Background and overview
In 1997, JR Shikoku developed the Class Kikuha32 single-ended trailer car
with open-deck configuration, offering greater seating capacity than existing
open-deck rolling stock. This was introduced to enhance capacity for the
"Seiryu-Shimanto" open-deck services operated on the Yodo Line
since 1984.
Carbody
The Class Kikuha 32, employing an open-deck configuration, features a single-ended steel carbody measuring 15,800 mm in length and 2,800 mm in width, with a bogie centre distance of 10,800 mm. Both the body skin and roof panels are constructed from weather-resistant steel sheet, 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. Flat
windscreens are adopted to reduce manufacturing costs. Exterior lighting
consists of two sealed-beam headlights positioned on either side of the
gangway and two taillights mounted beneath. A drop window is provided beside
the driver’s cab to ensure rearward visibility.
Each side of the vehicle is fitted with a 700 mm-wide automatic folding stepped door located behind the cab. Behind the door, four openings measuring 3,015 mm in width and 1,200 mm in height are provided, with iron fencing on the lower half. When not in use for extended periods, cover plates can be mounted over the openings to prevent rain ingress; these plates can be stored beneath the floor when not required.
The exterior livery of the Kikuha32 features a green base colour, with the "Shikoku Truck since 1997" logo applied to the wainscot panel.
Bogies
The vehicles are equipped with TR51C trailer bogies, inherited from scrapped rolling stock. These bogies feature swing-hanger suspension, coil springs as bolster springs, and a pedestal-type journal support system.
The bogies are fitted with single-tread brake rigging.
Accommodation
Passenger saloons are fitted with transverse wooden bench seating bays arranged at a pitch of 1,570 mm, each equipped with a central table. Illumination within the saloon is provided by incandescent lighting fixtures, installed centrally in a single row and fitted with protective covers.
Additional delivery
In 2003, JR Shikoku manufactured an additional vehicle, Kikuha32-502, for
deployment on the "Seto-Ohashi Open Truck" service, which gained
popularity when operated in conjunction with the 15th anniversary of the
Great Seto Bridge opening. This variant incorporated several improvements:
- Additional fixed windows, each measuring 600 mm in width and 400 mm in height, were introduced on the wainscot panels below the openings.
- Accessible spaces for passengers using wheelchairs were provided beside the door behind the driver’s cab. Wooden seats in this area employ a flip-up configuration.
- The doors were widened to 800 mm to improve wheelchair accessibility.
- To allow passengers to enjoy views of the ocean below while crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge, one seating section on each side was fitted with a tempered glass floor window. The seats in these sections also employ a flip-up design
Modifications
Kikuha32-501
Its exterior livery was changed to indigo at the start of deployment for the "Ai Yoshino-Gawa Truck" services operated on the Tokushima Line in 2020.
Kikuha32-502
In 2006, the vehicle was refurbished with a new blue-based livery featuring Anpanman character graphics.
Operations
Kikuha32-501 entered "Seiryu Shimanto" services in 1997, operating alongside Class Kiha185 unit. It was later redeployed to the "Oboke Truck" services on the Dosan Line between Awa-Ikeda and Oboke. In 2017, it was reassigned to the "Bakumatsu Ishin" services on the Dosan Line between Kochi and Kubokawa. Most recently, it was transferred to the Tokushima Line for use on the "Ai Yoshino Truck" services linking Tokushima and Awa-Ikeda.
In contrast, Kikuha32-502 entered "Seto Ohashi Truck" services
in 2003. It was subsequently deployed to the "Seto Ohashi Anpanman
Truck" services in 2006. |
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