JR Shikoku 2600 series

Data (as of 12 Jan 2024)

History

The 2600 series is a type of limited express diesel train. It has a tilting feature with pneumatically-controlled system based on 8600 series, not a pendulum one that other tilting trains adopt. JR Shikoku envisaged that this would be less costly than the pendulum one, but it became clear that the system did not work well on Dosan Line, where too many steep gradients and tight curves exist. Thus, the company gave up replacing 2000 series with the 2600 series, and developed a new type 2700 series instead. That is why, only two two-carriage units were introduced in total.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

The 2600 series are usually used for Limited Express Uzushio (Takamatsu - Tokushima) along with the 2700 series and KiHa 185 series. They also run Dosan and Yosan Lines at peak seasons when there is a lack of available train.