DEC741
A DEC741 train in November 2021
ManufacturerKinki Sharyo
ReplacedKuMoYa 443
Constructed2021
Number built2 vehicles (1 set)
Formation2 cars
Fleet numbersE1[1]
Operator(s)JR West
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length21 m (68 ft 11 in)
Width2.8 m (9 ft 2 in)
Maximum speed100 km/h (62 mph)
BogiesWDT71 (motored bogie)[1]
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The DEC741 is a diesel-electric multiple unit (DMU) departmental train operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West). It is Japan's first route inspection train to incorporate artificial intelligence.

Overview

Details of the DEC741 were announced on 27 October 2021. The train incorporates artificial intelligence (AI), being the first route inspection train in Japan to do so;[2] it is scheduled to begin commercial operation in 2025,[3] replacing the KuMoYa 443 dual-voltage electric multiple unit.[2] JR West intends to use AI as a means to cover labor shortages, which is a growing issue for the railway industry.[3]

The DEC741 is able to run on the entirety of the JR West conventional line network. It will also be able to run on and inspect rail networks from other operators, including the JR Kyushu and JR Shikoku networks, the IR Ishikawa Railway, and the Echigo Tokimeki Railway.[2]

Design

The body and underframe are made of steel.[4] Each car is 21 metres (68 feet 11 inches) long[5] and 2.8 metres (9 feet 2 inches) wide.[4] The train type has a maximum speed of 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph).[3]

Livery

The DEC741 series carries a livery with a blue base and a yellow stripe, which makes the train more visible at night.[3]

Equipment

The trainset is equipped with 64 cameras, 44 infrared lights for nighttime use,[3] and a diamond-shaped pantograph to inspect overhead wires.[4] It also uses the same traction system as the DEC700 railcar.[2]

Formation

Car No. 1 2
Designation DEC741-1
(Mzc)		 DEC741-101
(Tzc)

DEC741-1 has 50 roof-mounted cameras.[4] DEC741-101 is equipped with a diamond-shaped pantograph.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b "JR西日本、総合検測車DEC741形、報道公開！" [JR West unveils general inspection DEC741 train, press release!]. 鉄道ホビダス. 27 October 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d "JR西日本，総合検測車DEC741形を導入" [JR West introduces DEC741 rail inspection vehicle]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 27 October 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d e "JR West to roll out Japan's 1st AI inspection train on ordinary lines in FY2025". Mainichi Daily News. 29 October 2021. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d "JR西日本の「DEC741」登場　屋根上に大量のカメラを搭載 - 鉄道コム" [JR West's DEC741 equipped with a large amount of roof-mounted cameras]. tetsudo.com (in Japanese). 27 October 2021. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  5. ^ a b "JR西日本「DEC741」公開! 総合検測車の新型車両を導入 - 写真53枚" [JR West "DEC741" released! Introducing a new type of comprehensive inspection vehicle – 53 photos]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). 27 October 2021. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 16 November 2021.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to JR West DEC741.
Multiple units of West Japan Railway Company
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