KiHa 126 series

The KiHa 126 series and the related KiHa 121 series are low-capacity higher-speed commuter diesel multiple unit used by the West Japan Railway Company since July 2001.
==History==
The KiHa 126 series was JR West's first new railcar for local transportation on local lines. The cars were intended to be used on the San'in Main Line, where speed limits were increasing and faster trains were required; these were also used to replace older cars on the various lines these were used on. As such, five two-car sets were produced by Niigata Tekkō for use on those lines. The cars entered service on 7 July 2001 with the increase of the speed limits on some sections on the San'in Main Line.
Later cars were manufactured by Niigata Transys taking over from Niigata Tekkō; the remaining five KiHa 126 series sets as well as nine KiHa 121 series cars (essentially single car versions of the KiHa 126 series cars) were manufactured in 2003. The cars were designed to take into account that these cars can hit higher speeds as well to standardize the various railcars on the lines they operate on. From 2018, some minor refurbishment was conducted on the cars. All 29 cars are in service and are based at Gōto Depot.
==Design==
The KiHa 121 and 126 series use a squared-off design similar to many other railcars of the time, featuring top mounted headlights. The cars feature red graphics with blue accents. The trains have often been given advertisement wraps.
==Specifications==
Construction of the cars is of a lightweight stainless steel. The cars were designed to establish a standard rolling stock type and shape across JR West that is also easy to manufacture and features "a simple, warm design". To keep costs down, the cars are largely based on the KiHa 187 series limited express railcars.
The KiHa 121 and 126 series cars are equipped with a Komatsu SA6D140H prime mover producing 444 HP (450 PS). Power is transmitted through a 4-speed 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.
Development of the cars was first financed by Shimane Prefecture, and then Tottori Prefecture.
Category:Diesel trainsets
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Niigata Tekkō locomotives
Category:Niigata Transys locomotives