Background and overview
To support the financial stability of JR Shikoku—whose business foundation
was relatively weak following the 1987 privatization and breakup of Japanese
National Railways (JNR)—JNR developed the Class Kiha32 as a cost-efficient
diesel railcar, designed for low construction and operating costs. The
Kiha32 is a compact, double-ended vehicle, and a total of 21 units were
manufactured.
Car body
The Class Kiha32 diesel multiple unit, developed by Japanese National Railways (JNR), features a steel carbody measuring 15,800 mm in length and 2,700 mm in width, with a bogie centre distance of 10,800 mm. Both the body skin and roof panels utilize weather-resistant steel sheet (Steel Plate Atmospheric), conforming to JNR material standards to ensure long-term durability under varying environmental conditions.
The gangway-equipped cab end incorporates a low-profile driver's cab, designed
to accommodate future conductor-less operation. Flat windscreens are used
to reduce manufacturing costs, and a destination rollsign is installed
above the gangway. Exterior lighting includes two sealed-beam headlights
positioned on either side of the gangway and two externally mounted taillights.
A drop window is provided beside the driver's cab for rearward visibility,
replacing the hinged door typically found on conventional Japanese end
cars.
Each side of the vehicle is equipped with two 700 mm-wide automatic folding stepped doors, utilizing bus-type door operating mechanisms. Between the doors, six 1,200 mm-wide and one 900 mm-wide double-hung pre-fabricated side windows are installed, with fixed upper sashes and vertically sliding lower sashes. A swing-in casement window is located on the opposite side of the door behind the cab for rearward confirmation.
Climate control is provided by an AU26 air conditioning unit, rated at
20,600 kcal/h and driven by the prime mover. The unit is mounted beneath
the floor, while an indoor unit and two roof-mounted ventilation fans—originally
developed for bus applications—are installed overhead. The exhaust pipe
for the prime mover is located directly behind the front door.
The vehicles are fitted with tight-lock automatic couplers incorporating RD13-type rubber draft gears. The exterior livery of the Kiha32 features an ivory base colour accented by a diagonal stripe on the side panel and a narrow band below the windscreens. These accent colours are orange for the Ehime region, indigo for Tokushima, and deep red for Kochi.
Bogies
The vehicles are equipped with DT22G powered bogies and TR51E trailer bogie. These bogies feature swing hanger suspension, coil springs as bolster springs, and a pedestal-type journal support system. The gear ratio of the powered bogies is 2.976.
The bogies employ single-tread brake rigging. To allow the brake cylinder to be positioned closer to the vehicle centreline, modifications were made to both the bogie frame and the brake rigging.
Traction unit and ancillary equipments
The vehicles are powered by a horizontally mounted DMF13HS diesel engine—a four-cycle, straight—six prime mover-installed beneath the floor. It delivers an output of 250 PS and features a turbocharger driven by exhaust gas flow, a direct injection system, and a fuel injection control system designed to improve fuel efficiency.
The hydraulic transmission, either TC2A or DF115A, was sourced from decommissioned diesel multiple units and upgraded with enhancements to the torque converter and clutch to accommodate the increased engine output. The TC2A model also underwent modification to reposition the hydraulic/direct drive stage changeover servo piston, preventing interference with the engine's gear case.
An air compressor (model C600), driven by the prime mover, is also installed. The braking system consists of an automatic Pair brake (DA1A), supplemented by a straight air reserve brake.
Accommodation
The interior features longitudinal bench seating throughout the passenger compartment, with each seat providing 450 mm of width per occupant. Seat upholstery is finished in green and yellow fabric. Hanging straps with larger looped handles are fitted throughout the carbody.
Illumination within the saloon is provided by fluorescent lighting fixtures arranged centrally in a single row, ensuring uniform brightness throughout the cabin. For thermal comfort, the vehicles are equipped with a water-based heating system suitable for maintaining cabin temperature during colder seasons.
Air conditioning ductwork is positioned on either side of the lighting fixture beneath the ceiling. The driver's cab is configured as a compartment located on the left side of the vehicle, designed to accommodate future conductor-less operation. No toilet facilities are provided.
Modifications
Livery modification
In 1987, the exterior livery was updated to a white base coat with light
blue accents, reflecting JR Shikoku's corporate colour scheme.
Conductor-less Operation Conversion
In 1988, the vehicles were modified to support conductor-less operation. These modifications included the installation of ticket vending machines and fare chart displays behind the cabs, as well as fare boxes located beside the driver's cab.
Conversion to Kaiyodo Hobby Train
Kiha32 4, assigned to the Yodo Line, was modified with a vinyl wrap in conjunction with the opening of the Kaiyodo Hobby Museum Shimanto in 2011. A selected bench seat was replaced with a display shelf exhibiting figurines.
Conversion to Tetsudo Hobby Train
Kiha32-3, assigned to the Yodo Line, was modified with a vinyl wrap featuring
the 0 Series Shinkansen in celebration of the Yodo Line's 40th anniversary
and the 100th anniversary of the Uwajima Railway between Uwajima and Chikanaga
in 2014. A bench seat located toward the front was replaced with flip-over
transverse seats transplanted from a scrapped 0 Series vehicle. Additionally,
a bench seat located toward the rear was replaced with a display shelf
exhibiting model railway items.
Operations
The class Kiha54-0 was initially allocated to Matsuyama Depot and entered service on the Yosan, Dosan, Uchiko, and Yodo Lines. Vehicles operating on the Dosan Line were subsequently replaced by the newer class Kiha1000 DMUs. As of the present, the Kiha54-0 series to operate on rural services along the Yosan, Uchiko, and Yodo Lines. |
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