The KiYa 143 locomotives are used as self-propelled snowplough units during the winter season, replacing ageing JNR Class DD15 and JNR Class DE15 locomotives, and for hauling non-revenue services during other periods with the snowploughs removed.[1]
A pair of KiYa 143s top-and-tailing retro-style 35 series coaches on a test run in June 2017
Design
The KiYa 143 locomotives use the same 450 hp (340 kW) diesel engines and braking systems as JR West's KiHa 189 seriesdiesel multiple unit (DMU) trains.[1]
History
The first KiYa 143, KiYa 143-1, was delivered from Niigata Transys in February 2014.[2] This was followed by KiYa 143-2 in March 2014.[3]
Fleet status
As of 1 April 2017[update], nine KiYa 143 locomotives were in operation, allocated as follows.[4]
While technically a diesel locomotive, the KiYa 143 is classified by JR West according to its diesel multiple unit (DMU) numbering scheme.
References
^ abcdefghi キヤ143形事業用内燃動車 [KiYa 143 departmental locomotive lists]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 54, no. 637. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. May 2014. pp. 52–56.
^JR西日本キヤ143-1が甲種輸送される [JR West KiYa 143-1 delivered]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 13 June 2017. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
^JR西日本キヤ143-2が甲種輸送される [JR West KiYa 143-2 delivered]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 13 March 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
^ JR旅客会社の車両配置表 [JR passenger operating company rolling stock allocations lists]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 57, no. 675. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. July 2017. p. 37 (supplement).