The KiHa 122 series (キハ122系, Kiha-122-kei) and KiHa 127 series (キハ127系, Kiha-127-kei) are diesel multiple unit (DMU) train types operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR-West) on the Kishin Line between Himeji and Kōzuki. A total of 19 cars have been delivered, formed as seven single-car KiHa 122 series units and six two-car KiHa 127 series units.[2] Test-running commenced in late September 2008,[4] with the units entering revenue-earning service from the start of the revised timetable on 14 March 2009.[5]
Exterior
The body design features improved crash resistance, based on the 223 serieselectric multiple unit design. The cars use environmentally-friendly diesel engines with reduced NOx and particulate emissions.[6]
Externally, the units are finished in unpainted metal with thin yellow and red waistline stripes.[4]
WTR248 trailer bogie
Interior
Internally, the cars feature flip-over reversible seating arranged 2+1 abreast. Toilets in both types of train are wheelchair-accessible, and the step between the passenger compartment and station platform has been eliminated.[6]
KiHa 127 interior
KiHa 127 forward view showing LED fare board for wanman driver-only operation
KiHa 127 toilet
Formations
The KiHa 122 single-car units and KiHa 127 two-car units are formed as follows.[7]
KiHa 122 series (single-car unit)
The KiHa 122 series uses a diesel engine with a small lithium-ion battery (18 kWh) that is used to power auxiliary machines in the train.[8]
KiHa 122 series single-car unit at Harima-Shingu Station in April 2009
^キハ127+キハ122，網干へ回送 [KiHa 127 & 122 moved to Aboshi]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 2 October 2008. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
^ ab JR西日本 キハ１２２形・キハ１２７形を姫新線に導入 [JR-West to introduce KiHa122/127 on Kishin Line]. Tetsudō Daiya Jōhō magazine. Vol. 37, no. 294. Japan: Kōtsū Shimbun. September 2008. p. 70.
^ ab キハ１２２・１２７系 気動車 [KiHa 122/127 series DMU]. Japan Railfan Magazine. Vol. 49, no. 573. Japan: Kōyūsha Co., Ltd. January 2009. pp. 68–72.
^ abキハ127+キハ122が試運転 [KiHa 125 + KiHa 122 Test run]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 22 September 2008. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
^ abキハ122、127系気動車の新製投入について [Introduction of new KiHa 122/127 series diesel cars]. Press Release (in Japanese). Japan: West Japan Railway Company. 26 August 2008. Archived from the original on 15 January 2009. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
^Nishiwaki, Kōji (January 2011). JR各社の新世代気動車の現況 JR西日本キハ122・127形 [The Current State of Modern JR DMUs - JR-West KiHa 122/127]. Japan Railfan Magazine. Vol. 51, no. 597. Japan: Kōyūsha Co., Ltd. pp. 108–110.
