DEC741 series
A DEC741 train in November 2021
Constructed2021
Number built2 vehicles (1 set)
Formation2 cars per trainset
OperatorsJR West
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length21 m (68 ft 11 in)
Width2.8 m (9 ft 2 in)
Track gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)

The DEC741 series (DEC741系) is a diesel-electric multiple unit (DMU) departmental train type operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West). The train type is Japan's first to use artificial intelligence.

Overview

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On 27 October 2021, JR West announced its plans to introduce Japan's first route inspection train to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) on railway lines by 2025. AI is intended to be used by JR West as a means to cover labor shortages, which is a growing issue for the railway industry.[1]

Design

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The body and underframe are made of steel.[2] Each car is 21 metres (68 feet 11 inches) long[3] and 2.8 metres (9 feet 2 inches) wide.[2]

Livery

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The DEC741 series carries a livery with a blue base and a yellow stripe, which makes the train more visible at night.[1]

Equipment

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Each trainset is equipped with 64 cameras, 44 infrared lights for nighttime use, and a diamond-shaped pantograph to inspect overhead wires.

Formation

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

DEC741-1 has 50 roof-mounted cameras.[2] DEC741-101 is equipped with a diamond-shaped pantograph.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "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.
  2. ^ a b c "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. Retrieved 14 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ 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. Retrieved 16 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)