The body skin consists of 1.2 mm thick bead-processed stainless-steel panels.
To accommodate 5-degree tilting, the side structures are slanted, and the roof shoulders are curved with a radius of 350 mm. The gangway-equipped cab ends, painted in cobalt blue, are constructed from 3.2 mm thick steel plate to provide protection against level crossing obstacles, and a raised driver's cab is employed. “HEAT (Hokkaido Experimental Advanced Train) 281” logos are applied to the cab sides. A built-in classification headboard is installed at the lower part of the gangway door.
Exterior lighting includes a pair of clusters below the windscreen, each comprising a rectangular sealed-beam headlight and a rectangular LED taillight. Three additional halogen lamps are mounted above the windscreen. The floor height is set at 1,150 mm to lower the centre of gravity.
The vehicles are equipped with 800mm-wide sliding plug doors, providing airtight sealing at both ends of the end cars and at the rear of intermediate cars. Fixed double-glazing windows measuring 1,520 mm in width are installed in alignment with two seating bays, extending across the pier panels. A destination and train classification rollsign is installed beside each door.
Class Kiha282-2000 vehicles are additionally equipped with a shunting control cab at the front. Climate control is provided by two outdoor units of prime mover-driven air conditioners (type N-AU281), each rated at 16,000 kcal/h and mounted beneath the floor, along with two indoor units installed on the roof.
The bodies are unpainted, featuring thick vertical cobalt blue bands at the door locations and light green borders between the cobalt blue bands and the unpainted body panels. Tight-lock couplers with automatic jumper couplers are employed to facilitate rapid coupling operations.
Traction unit and ancillary equipment
The vehicles are powered by two four-cycle, straight-six diesel prime movers (type N-DMF11HZ), each rated at 350 PS. These engines employ a turbocharger driven by exhaust gas flow and an intercooler to enhance performance.
The hydraulic transmission system, classified as type N-DW15, features a three-element single-stage torque converter, a multi-plate wet clutch, and a three-range direct-coupled drive. Both the prime movers and hydraulic transmissions are controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC), minimizing control equipment and improving overall reliability.
An electrically commanded pneumatic braking system is employed, incorporating both engine braking and Jake braking. When engine or Jake braking alone cannot provide the required braking force, the pneumatic brake system supplements it.
Accommodation
Seating accommodation consists of 2+2 abreast adjustable reclining seats with a seat pitch of 960 mm. Each seat is equipped with an electric warm-air heater mounted beneath the seat base. Sliding pleated curtains are provided for the side windows.
Indirect lighting is used for cabin illumination, with slit-shaped air-conditioning vents installed alongside the lighting fixtures. The door between the vestibule and the passenger saloon is automatic, activated by a photo sensor. An LED display for passenger information is mounted above this door.
Class Kiha281-900 end vehicles are equipped with a toilet compartment at the rear, featuring a Western-style toilet that uses either a vacuum toilet system or a chemical holding tank system, along with a wash basin and a flush urinal. The Class Kiha280 intermediate vehicle is equipped with a service compartment located at the rear.
The driving cab is fitted with a single-handle master controller operated with the left hand, following the same configuration as electric multiple unit (EMU) trains.
Modifications
Upgrade to Full Production Standard
In 1994, Kiha281-900 was upgraded to full production standard, including the addition of dust- and snow-proofing measures for the bogies.
Seating Moquette Replacement
In 1997, the seat moquette was replaced with a new design for use on “Super Hokuto” intercity services.
Service Compartment Modification
Also in 1997, the door of the service compartment was modified to accommodate onboard catering operations.
Side Window Reinforcement
In 2000, side windows were additionally framed with polycarbonate reinforcement to prevent damage caused by ballast kicked up by ice blocks falling from the car body.
Major Equipment Refurbishment
In 2006, Kiha281-901 underwent major refurbishment, including replacement of the prime movers with type N-DMF11HZD units rated at 355 PS, hydraulic transmissions with type N-DW15A, bogies with type N-DT281B, and the chemical holding tank toilet system with a vacuum toilet system. Additionally, the headlights were replaced with high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.
Programmable Logic Controller Replacement
In 2013, the programmable logic controller used to manage the prime movers and hydraulic transmissions was refurbished.
Operations
Following extensive test running and performance verification, the Kiha281-900 series entered “Super Hokuto” intercity services linking Sapporo and Hakodate in 1994, alongside the mass-produced Kiha281-0 series DMUs. In 2019, they began to be replaced by the Kiha261-1000 series DMUs. The fleet was fully withdrawn from service in 2022 and subsequently scrapped between 2022 and 2023.
-0 subseries
Background and overview
The Kiha281-0 series mass-production intercity diesel-hydraulic multiple
units began delivery in 1993 for deployment on “Super Hokuto” intercity
services. In December 1993, a total of 24 vehicles were delivered in the
form of 7-car sets, each consisting of one Class Kiro280-0, one Kiha280-0,
two Kiha281-0, and three Kiha280-100 vehicles.
Car body
The vehicles feature stainless steel carbodies measuring 21,300 mm in length and 2,820 mm in width, with a bogie centre distance of 14,400 mm. To achieve a lightweight structure, stainless steel is used throughout, except for the bolster beams, end sections of the centre beam, and selected cross members, which are made of weather-resistant steel sheet (Steel Plate Atmospheric). The body skin consists of 1.2 mm thick bead-processed stainless-steel panels.
To accommodate 5-degree tilting, the side structures are slanted, and the roof shoulders are curved with a radius of 350 mm. The gangway-equipped cab ends, painted in cobalt blue, are constructed from 3.2 mm thick steel plate to provide protection against level crossing obstacles, and a raised driver's cab is employed. “HEAT (Hokkaido Express Advanced Train) 281” logos are applied to the cab sides. A built-in classification headboard is installed at the lower part of the gangway door.
Exterior lighting includes a pair of clusters below the windscreen, each comprising a rectangular sealed-beam headlight and a rectangular LED taillight. Three additional halogen lamps are mounted above the windscreen. The floor height is set at 1,150 mm to lower the centre of gravity.
The vehicles are equipped with 800 mm-wide sliding plug doors, providing airtight sealing at both ends of the end cars and at the rear of intermediate cars. For glazing, small fixed double-glazing windows are provided for each first-class seat, while wide fixed double-glazing windows are aligned with two standard-class seating bays, extending across the pier panels. A destination and train classification rollsign is installed beside each door.
Class Kiha282-2000 vehicles are additionally equipped with a shunting control cab at the front. Climate control is provided by two outdoor units of prime mover-driven air conditioners (type N-AU281), each rated at 16,000 kcal/h and mounted beneath the floor, along with two indoor units installed on the roof.
The bodies are unpainted, featuring thick vertical cobalt blue bands at the door locations and light green borders between the cobalt blue bands and the unpainted body panels. Tight-lock couplers with automatic jumper couplers are employed to facilitate rapid coupling operations.
Accommodation
All seats are adjustable reclining type. First-class vehicles feature 1+2 abreast seating with a seat pitch of 1,145 mm, while standard-class vehicles have 2+2 abreast seating with a pitch of 960 mm. Each first-class seat is equipped with an audio control unit for onboard audio programs. Sliding pleated curtains are provided for the side windows.
Indirect lighting is used for cabin illumination, with slit-shaped air-conditioning vents installed adjacent to the lighting fixtures. The door between the vestibule and the passenger saloon is automatic, activated by a photo sensor. An LED display for passenger information is mounted above this door.
Class Kiha281-0 standard-class end vehicles and Class Kiro280-0 first-class intermediate vehicles are equipped with a Western-style toilet at the rear, featuring a vacuum toilet system, a wash basin, and a flush urinal. Class Kiha280-200 vehicles are fitted with a universal access toilet and a flush urinal, also located at the rear.
Class Kiro280 vehicles additionally include a catering room, a telephone room at the front, and open conductor counters adjacent to the doorway. Class Kiha280-0 vehicles are equipped with a conductor room and a telephone room at the front, as well as a multi-purpose room located forward of the doorway.
The driving cab is fitted with a single-handle master controller operated with the left hand, following the same configuration as electric multiple unit (EMU) trains.
Modifications
Service Compartment Modification
In 1997, the door of the service compartment was modified to accommodate onboard catering operations.
Side Window Reinforcement
In 2000, side windows were additionally framed with polycarbonate reinforcement to prevent damage caused by ballast kicked up by ice blocks falling from the car body.
Major Equipment Refurbishment
Between February 2005 and October 2006, the vehicles received upgraded prime movers (type N-DMF11HZD, rated at 355 PS) and replacement hydraulic transmissions of the same type. In addition, the headlights were replaced with high-
intensity discharge (HID) lamps.
Programmable Logic Controller Replacement
The programmable logic controller used to control the prime movers and hydraulic transmissions was refurbished in 2013.
Reserved Seating Upgrade
Between February 2005 and March 2010, reclining seats in Kiha281-2 to -6 and Kiha280-1 to -4 and -103 to -110, used for reserved seating services, were replaced with wider seats featuring movable headrest pillows.
First-Class Vehicle Refurbishment
Between October 2011 and February 2013, first-class vehicles underwent interior refurbishment, including replacement of seats, wall panels, overhead luggage racks, and lighting fixtures.
Additional PLC Replacement
Between July and October 2013, the programmable logic controller for prime mover and transmission control was again refurbished.
Operations
The Kiha281-0 series entered “Super Hokuto” intercity services linking Sapporo and Hakodate in 1994, alongside the pre-production Kiha281-900 series DMUs. In 2019, they began to be replaced by the Kiha 261-1000 series DMUs. The fleet was fully withdrawn from service in 2022 and subsequently scrapped between 2022 and 2023. |
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