KiHa 71 series

KiHa 71 series
The set in August 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	JR Kyushu's Kokura Works, JR East's Matsumoto Works, JR East's Nagano Works, JR East's Niigata Works, JR East's Takeshita Works
Type of locomotive	Diesel multiple unit
Family name	Joyful Train
Constructed	1989 – 1990
Number built	4 cars (1 set)
Dimensions	Unknown
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Prime mover	SA6D125H-1A and SA6D125HD-1 prime movers
Service information
In service	11 March 1989 – Present
Branding	Yufuin no Mori
Formation	4 cars per set
Number in service	4 cars (1 set)
Fleet numbers	KiHa 71 1 – KiHa 71 2, KiHa 70 1 – KiHa 70 2
Preservation information
Preserved	0
Number scrapped	0

The KiHa 71 series, branded Yufuin no Mori, is a Japanese diesel multiple unit operated by the Kyushu Railway Company since March 1989 specifically for use on Yufuin no Mori services.

History

The KiHa 71 series set was converted in 1989 from KiHa 58 and KiHa 65 series cars; KiHa 65 51, 58 490, 58 436 and 65 19 were converted to become KiHa 71 1, 70 1, 70 2 and 71 2 respectively. Originally formed as a three-car set, the set entered service on 11 March 1989 on the new Yufuin no Mori service as a dedicated tourist train; a fourth car was added later on 29 April 1990. The set has been in service ever since and is based at Nōgata Depot.

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 71 series set uses a different body design when compared to other diesel multiple units of the era; the design of the set is reminiscent of streamlined European trains of the 1930s.

Specifications

Construction is of steel. The set was converted from various KiHa 58 and 65 series cars at various depots owned by JR East with final fitting at JR Kyushu's Kokura Works.

The set uses SA6D125H-1A and SA6D125HD-1 prime movers which were fitted in 2003 as part of a refurbishment program; the set originally used DMH17H and DML30HSD prime movers.

The interior of the set features a "high decker" structure, with the flooring made of fire-resistant wood which has some gold plating. Due to the car's structure, normal baggage racks cannot be used; as such, coin-operated lockers and baggage storage is used instead. A buffet counter is set up in KiHa 70 1 and is equipped with a fridge, microwave oven, electric kettle, percolator, ice cream containers and others; snacks and drinks can be sold from the counter. A portion of KiHa 70 2 was made into an art gallery.