The cars were designed to improve rail transport in rural areas, predominantly in the Tokushima and Kōchi prefectures and to complement the 1000 and 1500 series cars; the 1200 series cars were actually designed to do just that from the start. Eighteen cars were converted by Niigata Transys from 2006 to 2014. The first cars entered service on 1 June 2006, with other cars being put into service over the coming years. The cars are intended to replace aging rolling stock on the lines they serve on as well.
Design[]
The cars's body style is identical to that of the 1000 series cars they were converted from.
Specifications[]
Cars are made of stainless steel. The cars use SA6D125-H prime movers, with one per car. Each prime mover produces 294 kW (394 HP).
Unlike the older 1000 series cars, the 1200 series cars are able to work in multiple with 1500 series cars. Modifications to the 1000 series cars during the conversions included the changing of couplers from knuckle couplers to Shibata-type couplers and the addition of passenger-operated door buttons to close and open the side doors.