115 series, a weird suburban train

This is 115 series, a suburban train developed in the early-1960s by Japanese National Railways. It is still common in Okayama, roughly 350 miles west of Tokyo. The 115 series had been used across the country until the late-2010s, but most of them retired. Okayama is one of a few places where old trains are operational even today.

Okayama has been well-known among trainspotters in these days for having iconic trains, and the traditional design usually makes Japanese railway enthusiasts feeling nostalgic...but this 115 series look totally different to the original style. Its front end is frankly ugly and apparently cheap. What on earth is this?

This is so-called G units in Okayama. There are eight two-carriage units in total, and each unit is formed of two coaches: KuMoHa 115 variant 1500 (south/east) and KuMoHa 114 variant 1000 (north/west). The front coach on the south/east side looks normal, as JNR welded a new drivers cab and an intermediate carriage together to make a KuMoHa 115-1500s carriage. The construction took place in 1983-86.

On the other hand, KuMoHa 114-1000s does not look right. It was converted from another intermediate carriage by JR West in 2001. The company pursued the cheapest possible options to make short trains for rural lines consisted of two coaches. Hence, its design is far from what is supposed to be.

JR West had used various odd-looking trains converted from intermediate carriages in other areas until the mid-2010s, but they have already been withdrawn, and the G units in Okayama are the only ones remaining in service.

All G unit carriages were originally built in 1978-82, and so-called 40N Refurbishment has been carried out by JR West. They are compatible with driver-only operation, and now used for services on Ako Line (Banshu-Ako - Okayama), Hakubi Line (entire line), San-in Main Line (as far as Nishi-Izumo) and San-yo Main Line (Seto - Kurashiki via Okayama).

The 40N programme is designed to extend a lifespan of the train to around 40 years. All eight units have already exceeded it, but JR West is likely to use them for a while as they are suitable for unprofitable rural lines, and the company has been reluctant to invest in scarcely populated areas. Even so, a major change to their operation is likely to take place soon following the introduction of brand new 227 series trains.

The full formation list is as follows.
(Left: towards Banshu-Ako, Seto
Right: towards Yonago, Nishi-Izumo)

Unit No.	KuMoHa 115	KuMoHa 114
G-01	1503	1098
G-02	1505	1102
G-03	1508	1117
G-04	1515	1173
G-05	1516	1178
G-06	1517	1194
G-07	1518	1196
G-08	1551	1118