DEC741 series

DEC741 series
E1 in September 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Kinki Sharyo
Type of locomotive	Diesel-electric multiple unit
Constructed	2021
Number built	2 cars (1 set)
Dimensions	21,750 mm × 2,800 mm × Unknown
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Prime mover	SA6D140HE-3 prime mover
Service information
In service	1 November 2021 – Present
Formation	2 cars per set
Number in service	2 cars (1 set)
Fleet numbers	E1
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The DEC741 series is a non-revenue diesel-electric multiple unit operated by the West Japan Railway Company since November 2021 for track and signal inspections.

History

The DEC741 series was developed to replace older track and overhead inspection trains operated by JR West.

One set, designated E1, was constructed by Kinki Sharyo and shown off on 22 October 2021, with additional details announced about the sets on 27 October 2021. It replaced 443 series set D01, which was retired in July 2021 due to aging. Operation began on 1 November 2021.

In addition to operating on the entire JR West network, E1 also operates on the JR Kyushu and JR Shikoku lines with connections to JR West's systems, along with other private railways. E1 first inspected the JR Kyushu network on 27 February 2022, the Echigo Tokimeki Railway and Ainokaze Toyama Railway on 17 April 2022, the JR Shikoku network on 22 April 2022 and the Hisatsu Orange Railway on 20 July 2022.

An initial plan was to build a third car to be inserted into both KiYa 141 series sets for overhead line inspection; this plan was scrapped with the introduction of E1.

Design

The DEC741 series set uses a contemporary squared-off design similar to most Japanese locomotives; it features a similar appearance to JR Central's 315 series sets. It is painted in "Blue No. 15" (ink blue) with "Yellow No. 5" (marigold yellow) accents similar to JNR's older track inspection locomotives.

Specifications

Construction is of steel. The DEC741 series set is based on the DEC700 series car in terms of underfloor equipment; it is equipped with the same hybrid system as the DEC700 series car. Three prime movers are installed on the entire set; two to drive the set and one to power the set's equipment.

The train incorporates artificial intelligence, the first route inspection train in Japan to do so, as a means to cover labor shortages. It is equipped with a lozenge pantograph for overhead line inspection, track equipment diagnosis systems, electrical imaging equipment, electric equipment measuring devices and imaging devices incorporating artificial intelligence. These systems are planned to be put into practical use by 2025.

Trivia

• Officially, this set is designated as simply "DEC741" by JR West. This article uses "DEC741 series" for consistency with other similar trains.
• "DEC7" in the train's designation indicates a Diesel Electric Car, the "4" indicates a non-revenue vehicle and the "1" indicates the first vehicle in this series.