KiHa E120 series

KiHa E120 series
Consist led by KiHa E120-3 in November 2020
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Niigata Transys
Type of locomotive	Diesel multiple unit
Constructed	2008
Number built	8 cars
Dimensions	19,500 mm × 2,920 mm × 3,620 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Prime mover	N-KDMF15HZ prime mover
Service information
In service	1 November 2008 – Present
Formation	Single car
Number in service	8 cars
Fleet numbers	KiHa E120-1 – KiHa E120-8
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The KiHa E120 series is a low-capacity commuter diesel multiple unit used by the East Japan Railway Company since November 2008, mainly on rural lines.

History

The KiHa E120 series was announced on 16 April 2008 by the Niigata Branch Office of the Yonesaka Line, Ban'etsu West Line, Hakushin Line and the Uetsu Main Line; these were intended to replace the older KiHa 40, KiHa 52 and KiHa 58 series cars on the line. A total of eight cars were manufactured by Niigata Transys, the first of which was delivered to Niitsu Depot in June 2008, and first shown off to the public at Niigata Station the next month.

The trains began service on 1 November 2008 on the above four lines, replacing the KiHa 52 and 58 series cars entirely while complimenting the KiHa 40 and 47 series cars. The cars were interchangeably used with the KiHa 110 series cars on those lines until March 2020, when they were withdrawn from service and moved. As of March 2021, all 8 cars are stationed at Kōriyama Depot and mostly ply the Tadami Line; however they have been returned to use on occasion on the Ban'Etsu West Line during the nighttime.

Design

The KiHa E120 series use a squared-off design similar to many other railcars of modern times, featuring dual top-mounted headlights. This basic design has been used for many JR diesel multiple units and originated from the earlier KiHa E130 series cars introduced in 2006 and the experimental KiHa E200 series hybrid cars introduced in 2007. The trains originally featured orange graphics with red accents, but have since changed to lime green with dark green and white accents.

Specifications

Construction is of stainless steel. The train's overall design and body shape are loosely based on the E231 series city commuter trains prominently used in Tokyo. To reduce congestion and increase cabin space, the car bodies are wider than most of its contemporaries, and double doors are featured as opposed to the plug doors on the previous KiHa 110 series cars. The cars feature a cold-resistant design.

The KiHa E120 series cars are equipped with the N-KDMF15HZ prime mover, producing 444 HP (450 PS). This is an improved version of the DMF15HZ prime mover (licensed production version of the Komatsu SA6D140HE-2 prime mover) which features various optimizations to reduce NOx output. The cars feature a 4-speed hydraulic transmission. The cars are also equipped with JR East's DICS (Dieselcar Information Control System) computer systems for shunting management and multiple unit operation, as well as equipment for wanman operation; since the cars were transferred over to Kōriyama the latter equipment has not been used.

See also

• Wikipedia.org