Locomotive Wiki
Advertisement

The Kitakyu 9000 series, branded Polestar II, is a Japanese city commuter electric multiple unit operated by the Kita-Osaka Kyūkō Railway since April 2014.

History[]

The 9000 series cars were designed with the concept of "providing a quiet and relaxing space for customers and further improving environmental performance"; other sources claim that the sets were introduced as additional trains in preparation for the Kitakyu Namboku Line's extension to Minoo-Kayano Station, although the trains were ostensibly introduced to replace the older 8000 series trains, which began their retirements and scrapping with the introduction of the first set. All sets were manufactured by Kinki Sharyo.

The first set, 9001, began operation on 28 April 2014. As of 2017 four sets have been produced and all are in service.

Design[]

The 9000 series use a conventional design with dual trapezoidal-style headlights. The first two sets are unpainted; sets from 9003 onwards are painted in cream with maroon accents.

Variations[]

Livery variations

Specifications[]

Construction of the cars is of a laser-welded stainless steel. Cars are 18.2 meters long. The sets use a two-level Toshiba IGBT variable frequency drive; these produce a distinctive sound. These work in conjunction with permanent magnetic synchronous motors. The trains feature an electronic horn which produces a distinctive warbling noise; this horn is shared with the earlier 8000 series trains.

Kitakyu rolling stock
Active 8000 "Polestar"9000 "Polestar II"
Withdrawn 20007000
Advertisement