Cruise Train on rails

For those interested in technical superlatives, the vehicle’s drive configuration is even more fascinating. Whether travelling on electrified routes or on stretches of track without overhead power lines, the Train Suite Shiki-Shima is able to complete its 2- to 4-day excursion tours through Northern and Eastern Japan virtually uninterrupted as the driver switches between cable power and diesel-electric drive at the touch of a button. When no overhead power line is available, two 12V 4000 R43L mtu diesel engines with a total output of 3600 kW located in the head and rear-end cars cut in to generate electricity for the drive motors. And, as is fitting in the realm of superyachts, the two engines on board the Train Suite Shiki-Shima are very likely the only mtu rail engines with chrome-plated cylinder-head covers.  

Interview with Kenichi Shibanuma, JR East Assistant Manager, about the Train Suite Shiki-Shima Project  

mtu has been a committed and trusted partner from the beginning. At a very early stage of the project, mtu was already able to give us detailed information about the engine which was very helpful during the basic design phase. Later on, the presence of mtu engineers in detailed discussions was very important for our further design work. We also very much appreciate the quick responses of the company Tominaga & Co., Ltd., which supplied the engines to us, during the project phase and during operations.