JR West’s new service locomotive
posted on 17th Jun 2026 18:19
JR West introduced the new Class DEC743 hybrid (dual power) locomotive for service trains, which will also be used on the scenic Sagano Scenic Railway running form Kyoto. JR West operates passenger and high-speed services in the western part of Honshu and also has responsibility for maintaining its rail network. The company does not operate freight trains; these are operated by JR Freight across the entire JR network. As all regular passenger trains in Japan are EMUs or DMUs, JR West’s locomotives are used for services such as shunting, or for track maintenance trains, for example pulling ballast dumping cars or catenary maintenance trains.
The Class DEC743 is intended to replace the ageing Class DE10 and DD51 locomotives of JR West. The new type has a dual power source: the diesel-electric powertrain is linked with a battery. The plan is for JR West to operate eight DEC743s, with the Sagano Scenic Railway set to receive a ninth. Two of JR West’s new locomotives (DEC743-7 and 8) are also expected to serve as backup for the aforementioned private scenic railway. Sagano Scenic Railway is JR West's subsidiary.
DEC stands for Diesel Electric Car, so the locomotive is designed like a driving EMU car, offering better fuel efficiency for its usual tasks. JR West is also purchasing 12 ballast dump cars to accompany the locomotive. The DEC743 has two two-axle powered bogies, a maximum speed of 75 km/h, and weighs 55 tonnes. Some parts are shared with regular passenger EMUs and DMUs to reduce maintenance costs. The front sections include impact-absorbing structures.
