JR KiHa 261-5000 Series Limited Express Diesel Car "Hamanasu"
The KiHa 261 is a limited express diesel train operated by JR Hokkaido; the 1000-series variant, introduced in 2006, continues to see new units added to the fleet and serves as a mainstay for limited express services.
To meet the need for a multi-purpose train—suitable for group charters, school excursions, and more—two five-car sets were manufactured based on the 7th production batch of the 1000-series, creating a new classification: the 5000-series.
The first set was named "Hamanasu" (Japanese rose) and features a striking appearance with a reddish-purple color scheme—evoking the flower's hue—applied to the front end and around the doors.
Entering service in October 2020, the train operates as a special charter and also runs on scheduled limited express routes such as the "Okhotsk" and "Taisetsu."
● Faithfully reproduces the multi-purpose KiHa 261-5000 series in the reddish-purple "Hamanasu" livery.
● Newly manufactured bodywork accurately reflecting the 7th production batch specifications, including a unique roof bead pattern, side panels with seams located only below the windows, and beaded end-car faces.
● Interior seating in the KiHa 261-5101 (multi-purpose car) reproduces the specific layout of box-style seats and window-facing seats.
● Headlights, taillights, and the train mark feature a constant-lighting circuit board with an ON/OFF switch.
● Headlights, taillights, and the train mark are illuminated by white LEDs.
● Interchangeable pre-printed train marks: "140 Years of Hokkaido Railways" is pre-installed, with "Group Charter" and "Okhotsk/Taisetsu" included as options.
● Car numbers are pre-printed.
● Seats in the multi-purpose car are finished in brown.
● Equipped with a flywheel-equipped drive mechanism.
● Features a new power pickup system and black-plated wheels.
● Uses the M-13 motor.