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JR West KiHa 189 Series / JR西日本キハ189系

The KiHa 189 Series (キハ189系) is a Limited Express type DMU operated by JR West.

Designed to operate Hamakaze between Osaka and Tottori via the Bantan Line, the type entered service in 2010 to replace the aging KiHa 181 series. The new type raised top operating speeds to 130km/h, and concurrent improvement works were carried out along the route to decrease travel times. As demand on the route has fallen due to rural depopulation, the basic formation of this type is reduced to 3 cars instead of 4 car sets of previous rolling stock. There are also no green cars available, with all seating in a regular 2+2 layout. It is also possible to remove the middle car and operate as a 2 car consist, although the maximum speed would be limited to 120km/h. A total of 21 cars were produced, all intended for limited express Hamakaze. After the 2016 timetable revision, Hamakaze No. 6 was no longer operated daily. Subsequently, some vehicles of the type have been used for the commuter express Rakuraku Biwako in the Keihanshin area.

Basic Information:

Max Speed: 130km/h
Acceleration: 0.56m/s/s
Engine Output: 450PS x 2 per car
In Service: 2010-

The following formations are included:

KiHa 189 Series (2 Car)

Max Pax: 100
-limited to 120km/h

KiHa 189 Series (3 Car)

Max Pax: 156
-can be coupled up to 4 sets