JR Shikoku 1500 series

1500 series
Consist led by 1566 in July 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Kinki Sharyo, Niigata Transys
Type of locomotive	Diesel multiple unit
Constructed	2006 – 2014
Number built	34 cars
Dimensions	819 in (20,800 mm) × 118 in (2,988 mm) × 157 in (3,976 mm)
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Prime mover	SA6D140HE-2 prime mover
Service information
In service	25 May 2006 – Present
Branding	Ecology Diesel Train
Formation	Single car
Number in service	34 cars
Fleet numbers	1501 – 1515, 1551 – 1569
Preservation information
Preserved	0
Number scrapped	0

The JR Shikoku 1500 series, branded the Ecology Diesel Train 1500 series, is a Japanese diesel multiple unit operated by the Shikoku Railway Company since May 2006.

History

The cars were designed to improve rail transport in rural areas, predominantly in the Tokushima and Kōchi prefectures and to complement the 1000 series cars. Thirty-four cars were manufactured by Niigata Transys and Kinki Sharyo from 2006 to 2014. The first cars entered service on 25 May 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 have a contemporary body style different from most of Niigata Transys' diesel railcars. The cars were designed to be barrier-free and have an environmentally-friendly design. Two cab variations exist; one is used on the cars built by Niigata Transys (1st – 6th batch, 8th batch) and another used for the cars built by Kinki Sharyo (7th batch cars). The differences between both cab variations are subtle, such as added contours on the cab design, contoured front windshield and a flatter side profile for the Kinki Sharyo cars.

Cab and livery variations

There are two cab and livery variations of the 1500 series sets.

Consist led by 1557 in March 2023

Specifications

Cars are made of stainless steel. The cars use SA6D140HE-2 prime movers, with one per car. Each prime mover produces 330 kW (450 PS, 444 HP).

The 1500 series cars can operate in multiple with 1200 series cars, but not 1000 series cars.