KiHa 85 series


The KiHa 85 series was a diesel multiple unit train type operated by Central Japan Railway Company on Hida and Nanki limited express services in Japan from 1989 until 2023.

Technical specifications

The trains used stainless steel car bodies, consisted of up to five cars per train set and were powered by DMF14HZ engines. Two types of end cars existed, of which one had a gangway.

History

The trains entered service on February 18, 1989, and were the first independent train development of JR Central. They were introduced to replace aging ex-JNR DMUs such as the KiHa 80 series and to make the Hida service more attractive to tourists.
JR Central unveiled a fleet of HC85 series hybrid trains, which was developed as a successor to the KiHa 85 series, on December 12, 2019. The KiHa 85 series was withdrawn from Hida services ahead of the operator's timetable revision for March 18, 2023, and from Nanki services on June 30, 2023. JR Central operated commemorative express trains on July 8 and 9, 2023.

Resale

Four KiHa 85 series carsKiHa 85-3, 6, 7, and 12were transferred to the Kyoto Tango Railway and reclassified as KTR8500 series.