KiHa 127 series

The KiHa 127 series and the related KiHa 122 series are low-capacity higher-speed commuter diesel multiple unit used by the West Japan Railway Company since March 2009.
==History==
The KiHa 127 series was designed for improving transport on the Kishin Line, as well as to replace older cars on that line. A total of 19 cars were produced, all by Niigata Transys; Hyōgo Prefecture helped finance the production of the cars. The first car was delivered in August 2008 and subsequently showcased at Itoigawa Station before commercial operation began.
In line with the opening of the Aboshi Depot in October 2008, the KiHa 127 series cars were also exhibited there for a time. The KiHa 122 series cars (essentially single-car versions of the KiHa 127 series cars) were also manufactured around the same time. The cars entered service on the Kishin Line on 19 March 2009. All cars are in service and are based at Himeji Depot.
==Design==
The KiHa 122 and 127 series use a modern design featuring rounded corners and large headlights with dual sealed beam and high-intensity discharge headlights. The general design of the cars is largely based on the 223 series city commuter cars, except with slightly slanted headlights. The cars are unpainted but feature orange graphics with gold accents and white highlights; the orange graphics are intended to represent the red dragonflies around the area, the yellow the rice ears growing around the area and the white simply just for contrast.
==Specifications==
Construction of the cars is of a lightweight stainless steel. The cars feature a design taken from many existing JR West traincars, such as the body design of the 321 and 521 series cars. The front cabs feature a design based on that of the 223 series cars; the cabs are manufactured out of steel and are reinforced for crash protection.
The KiHa 122 and 127 series cars are equipped with a Komatsu SA6D140HE-2 supercharged prime mover producing 444 HP (450 PS); these prime movers produce less NOx emissions and are more environmentally friendly as a whole. Power is transmitted through a hydraulic transmission. JR West's Train Information Control System (TICS) system is installed to allow the driver to view statistics of the cars and perform maintenance when required.
==See also==
*Echigo Tokimeki ET122 series, similar diesel railcars manufactured for the Echigo Tokimeki Railway
==References==
*Wikipedia.org
Category:Diesel trainsets
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Niigata Transys locomotives