former JR West KIHA181s in Myanmar

[miyakoji]

replete with video.  yikes

 

http://www.2427junction.com/mmrrbej81.html

[bikkuri bahn]

Notice how the rooftop radiator arrays have been removed.  Apparently the diesel engines on these units have been de-rated?  Not that all that power is needed.  I don't think rapid acceleration and ~100km/h running to thread between the shin-kaisokus like these units did on the JR Kobe Line are required where they are now :)

[Sacto1985]

At least  these ex-JNR/JR West KiHa 181's got a new lease on life in Myanmar. It appears they changed the air conditioning units to new, low-profile models, too.

 

The KiHa 181's essentially replaced the KiHa 80 Series DMU, arguably the most revolutionary passenger train model in Japan besides the 151 Series EMU and the 0 Series Shinkansen. After all, the KiHa 80/81 opened up much of Japan that had no electrified lines to non-overnight limited express service with a far better quality of passenger accommodations than ever before, just like the 151 Series EMU's did to electrified lines a few years earlier.

 

It's just amazing how long the KiHa 181's lasted on JNR/JR West considering they were visibly starting to age by the time they were finally retired at the end of 2010.

[E6系]

It reminds me of a stray dog trying to find it's way home ... 

[kvp]

The rooftop coolers were lowered into the roof, by making pockets in the roof. This was done due to clearance reasons. The two cab motors kept their cooling system, because that is inside the car body. The rest lost their radiators but the two nearest cars look to have the coolant piped from the back to the front cooler units. This would allow 4 motored cars in the 5 car consist with shared radiators. (the front radiator compartements seem to have upgraded fans too)