Designing Metal was adopted for the exterior and interior of JR Kyushu’s sightseeing train “Futatsuboshi 4047”.
Beautiful shimmering titanium and gorgeous BAR counter stainless steel panels running along the coastline
JR Kyushu’s sightseeing train “Futatsuboshi 4047” is a sightseeing train that allows passengers to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Ariake Sea in the Western Kyushu area and the varied sea scenes of Omura Bay from the train windows, and to enjoy delicious foods from the sea. The train is a sightseeing train. Since the train runs by the sea, the exterior is made of titanium, which is absolutely resistant to seawater. The gorgeous bar counter in the interior is made of 3D stainless steel panels that imitate the shimmering of the sea.
<Case Study
The exterior decorative titanium and interior 3D stainless steel panels are lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant, high-strength, and have excellent long-term durability.
A project that took on the challenge of collaboration between major companies and small and medium-sized companies.
(Head Office: Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture; hereafter referred to as “Toyo Stainless Steel Polishing Industry”) has recently completed the installation of gold titanium mirrors on the exterior of JR Kyushu’s sightseeing train “Futatsuboshi 4047” and 3D stainless steel lip luster panels on the interior. This project is a cross between a large company and a small one. This project transcended the boundaries between large and small companies, and was undertaken with a strong commitment to Kyushu. (Nippon Steel Corporation), one of the main manufacturing bases in Kyushu since the government-run Yawata Works, introduced titanium as a cutting-edge local Kyushu material to Dr. Eiji Mitooka of the Dawn Design Institute (JR Kyushu design supervisor), who was in charge of design supervision.
Titanium involves multiple companies from the top to the final process, and all of them are engaged in world-class manufacturing at Kyushu-related bases. (Upper process: Toho Titanium / Wakamatsu Plant: from Kyushu, high market share in the world) (Lower process: Nippon Steel / Kyushu Works: producing the world’s first and only beautiful titanium brand TranTixxii) (Final process: Toyo Stainless Grinding Industry: world-renowned design metalworking technology)
To bring excitement to the local Kyushu region, Nippon Steel Corporation and Toyo Stainless Polishing Kogyo have joined forces as partners to maximize the appeal of titanium. The proposal, which brought together the best of the latest technologies of both companies, was presented to Dr. Mitooka and JR Kyushu.
Description of the proposal: IP Gold Mirror Titanium was developed based on the jointly patented technology of Nippon Steel Corporation and Toyo Stainless Polishing Industry (winner of the 5th Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award for Excellence).
The product was highly evaluated not only for being a cutting-edge material from Kyushu, but also for titanium’s excellent material characteristics (light weight, high strength, and long life) and TranTixxii(R)︎, a titanium with a unique design and long-lasting design (the beauty of which does not change over time).
The interior bar counter is made of 3D stainless steel panel ripples using stainless steel base material from Nittetsu Stainless Steel Co. The 3D stainless steel mirrors, which evoke the shimmering beauty of the ocean as it races along the coast, were used to match the gorgeous interior design. The mirror process of stainless steel is very high resolution, and the 3D shimmering texture of the ocean waves makes it possible to create a beautiful reflection of the beautiful interior of the vehicle, giving it a fantastic impression.
The world’s first titanium exterior design for rolling stock: IP gold mirror titanium, which is absolutely resistant to seawater.
JR Kyushu’s sightseeing train “Futatsuboshi 4047 (Yonmaru-Yonana)” runs along the coastline and offers beautiful scenery. Because of its location on the coastline, the train is expected to be affected by sea salt particles. Therefore, we proposed a golden liner that combines durability, functionality, and design by mirroring titanium, which is absolutely resistant to seawater, and further depositing it with IP gold, and it was adopted. The specific gravity of titanium is 4.51, which is extremely lightweight, and its high specific strength makes it a lightweight yet strong metal part. Its metallic characteristics are also important for a vehicle that runs in a natural environment.
Designing 3D stainless steel to achieve beautiful images
The appeal of stainless steel lies in its beautiful shine and the reflection and projection of the metal mirror that reflects the surrounding scenery. The shimmering oceanfront of Omura Bay seen from the window of a car speeding along the ocean’s edge is expressed in 3D stainless steel. Mysterious mirror panel ripples contribute to creating an elegant company interior by projecting the gorgeous and colorful decorations of the company and the sea field seen from the car window. The exquisite curvaceous beauty of Dr. Mitooka of Dawn Design Institute is covered by Mysterious Mirror. This is a handcrafted work that cannot be finished by machine.
Supply System for Designing Titanium TranTixxii (R)︎.
TOYO STAINLESS GRINDING INDUSTRIES, in cooperation with Nippon Steel Corporation, plays a part in Nippon Steel Corporation’s stock system of designing titanium TranTixxii (R)︎ (providing storage space and operational cooperation). As an important base for the prompt supply of small lots on a global basis, it plays a part in the global strategy of the TranTixxii brand of Nippon Steel Corporation.
< Project Summary
(1) Project name: “Futatsuboshi 4047
(2) Project operator: Kyushu Railway Company (3-25-21, Hakata Ekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka)
(3)Commencement of operations: September 23, 2022 (Friday)
(4)Design supervision: Dawn Design Institute (Representative: Eiji Mitooka)
(5)Renovation: Kokura General Rolling Stock Center, Kyushu Railway Company (3-1-1 Kanada, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City)
JR Kyushu Engineering Corporation (4-17 Reisen-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka)
(6) Adopted materials: Designed titanium TranTixxii/IP Gold Mirror Titanium
Design Stainless Steel Mysterious Stainless Steel Mirror Ripples