The KiHa 72 series, branded New Yufuin no Mori, is a Japanese diesel multiple unit operated by the Kyushu Railway Company since March 1999. It is designed specifically for use on the Yufuin no Mori service and operates with the KiHa 71 series set in this regard.
Originally, the Yufuin no Mori service was operated by one KiHa 71 series set and one KiHa 183 series set (branded as Yufuin no Mori II); the KiHa 183 series set was later renamed to become Siebold while the KiHa 71 series set stayed as is. As a result, it was decided to manufacture a train set which would look similar to the KiHa 71 series and serve the same purpose.
One set was constructed and delivered in 1999. It entered service on 13 March that year, originally as a four car set; a fifth car was added on 18 July 2015.
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 72 series looks somewhat similar to the KiHa 71 series it is designed to supplement, although there are a few minor differences between their appearances. However, the KiHa 72 series was a purpose-built train set, as opposed to the KiHa 71 series being converted from older Japanese DMUs.
Specifications[]
Little information is known about the exterior materials of the set.
The set uses an DMF13HZA prime mover as seen on various other diesel multiple units of the era, and is driven through the use of torque converters and hydraulic motors.