JR KiHa 40-1700 Series Diesel Car ("Thank You KiHa 40: Hakodate Main Line") Set
The KiHa 40 series is a general-purpose diesel car that debuted in 1977 to replace the aging KiHa 10 series.
A wide variety of models and sub-series were manufactured—featuring configurations such as single-cab or dual-cab (capable of single-car operation), specifications for cold or warm climates, and the presence or absence of a restroom—with a total of 888 units operated across non-electrified lines nationwide.
Assigned to the Hakodate Depot around 1980, the KiHa 40 units in Hakodate served lines such as the Hakodate Main Line, Esashi Line, Matsumae Line, and Setana Line, supporting transportation even as their operational scope shrank due to line closures and transfers to third-sector operators. Their final scheduled service—on the Hakodate–Oshamambe section of the Hakodate Main Line—concluded with the timetable revision on March 15, 2025.
For the first outbound train on the final day of operation—Train 5881D bound for Mori, which was also the only three-car formation in the Hakodate area—three units that had long served the region were deployed: unit 1806 (in JR Hokkaido livery), unit 1801 (characterized by a modified skirt), and unit 1809 ("Donan Umi no Megumi" / "Southern Hokkaido: Blessings of the Sea" livery).
Following the end of KiHa 40 operations in the Hakodate area, unit 1809 ("Donan Umi no Megumi") was transferred to the Tomakomai Depot and currently operates on the Hidaka Main Line. ● High-Grade (HG) specification
● Faithfully reproduces the three KiHa 40 series units that were in active service throughout the day on March 14, 2025—the final day of scheduled operations—specifically for train 5881D bound for Mori from Hakodate via the Fujishiro and Shikabe lines.
● The KiHa 40-1801 features a newly molded pilot (skirt) on the No. 2 end, replicating the distinctive shape characteristic of early-production models.
● The KiHa 40-1806 and 1809 feature pilots with a shallower angle, characteristic of late-production models.
● The KiHa 40-1809 reproduces the "Dōnan Umi no Megumi" (Southern Hokkaido: Blessings of the Sea) livery.
● The two-tier side windows are printed to depict the lowered position used during winter.
● Horns (typhons) are selectable from four types: shutter-style and slit-style, in both large and small sizes.
● The front destination display is interchangeable; two versions of the pre-printed "One-Man" (driver-only operation) sign are included, featuring different font styles.
● Car numbers and certain markings are pre-printed.
● Rubber window seals (H-gaskets) are rendered in black for the front driver and assistant-side windows, and in gray for all other windows.
● Door sills and door rails are finished in silver (excluding the KiHa 40-1809).
● Headlights, tail lights, and the front destination display are equipped with a constant-lighting circuit board and an ON/OFF switch.
● Headlights, tail lights, and the front destination display utilize white LEDs.
● Headlights use a color prism to emit a glow resembling the color of incandescent bulbs.
● Equipped with a flywheel-equipped drive system.
● Features a new power pickup system and black-plated wheels.
● Uses the M-13 motor.
● Comes standard with TN Couplers (SP).