Since the end of the Japan National Railways (JNR), General Diesel trains such as the KiHa 22 and 40-100’s were being used in Hokkaido for regional transportation.
With the establishment of JR Hokkaido, the railway wanted to introduce a small railcar that would be low-cost for vehicle manufacturers. In fact, the goal was to create a lightweight car with good fuel economy on local lines.
So, based on the NDC series manufactured by Niigata Iron Works, the KiHa 130 was manufactured as a streamlined vehicle that can be operated by a single person. And the trains while light, could be used in extremely cold climates.
From 1998 to 1990, a total of 11 cars were manufactured by Niigata Iron Works and were used exclusively on the Hidaka Main Line. It was the second NDC train that was introduced by JR following the KiHa 32.
The train was known for its steel body and large double layer single window, while its livery was white with lavender purple and mottled yellow bands (yellowish/green aka “Spring Green”). The train operated on a two axle front bogie, which was an air spring type N-DT130 / N-TR130.
For the diesel engine, the DMF13HS type, which boasts a small but high-performance output of 350 horsepower, and combined with the lightweight body, it greatly contributed to the improvement of acceleration performance.
But JR Hokkaido never expected the train to face incompatibility with the basic structure and usage environment with many passengers complaining that the interior was too narrow. In addition, the train was involved in an accident because of its NDC light weight body and derailed in two major accidents (one very serious that the driver lost his legs).
In addition, due to the environment,the trains had problems due to salt corrosion which its steel body would be affected in a short period of time.
It had the reputation of “you get your money’s worth” and in this case, a train made to save money would end up being problematic.
While the trains were scrapped in 2003, the KiHa 130-8, which featured the “Hidaka Pony” was the last 130 series to be used. But on June 17, 2001, an event called “Sayonara Hidaka Pony” was held and the train was scrapped in 2002.
Ironically, the train that was supposed to replace the KiHa 40 series, instead was scrapped and the KiHa 40 series would return as its replacement, with a new high-output engine and used on the Hidaka Line.
As of today, there are no existing cars left of the 130 series. All trains were believed to be dismantled.
While a train bereft of problems, it was also a train that would be remembered of being an example for railways to not lower their standards for train development solely on the sake of lowering costs, especially to the safety detriment for driver and passengers.
But also as a train many grew up with during the late ’80s and early 2000s. It was a train utilized for over a decade and was a big part of transportation for the lives of those who rode on the Hidaka Line back in 1988-2001.
And in August 2021, TOMIX released a special set to commemorate the KiHa 130 train, with the Hidaka pony (Make-kun) on the side.
But I have to admit that for a basic release of the train, TOMIX did something that I never saw with their most basic line or inexpensive limited series (we see it for their more expensive trains) and that is the BOTH train cars having interior LED lighting.
It’s not just the headlights and taillights that are LED, but I’ve ever seen a train receive interior LED lighting for a motor and T-car unless it was a special (expensive) release. But yes, KiHa 130-9 (M) and 130-10 (T) come with LED lighting in the interiors pre-installed.
Not sure if this was a test for TOMIX back in 2021, but what is known is that the TOMIX series 98092-98095 are train sets which featured interior LEDs.
NOTE: The other train that I know of that also has interior lighting is the TOMIX 98093 Galactic Line Rikubetsu Railway CR70/75, the TOMIX J.R. Diesel Car Type KIHA 120-300 (Tsuyama Line) Set, the TOMIX 98095 J.R. Diesel Car Type KIHA 120-300 (Fukuen Line) set.
So, this was no doubt a special release of some kind, but not the usual expensive releases that TOMIX tends to do.
As for coupler, it uses as TN coupler and comes with a Hood – Frame and Switch Bar. The trains DO NOT come with a pantograph.
And just another plug, this train is also featured as a driveable train in the video game “Train Simulator Classic” for its Hidaka Main Line: Tomakomai Add-on.
I have tested the trains on both TOMIX and KATO tracks and it works just fine! But I felt it was sensitive and stuttered a few times.
No problems with coupling and for the most part, this train runs smoothly and the LED lights are really bright. But I really do like it!
Part of the reason why I got it is because I was interested in getting a Hokkaido train utilized in its past. I also have a soft spot for trains that have colors that are not typical to see on other trains. Sure, you can always find a white train with green, but not this kind of yellowish/green.
The other reason is that it came with LED lighting. I really had to see for myself, because for the price I got it for, it just seemed to good to be true.
So, while the train may be nostalgic for some (perhaps in a good and bad way), I do feel this is a very good train to own. It’s a shame that all has been scrapped but at least it was able to receive a sayonara event. Unlike other trains (like the 215 series) who received vitriole that they were scrapped without a sayonara event.
The TOMIX 98092 J.R. Diesel Train Type KiHa 130 (Hidaka Line) is recommended!
