The Rainbow was a short-lived charter-only service run by a converted KiHa 58 series diesel multiple unit operated by the Shikoku Railway Company from March 1988 to March 1992.
History[]
The Rainbow was an early Joyful Train consisting of four converted JR Shikoku KiHa 58 series cars; specifically KiHa 58 464, 58 649, 28 2490 and 28 2491. After conversion the cars did not receive any changes to their numbering. The set entered service on 17 March 1988 in anticipation of the opening of the Great Seto Bridge. The set was used for special guest services along with the related Tabidachi until it was retired on 31 March 1992 and scrapped. The set was based at Takamatsu Depot.
Design[]
The Rainbow featured the same general design as the KiHa 58 series cars they were converted from. The car featured a white base coat with pink accents and blue highlights.
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 interior was noted to have been an improvement over other cars, featuring reclining seats and a karaoke machine.
