JR West KiHa 187 series

Data (as of 21 Dec 2024)

History

The KiHa 187 series is a limited express diesel train for northern Chugoku region (San'in region). At that time, intercity services on San-in Main Line and other relevant railway networks were served by obsolete KiHa 181 series and KiHa 58 series. As JR West received subsidies from Tottori and Shimane Prefectures, they developed a new, fast train to compete with buses.

The KiHa 187 series can run at up to 130 km/h (81 mph), and has tilting features based on that of JR Shikoku 2000 series to allow higher speed at tight curves. The series significantly reduced journey time between cities and towns in the region. The exterior design is simple, presumably to reduce costs. However, this front end is so simple (or rather, blunt) to deal with a drag (air resistance) that they have to reduce speed inside tunnels.

Current Operations & Future Prospects

They are used for Limited Express Super Inaba (Okayama - Tottori via Chizu Line), Super Matsukaze (Tottori - Masuda) and Super Oki (Tottori - Shin-Yamaguchi). They are mostly formed of two coaches, but sometimes longer especially during peak seasons.