Joyful Train Nagasaki

Joyful Train Nagasaki
The set in November 1992
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	JR Kyushu's Kokura Works
Type of locomotive	Diesel multiple unit
Family name	Joyful Train
Constructed	1988
Number built	2 cars (1 set)
Dimensions	21,300 mm × 2,944 mm × 3,925 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Prime mover	DMH17H prime mover
Service information
In service	August 1988 – 23 March 1994
Branding	Joyful Train Nagasaki Joyful Train Kumamoto
Formation	2 cars per set
Number in service	None
Fleet numbers	KiHa 58 7002, KiHa 65 7002
Preservation information
Preserved	None
Number scrapped	2 cars (1 set)

The Joyful Train Nagasaki was a charter-only service run by converted KiHa 58 and KiHa 65 series diesel multiple units operated by the Kyushu Railway Company from August 1988 to March 1994.

History

The Joyful Train Nagasaki was an early Joyful Train consisting of a single two-car set converted from JR Kyushu KiHa 58 and 65 series cars; the cars selected for the conversion were KiHa 58 298 and KiHa 65 12, which were both renumbered to 7002. The set entered service in August 1988 and was placed at Nagasaki Depot, hence its name. The set would be used for special services and similar events in the area before it was withdrawn from service in July 1992. The set was then transferred to Kumamoto Depot and renamed Joyful Train Kumamoto and re-entered service in the Kumamoto region before it was withdrawn again on 23 March 1994 and scrapped.

Design

The Joyful Train Nagasaki featured the same general design as the KiHa 58 series cars they were converted from. The set featured a white base coat with "flashy" dragon graphics resembling the dragons used during the Nagasaki Kunchi autumn harvest festival, as well as other motifs representing churches and windmills. KiHa 58 7002 features a blue dragon while 65 7002 features a red dragon. No livery changes were made to the set when it was converted into the Joyful Train Kumamoto.

Specifications

Main article: KiHa 58 series

Construction is of steel. Performance statistics are largely identical to that of the KiHa 58 series cars these were converted from; this article will still detail some additional statistics about the cars.

The car's seats are shaped in a similar fashion to that of the Holland Village Express, arranged in four columns and ten rows. On the back of the seats, a reversible footrest is available. The window draw curtains were replaced with pull curtains, and a folding tray table was also located under the window. Incandescent lights were added for environmental lighting while fluorescent lights were added for the baggage racks. Monitor televisions were also hung from the ceiling in two places.

The salon room of the car was done up similar to that of a snack bar, with wooden flooring, chairs and tables for ten and a karaoke stage up front. Lighting controls and karaoke equipment were placed between the seats and the salon room. Wall lights as well as a chandelier were installed as environmental lighting.