GV-E197 series

The GV-E197 series is a Japanese non-revenue diesel-electric multiple unit operated by the East Japan Railway Company since March 2021 for shunting and other similar operations.
==History==
The GV-E197 series was developed to replace older locomotives operated by JR East for shunting operations and pulling empty locomotives out of service. A pre-series set, TS01, was produced by Niigata Transys in January 2021 and assigned to Takasaki Depot (now Gunma Depot) on 27 March 2021; test runs began in March 2021.
A second set, TS02, was constructed by Niigata Transys in June 2023 and put into service the same year; a third set was constructed in September 2023. The sets are based at Gunma Depot. A total of six sets are to be built for use for hauling rocks and other raw material, as well as two additional powered cab cars for use for shunting and towing non-operational trains.
==Design==
The E493 series sets feature a squared-off design with dual LED headlights. They feature yellow cab fronts, similar to many of JR's inspection trains.
==Specifications==
Construction is of stainless steel. The sets are formed into six car units, consisting of two powered cab cars and four hopper cars used to transport crushed stone or other raw material. The cars may also be operated independently of each other.
The cars are fitted with a similar hybrid system to the GV-E400 series cars also operated by JR East. Mitsubishi Electric is responsible for manufacturing the onboard electronics.
==See also==
*E493 series, non-revenue electric multiple unit that is similar in appearance and is used for a very similar purpose
==Trivia==
*The "GV" in the name stands for "Generating Vehicle".
==References==
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Diesel trainsets
Category:Niigata Transys locomotives