KiHa 40 series/Koshino Shu*Kura

The Koshino Shu∗Kura (Japanese: 越乃Shu*Kura) is a limited-stop "Rapid" service operated by the East Japan Railway Company as a sightseeing train in the Niigata Prefecture of Japan since May 2014.
== History ==
The Koshino Shu∗Kura was conceived as part of the Niigata Destination Campaign to help boost travel to the Niigata Prefecture; the set itself is said to have been designed around the concept of sake due to Niigata's booming sake businesses. Three cars based at Niigata General Rolling Stock Center, KiHa 40 552, KiHa 48 558 and KiHa 48 1542, were converted for use on the new train; conversion was done at Kōriyama Works and Niigata Transys. KiHa 40 552 and KiHa 48 1542 were manufactured by Niigata Tekkō while KiHa 48 558 was manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries; KiHa 40 552 was originally manufactured in October 1979, KiHa 48 558 in December 1981 and KiHa 48 1542 in February 1981.
Following a few preview events and test runs, the set began operation on 2 May 2014. In addition to the Koshino Shu∗Kura service, it is also used on the Echigo Shu∗Kura and Ryūto Shu∗Kura services.
== Design ==
The set features a blue and white livery; it is stated to combine standard colors of "indigo under black" with white to evoke snow to "express the dignified climate of the Niigata region". Large window glass panels are installed to improve views.
Its name refers to the Echigo region (Koshino), sake (Shu) and its related breweries (Kura), as well as the image of flowers, snowflakes and rice grains (asterisk).
== Specifications ==
:Main article KiHa 40 series
Much of the set's technical specifications remain the same as normal KiHa 40 series cars, although this section will detail the modifications made to the cars. The set was the first KiHa 40 series set to have LED headlights and ATS-P.
KiHa 48 558 is only available to those with travel packages, with four-person Rakuraku Box Seats, and two-seat Observation Pair Seats either facing the Sea of Japan or separated by a partition. Between Naoetsu and Kashiwazaki Stations both seats face the Sea of Japan. This car can sit 34 passengers.
KiHa 40 552 is available to those who hold specific limited express tickets and may be reserved using JR East's Ekinet reservation system; tickets may also be purchased at Midori no Madoguchi ticket offices throughout Japan. It features two abreast reclining seats, with the fronts of the car having eight sofa seats as part of a lounge area. This car can sit 36 passengers.
KiHa 48 1542 acts as the intermediate car in the consist and acts as an event space; this car has no seats. It features the Kuramori service counter, selling sake, snacks and "other fine products", as well as acting as a sake tasting counter. Four standing tables resembling sake barrels are present in the car, as well as a bar table and benches situated by the window where live music and other events are held.
Staff aboard the train have special uniforms and offer sake to passengers on board the train. Specially-prepared bento boxes are served onboard the train.
== Source ==
Wikipedia.org
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Diesel trainsets
Category:Fuji Heavy Industries locomotives
Category:Niigata Tekkō locomotives
Category:Kōriyama Works locomotives
Category:Niigata Transys locomotives