KiHa 187 series

KiHa 187 series
Consist led by KiHa 187-1012 on a Super Ōki service in September 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Niigata Tekkō, Nippon Sharyo
Type of locomotive	Diesel multiple unit
Constructed	2001 – 2003
Number built	26 cars
Dimensions	839 in (21,300 mm) × 112 in (2,845 mm) × 137 in (3,470 mm)
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Prime mover	SA6D140H prime mover
Service information
In service	7 July 2001 – Present
Formation	1 – 3 cars per set
Number in service	26 cars
Fleet numbers	KiHa 187-1 – KiHa 187-7, KiHa 187-11 – KiHa 187-12, KiHa 187-1001 – KiHa 187-1007, KiHa 187-1011 – KiHa 187-1012, KiHa 187-501 – KiHa 187-504, KiHa 187-1501 – KiHa 187-1504
Preservation information
Preserved	0
Number scrapped	0

The KiHa 187 series is a tilting Japanese limited express diesel multiple unit operated by the West Japan Railway Company since July 2001.

History

The KiHa 187 series sets were built from 2001 to 2003 to be able to keep up with the competition provided by highways along with replacing the aging KiHa 181 series sets. Twenty-six cars were built by Niigata Tekkō (now known as Niigata Transys) and Nippon Sharyo, and were the first diesel multiple units produced since the JNR was privatized in April 1987. All sets are based at Gotō Depot.

Due to its outstanding functional and design features, it is the recipient of the 2002 Laurel Prize.

Design

The KiHa 187 series cars uses a different body design when compared to other diesel multiple units of the era; the design of the set is reminiscent of the KiHa 185 series cars. The cars have unpainted stainless steel bodies with blue and yellow accents for the cabs; the blue highlights are supposed to evoke thoughts of water and the yellow cabs evoking thoughts of the sun, producing an effect similar to the sun shining down on the lake surfaces of the San'in Region. Additionally, the yellow accents were also chosen for safety reasons; the yellow accents make the train highly visible so surrounding people will notice it and be aware that a train is coming, especially since the KiHa 187 series sets are used at rather high speeds.

Specifications

Construction is of stainless steel in an attempt to lower the train's center of gravity and to reduce weight. Cars are 21.3 meters long, 2.845 meters wide and 3.470 meters high. The cars use two SA6D140H prime movers that produce 450 PS (444 HP, 331 kW) each.

The sets use an inertial tilting system controlled by a computer which allows the sets to maintain high speeds around curves. As of 2018, this is the last JR set to use an inertial tilting system.