JR Shikoku 2700 series

The JR Shikoku 2700 series, branded Express 2700, is a Japanese limited express tilting diesel multiple unit operated by the Shikoku Railway Company since August 2019.
==History==
Information surfaced on 17 April 2018 that JR Shikoku was planning to produce four more diesel multiple unit cars for use on a variety of lines on the JR Shikoku network. Information from a presentation from JR Shikoku's stakeholders appears to have leaked out around the same time, titled "New 2700 series limited express diesel railcars scheduled to be introduced in December 2018"; JR Shikoku neither publicly confirmed nor denied this at the time.
The bogies that are used on the 2700 series sets were tested on a 2000 series set prior to their construction. Details of the train were officially released on 26 November 2018, while the first promotional shots of the train were shot on 23 January 2019. The trains entered service on 6 August 2019. 41 cars were produced by 2020.
==Design==
Adopting a "neo-Japonism" concept, the set is said to "combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern styling". The appearance of the sets is identical to that of the 2600 series sets, although they have a slightly different paint scheme; the main way to tell the 2600 and 2700 series sets apart is that the 2700 series sets have two very prominent lime green wing-like designs on the cab. The deep red color is supposed to represent Shikoku's rich history, along with the color transitioning from gold to green; the motifs on the side are supposed to give a feeling of speed.
==Specifications==
The 2700 series sets look very similar to the 2600 series sets, with the car bodies also appearing to be made of stainless steel. The sets have a bearing-guide pendular tilting system as opposed to the pneumatic tilting system on the 2600 series sets, as it was stated that the pneumatic tilting system was not working as it should. The interiors of the trains received some improvements, such as bigger foldable tables and the addition of a wheelchair space.
==References==
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Diesel trainsets
Category:Kawasaki locomotives
Category:Tilting trainsets