The trains are built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries to a "Neo Japonisme" concept, combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern styling.[1] The trains operate at a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) in service.[1]
The trains use the same pneumatic tilt system as the 8600 series EMU trains (instead of the pendulum system used in the older 2000 series trains) to allow faster speeds on curves.[2] The train features a database of curves along the line, allowing the train to begin tilting before reaching the curve.[2]
The trains are formed as two-car sets, with both cars powered (one axle per bogie).[2]
Designation
Mc
Mc'
Numbering
260x
265x
Capacity
46
52
Weight (t)
49.1
49.1
Interior
Passenger accommodation consists of ordinary-class 2+2 abreast reclining seats, with the same seat design as used on the 8600 series EMU trains.[1] Each seat is provided with an AC power outlet.[1] The Mc car has maroon colour seat covers, while the Mc' car has dark blue seat covers.[1] The Mc' car has a toilet, while the Mc car includes a wheelchair space and universal access toilet.[2]LED lighting is used throughout.[1]
History
Details of the new trains were officially announced on 30 January 2017.[1] The first two trainsets were delivered from the Kawasaki Heavy Industries factory in Kobe to Takamatsu Depot in February 2017.[4]
Regular revenue service commenced on 2 December 2017,[3] but prior to this, the sets were first used in revenue service on 11 August 2017 on a special charter service between Takamatsu and Tokushima.[5] From 12 to 15 August 2017, the two sets were also used on additional seasonal Awadori limited express services operating between Takamatsu and Tokushima.[5]
Future developments
In September 2017, JR Shikoku announced that the pneumatic tilting system used on the trains did not operate effectively, and future trains built based on the 2600 series design would use a pendular tilting system instead.[6] This led to the development of the 2700 series, which was first announced in 2018,[7] and entered revenue service on 6 August 2019.[8]
References
^ abcdefghJR四国 2600系特急形気動車 完成 [JR Shikoku 2600 series limited express DMU completed]. Tetsudo Hobidas (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing Co., Ltd. 30 January 2017. Archived from the original on 30 January 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
^ abcdYoshimoto, Eisaburo (June 2017). 2600系特急形気動車 [2600 series limited express diesel multiple unit]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 57, no. 674. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. pp. 74–79.
^ ab2600系定期営業運転開始 [2600 series enters regular revenue service]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing Co., Ltd. 4 December 2017. Archived from the original on 4 December 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
^2600系 甲種輸送される [2600 series delivered]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing Co., Ltd. 14 February 2017. Archived from the original on 14 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
^ abJR四国『2600系 営業運転1番列車乗車ツアー』が開催される [JR Shikoku "2600 series 1st revenue service tour" operated]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 12 August 2017. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
^JR四国、今後新製する特急気動車の車体傾斜に振子方式採用へ [JR Shikoku to use pendular tilting system on future limited express trains] (in Japanese). Japan: Tetsudo Shimbun. 25 September 2017. Archived from the original on 26 September 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
^Kamishin, Daisuke (26 November 2018). "JR四国2700系、特急形気動車の新型車両が完成へ - 緑のライン入る" [JR Shikoku 2700 series, new limited express train type diesel car to completion - entering service on green line]. news.mynavi.jp (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. Archived from the original on 23 April 2019. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
^Ueshin, Daisuke (8 August 2019). "JR四国2700系、新型車両「うずしお」でデビュー - 高松駅で出発式" [JR Shikoku 2700 series, debut with new model "Uzushio" - Departure ceremony at Takamatsu Station]. news.mynavi.jp (in Japanese). Mynavi Corporation. Archived from the original on 19 September 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
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