BE220 series

The BE220 series, branded Big Eye (stylized in all caps), is a non-revenue track inspection diesel multiple unit operated by the Kyushu Railway Company since October 2023.
==History==
The BE220 series car is a dedicated inspection car operated by JR Kyushu; it is a replacement for MaYa 34-2009, a track inspection passenger car. The car was converted at JR Kyushu's Kokura Works from KiHa 220-1002, which had been out of service since July 2020 due to flood damage with all parts replaced. KiHa 220-1002 was originally built in March 1997 by Niigata Tekkō.
The car was unveiled to the press on 19 October 2023 and entered service on 31 October 2023. The car was transferred to Kumamoto Rolling Stock Depot on 2 February 2024.
==Design==
The BE220 series features a "cutesy" livery with large eyes stylized after its nickname; the livery was designed through an internal competition. Sinewave designs are seen on the side to represent "track displacement" while headlight and cow motifs can be found throughout the train.
==Specifications==
In terms of performance the BE220 series car is largely identical in performance to the KiHa 200 and 220 series cars. The car is fitted with track inspection equipment and various cameras and laser equipment.
==Trivia==
*This is the first time the "BE" designation has been used on any Japan Railways Group-owned rolling stock.
Category:Diesel trainsets
Category:JR Group trains
Category:Niigata Tekkō locomotives