KiHa 160

The KiHa 160 (キハ160形) was a single-car diesel multiple unit (DMU) train operated by Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) on the Hidaka Main Line in Japan. A single car was built in 1997 by Niigata Tekko (now Niigata Transys) to replace the KiHa 130 DMU car (KiHa 130-5) withdrawn due to collision damage sustained in a level crossing accident in January 1996.[1] From 2007, the unit was rebuilt as an experimental hybrid car, branded "Inno Tech Train", before being finally withdrawn in fiscal 2013.

KiHa 160
KiHa 160 image
KiHa 160-1 as the "Inno Tech Train" in September 2010
In service1 June 1997 – 2013
ManufacturerNiigata Tekko
Constructed1997
Refurbished2007
Scrapped2013
Number built1 vehicle
Number in serviceNone
FormationSingle car
Fleet numbersKiHa 160-1
Capacity110 (42 seated)
Operator(s)JR Hokkaido
Depot(s)Tomakomai
Line(s) servedHidaka Main Line
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length18,500 mm (60 ft 8 in)
Width2,700 mm (8 ft 10 in)
Height3,620 mm (11 ft 11 in)
Doors2 sliding doors per side
Maximum speed110 km/h (68 mph)
Weight32.5 t
Prime mover(s)N-DMF13HZ
Power output330 hp (250 kW)
TransmissionHydraulic
BogiesN-DT150 (motored), N-TR150 (trailer)
Multiple workingKiHa 130
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

Design

The design was based on the Tsugaru Railway 21 series DMU built to Niigata's "NDC" lightweight design.[2] As with the KiHa 150-100 cars, the Kiha 160 had inward-opening hopper windows.[3]

When delivered, the unit was originally painted in a similar livery to the KiHa 150-0 units, with light green doors, a light green waistline band, and light purple stripes.[4] From September 1999, it was repainted into a new livery similar to the KiHa 40-350 DMUs transferred to the Hidaka Line on which the KiHa 160 was used.[2]

Internally, the car had fixed 2+1 facing transverse seating bays, with longitudinal bench seating next to the doorways.[3]

  • A JR Hokkaido KiHa 150-100 series DMU car in September 2008, showing the same livery as initially carried by Kiha 160-1
    A JR Hokkaido KiHa 150-100 series DMU car in September 2008, showing the same livery as initially carried by Kiha 160-1
  • KiHa 160-1 at Tomakomai Station in revised livery before rebuilding
    KiHa 160-1 at Tomakomai Station in revised livery before rebuilding

History

KiHa 160-1 entered revenue service on the Hidaka Main Line on 1 June 1997, used interchangeably with the KiHa 130 DMUs also used on the line.[3]

In 2007, the unit was rebuilt as an experimental hybrid vehicle using a motor-assisted hybrid system. At the same time, the longitudinal bench seating was replaced with limited-express style transverse seating.[2]

Following the completion of testing, the unit was placed in storage at Naebo Works,[2] before being officially withdrawn in fiscal 2013.[5]

References
  1. Jēāru zensharyō handobukku: Rail Magazine 2009 JR全車輌ハンドブック2009 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 2009]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 2009. p. 473. ISBN 978-4-7770-0836-0.
  2. Nishiwaki, Kōji (October 2011). JR各社の新世代気動車の現状　JR北海道キハ160形 JR東日本キハE200形 [The Current Situation of JR Group Modern DMUs: JR Hokkaido KiHa 160 & JR East KiHa E200]. Japan Railfan Magazine. Vol. 51, no. 606. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. pp. 96–101.
  3. 日本と世界の鉄道カタログ'97~'98 [Japan and World Railway Catalogue 1997–1998] (in Japanese). Japan: Seibido Publishing. 17 August 1997. pp. 58–59. ISBN 978-4-415-09254-6.
  4. JR全車輛ハンドブック1997 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 1997]. Japan: Neko Publishing. 1997. p. 360.
  5. Tezuka, Kazuyuki (July 2014). 車両のうごき2013-2014 [Rolling stock changes (2013–2014)]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 54, no. 639. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. p. 70.
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