KuMoYa 93 series

KuMoYa 93 series
KuMoYa 93000 in February 1978
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	JNR's Toyokawa Works
Type of locomotive	Electric multiple unit
Constructed	1958
Number built	1 car
Dimensions	20,000 mm × Unknown × Unknown
Gauge	3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm)
Power supply	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system	Resistor control
Service information
In service	June 1958 – 26 March 1980
Formation	Single car
Number in service	None
Fleet numbers	KuMoYa 93000
Scrapped	1980
Preservation information
Preserved	None
Number scrapped	1 car

The KuMoYa 93 series was a non-revenue track and overhead line inspection electric multiple unit operated by the Japanese National Railways from June 1958 to March 1980.

History

The KuMoYa 93 series was one of the earliest track inspection trains operated by the JNR, with a single car produced, numbered KuMoYa 93000. KuMoYa 93000 was originally manufactured in 1932 by Kisha Seizō as MoHa 40010, before it was rebuilt in 1944 to MoHa 51078 at Suita Works. MoHa 51078 was rebuilt into MoYa 4700 at JNR's Toyokawa Works, on the site of the former Toyokawa Naval Arsenal (the site today is owned by Nippon Sharyo), in April 1958. The car began service in June the same year.

Due to a revision in Japanese railcar naming rules taking effect on 1 June 1959, MoYa 4700 was renumbered to KuMoYa 93000. Over its time in service, KuMoYa 93000 would set numerous speed records, from 165 km/h (103 mph) on 4 November 1959 on the Tōkaidō Main Line, 167 km/h (104 mph) on 10 February 1960 on the Tōhoku Main Line and most notably 175 km/h (109 mph) on 21 November 1960, also on the Tōkaidō Main Line; this was a national speed record for narrow gauge trains in Japan, with the record standing until November 1985 when it was broken by a 381 series train. To celebrate the record, a commemorative plaque was installed on the side of KuMoYa 93000 and a monument erected at Rokugō Station, located near the area where KuMoYa 93000 achieved the record, on 21 November 1995.

Throughout its service life KuMoYa 93000 was stationed at the now-inactive Tamachi Depot. It was mainly used to inspect overhead lines as well as track. KuMoYa 93000 was withdrawn from service on 26 March 1980 and subsequently scrapped at Tamachi Depot.

Design

The KuMoYa 93 series cars featured a shōnan-style appearance with multiple headlight clusters. It had a dark brown livery with cream accents.

Specifications

Construction was of steel. The car was fitted with a dark room, sorting room, sleeping quarter, storeroom, observation room, equipment room and power room. A dome was installed to inspect overhead lines, with floodlights installed on both ends of the dome.