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JR Kyushu KiHa 71 Series / JR九州キハ71系

The KiHa 71 Series (キハ71系) is a DMU of JR Kyushu operating as limited express Yufuin No Mori.

The Kyudai Main Line is one of Kyushu's cross island railways, linking Kurume Station south of Fukuoka to the city of Oita on the Seto Island Sea. However, travel between Fukuoka and Oita is both faster and cheaper on Sonic running on the Kagoshima and Nippō main lines via Kokura. Aiming to increase passengers and reduce financial losses on the Kyudai Main Line, JR Kyushu introduced the tourist-orientated limited express Yufuin No Mori in 1989, operated by a purpose built train with a retro design. The KiHa 71 series incorporates a brand new car body inspired by older diesel railcars of Europe, while reusing running equipment and engines from retiring JNR diesel cars to save costs. There are only a single 4 car set in existence, the 2 cab cars have equipment from KiHa 65 series vehicles, while the middle cars took equipment from KiHa 58 units. The passenger compartments are 60cm higher than the platform level, and decorated with wood and gold plating for a luxurious look. There are also a cafe, open saloon space, and a small art gallery on board. Since entering service, several renovations have been carried out on the unit, replacing much of the old running equipment and installing new engines. However, the maximum speed of the train could not be increased due to issues with braking, despite being fitted with more powerful engines and modern control equipment. The train has been consistently used on Yufuin No Mori, which is popular among travellers to the area's numerous scenic hot springs towns. It has seen occasional use as a charter train and have been driven as far as Osaka. Due to the age of the unit there is good chance it will retire before the end of the current decade, although JR Kyushu has not made any announcements regarding the matter.

Basic Information:

Max Speed: 95km/h
Acceleration: 0.45m/s/s
Engine Output: 400PS x 1 (control car), 355PS x 2 (middle car)
In Service: 1989-

The following formations are included:

KiHa 71 Series (4 Car)

Max Pax: 200
-can be coupled up to 3 sets, although please note there is only one set in existence IRL.