JNR Diesel Railcar KiHa 17 (Motorized)
The KiHa 17 series debuted in 1953, based on the prototype KiHa 44500 series (Japan's first diesel railcar with a hydraulic transmission).
Initially, they operated in formations consisting solely of KiHa 17 units or with intermediate cars like the KiHa 18 and KiRoHa 18; however, following the introduction of successor models such as the KiHa 20 series, mixed formations with those types became common.
Compared to later models like the KiHa 55 series, the KiHa 17 was inferior in terms of passenger amenities—featuring a narrower body and lower seat backrests—and suffered from age-related deterioration. Consequently, they were retired by around 1980, having been replaced by the KiHa 40 series.
● High-Grade (HG) specification
● Accurately reproduces the specific KiHa 17 sub-group featuring a single-sided intake-style ventilator directly behind the cab, as well as elongated handrails next to both the crew and passenger doors
● Uses headlight prisms that do not appear black when the lights are off
● Jumper hoses are provided as separate parts for a realistic, three-dimensional appearance
● Headlights and taillights feature a "constant lighting" circuit board with an ON/OFF switch
● Headlights use warm-white LEDs; taillights use red LEDs
● Window seals (H-gaskets) reproduced in gray
● Seats reproduced in blue
● Selectable car numbers provided via transfer sheet
● Reproduces the single-headlight configuration; can also be configured as a dual-headlight version using included parts
● Motor equipped with a flywheel
● Black wheels
● Comes standard with TN Couplers (SP)