The KiHa 125-400 series were converted from the now-defunct Takachiho Railway's TR-400 series cars, originally built by Niigata Transys. The cars were sold to JR Kyushu after consultation from the Takachiho Railway after its abolition; the sale was finalized in 2008, with the company liquidated some months later. The cars were then converted at Kokura Works for entrance into service as a cruising train; the set entered service on 10 October 2009 and remains in service to this day. The set is based at Miyazaki Depot and normally only operates on the Nichinan Line for the Umisachi Yamasachi Joyful Train service; on occasions where there are no trains operating on a weekday, the set can be used as a charter train, although such occasions are rare and have to be booked in advance by travel agencies or similar companies.
While technically a Joyful Train as it contains many features most Joyful Trains have, JR Kyushu officially does not consider the train as such.
Design[]
The KiHa 125-400 series feature a retro-inspired design with wooden side paneling and a single top-mounted headlight. The interior and exterior design of the cars for its refitting was performed by Eiji Mitooka. Obi cedar is used liberally throughout the train, from the side paneling to the interior.
Specifications[]
Construction is of steel. Performance statistics are identical to those of the TR-400 series cars they were converted from. The set however most notably features a soundtrack composed by noted composer and pianist Minoru Mukaiya; this soundtrack includes two musical horns (one for arrival and another for departure) and a soundtrack played in-car. These soundtracks feature Mukaiya's distinctive synth- and piano-heavy sound, with the musical horns drawing inspiration from various parts of the soundtrack, featuring synth-heavy notes.
Car 1 features a self-service counter featuring commemorative stamps. Merchandise relating to Umisachi Yamasachi is also sold onboard the train, such as music CDs featuring the onboard soundtrack, "special products" which can be found along the Nichinan Line like mango caramel and ice creams and various other foodstuffs and drinks. A PA system is located at the self-service counter featuring commemorative stamps; any announcements are made from the PA at said counter and the in-car PA at the driver's cab is not used.
When the train stops at Obi station, locals come out and sell goods to the tourists on board the train. The train remains there for about ten minutes before moving on.