The 737 series is a suburban low-capacity electric multiple unit used by the Hokkaido Railway Company since May 2023.
History[]
The 737 series was first announced on 17 August 2022, along with its intended introduction on the Muroran Main Line. The trains were designed to replace the aging KiHa 143 series and 721 series sets operating on the line.
A total of 13 trains were ordered for a total of 26 cars; the trains were constructed at Hitachi's Kasado Works. The first two sets, C1 and C2, were constructed in November 2022 and subsequently delivered and tested. The trains entered service on the Muroran Main Line on 20 May 2023, being the first wanman operation-capable trains on the JR Hokkaido network. The final sets were built in May 2023.
Design[]
The 737 series use a contemporary squared-off design similar to many other modern locomotives on the JR Hokkaido network, featuring dual top-mounted headlights and a large front windshield. The trains feature a black front cab with four square LED headlights; the cabs feature green and yellow accents, with the green being JR Hokkaido's corporate color and yellow being a "warning" color. The sides are painted in a very light pink for a "gentle, friendly and youthful image".
Specifications[]
Construction is of an aluminum alloy based on Hitachi's A-Train concept; this is to allow the train to take the weight increase with the installation of the equipment required for wanman operation. A cover is present on the bottom of the trains to prevent snow buildup.
The trains use hybrid silicon carbide-based MOSFETs produced by Hitachi; these produce a hissing sound.
JR Hokkaido rolling stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Active | AC EMUs | Shinkansen: H5 Commuter: 721 • 731 • 733 • 735 • 737 Limited Express: 785 • 789 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
DMUs | Commuter: H100 • KiHa 40 • KiHa 54 • KiHa 141 • KiHa 150 • KiHa 201 Limited Express: KiHa 261 • KiHa 281 • KiHa 283 Non-revenue: KiYa 291 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Withdrawn | AC EMUs | Commuter: 711 Limited Express: 781 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Dual-current EMUs | Limited Express: 485 • 583 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
DMUs | Commuter: KiHa 22 • KiHa 45 • KiHa 130 Express: KiHa 56 Limited Express: KiHa 80 • KiHa 183 series • (KiHa 183-5000 • KiHa 183-5100 • KiHa 183-5200) Non-revenue: KiHa 160 • KiHa 285 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Future | Fuel cell MUs | Commuter: Unclassified |
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