Photo/Illutration An artist’s rendition of a 273-series model set to be introduced as the Yakumo express train. Design and specification details are being worked out, according to West Japan Railway Co. (Provided by JR West)

OSAKA--The end of the line is finally coming for West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) 381-series express trains, the oldest model still used for regular services on the main island of Honshu.

JR West announced that it will introduce 273-series trains as its replacement for the Yakumo limited express service from spring 2024.

A newly developed tilting system will offer a smoother ride around the curves, the operator added.

Started in March 1972, the Yakumo runs from Okayama Station in Okayama Prefecture to Yonago Station in Tottori Prefecture and Izumoshi Station in Shimane Prefecture.

The 381-series trains, originally introduced by the former Japanese National Railways, have been used since 1982.

The model is equipped with a tilting mechanism called the "natural pendulum system" as the Yakumo operates on the line with many curves to cut through the Chugoku Mountains at high speed.

Currently, it connects Okayama and Izumoshi stations (220.7 kilometers) in 2 hours and 57 minutes at the fastest.

The 273-series trains will be installed with an improved tilting system co-developed with the Railway Technical Research Institute and Kawasaki Railcar Manufacturing Co.

The new mechanism collates pre-loaded data on traveling points and data acquired by the train in operation to match the timing of when the cars tilt as they pass curves.

The distance between seats will be expanded from 97 centimeters to 104 cm for non-reserved seats, making it as wide as what are offered on Shinkansen.

The new model can reach a top speed of 120 kph, the same as the 381 series, but it will offer enhanced passenger comfort and provide safety measures.

JR West will invest about 16 billion yen ($138 million) to build 11 four-car trains and renovate ground facilities.

The Kinki Sharyo Co. will manufacture the cars, whose designs will be unveiled in the first half of fiscal 2022.

"We want to come up with car designs that will win the affection of local residents and install in-house equipment suitable for groups and families," JR West President Kazuaki Hasegawa said during a news conference on Feb. 16.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Yakumo, the company will operate a 381-series train painted in the JNR's signature colors of cream and red for the express service four times a day from March 19.

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