KiYa 141 series

KiYa 141 series
G1 in September 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Niigata Transys
Type of locomotive	Diesel multiple unit
Constructed	2006
Number built	4 cars (2 sets)
Dimensions	21,750 mm × 2,951 mm × 4,050 mm
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Prime mover	SA6D140H prime mover
Service information
In service	February 2006 – Present
Branding	Doctor WEST
Formation	2 cars per set
Number in service	4 cars (2 sets)
Fleet numbers	G1 – G2
Preservation information
Preserved	N/A
Number scrapped	N/A

The KiYa 141 series is a non-revenue diesel multiple unit operated by the Central Japan Railway Company since February 2006 for track and signal inspections.

History

The KiYa 141 series was developed to replace older track and overhead inspection trains operated by JR Central; prior to this JR West used a KiYa 191 series diesel-powered inspection train and a MaYa 34 inspection car converted from a passenger car.

Two sets were built by Niigata Transys in February 2006 and entered service the same year. The sets carry out track and signal inspection works using onboard equipment; there were plans to equip the sets with equipment for overhead line inspection but with the construction of the DEC741 series set this plan was scrapped. When not active, the sets are based at the Suita General Rolling Stock Center. In addition to operating on the entire JR West network, the KiYa 141 series sets are operated on JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu lines, as well as private railways such as the IR Ishikawa Railway, Ainokaze Toyama Railway, Echigo Tokimeki Railway Hisui Line, Kyoko Tango Railway, Nishikigawa Railway, Chizu Express, Wakasa Railway, Hisatsu Orange Railway and the Tosa Kuroshio Railway.

The KiYa 141 series sets have the branding of Doctor WEST, made in reference to their function and their similarity in purpose to the Doctor Yellow high-speed inspection trains. Initially, JR West stated that the sets had no branding or nickname, but after they were exhibited at the Kyoto Railway Museum in 2016 JR West started naming them Doctor WEST. Originally referred to by the fleet numbers of KiYa 141-1 and KiYa 141-2, both sets were given fleet numbers of G1 and G2 between 2019 and 2020.

Design

The KiYa 141 series use a contemporary squared-off design similar to most Japanese locomotives. They feature an unpainted stainless steel body and yellow accents.

Specifications

Construction is of stainless steel. The KiYa 141 series cars are heavily based on the KiHa 126 series sets in terms of design and the KiHa 187 series sets in terms of underfloor equipment. Komatsu SA6D140H prime movers are used on the sets.