JNR Class EF55
Class EF55 | |
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EF55 1 at Matsumoto Station, October 2003 | |
Type and origin | |
Power type | Electric |
Builder | Hitachi, Kawasaki, Tōyō Electric |
Build date | 1936 |
Total produced | 3 |
Specifications | |
AAR wheel arr. | 2-C+C-1 |
UIC classification | (2'Co)(Co'1) |
Gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
Driver diameter | 1,250 mm (4 ft 1 in) |
Trailing wheel diameter | 860 mm (2 ft 10 in) |
Length | 19,150 mm (62 ft 10 in) |
Width | 2,810 mm (9 ft 3 in) |
Height | 3,810 mm (12 ft 6 in) |
Locomotive weight | 100.38 t |
Electric system(s) | 1,500 V DC |
Performance figures | |
Maximum speed | 75 km/h (47 mph)[1] |
Power output | 1.350 MW (1,810 hp) |
Tractive effort | 6,300 kgf (61,780 N; 13,890 lbf) |
Career | |
Operator(s) | JNR, JR East |
Number in class | 3 |
Delivered | March 1936 |
Preserved | 1 |
Disposition | All withdrawn |
The Class EF55 (EF55形) is a 2Co+Co1 wheel arrangement electric locomotive type consisting of three locomotives built in 1936 by Hitachi, Kawasaki, and Tōyō Electric in Japan.[2] They were nicknamed "Moomin".
Operations
They were originally intended to haul limited express trains on the Tōkaidō Line. Although based on the earlier EF53 design, the EF55s featured a unique non-symmetrical wheel arrangement with a streamlined cab at only one end. The number 2 end had a traditional-style cab with access deck.[1]
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A side view of EF55 2, August 1936
Withdrawal
The need to turn locomotives in regular use proved to be the downfall for this small class,[2] and the locomotives were placed in storage from 1958, and then officially withdrawn in 1964. Following withdrawal, EF55 1 was moved to the former Chūō Railway Institute near Nishi-Kokubunji Station for apprentice training purposes.[2] EF55 3 was cannibalized to donate motors and other components to the ED30 prototype AC electric locomotive, and EF55 2 was also cut up shortly after.[2]
Preserved examples
EF55 1 was designated as an important piece of railway heritage in 1978, and was subsequently restored to running condition, re-entering service in 1986 for use hauling special event trains.[2] It was operated by JR East, based at Takasaki depot, until it was finally withdrawn in December 2008.
EF55 1 was moved from Takasaki to Omiya in January 2015,[3] and exhibited at JR East's Railway Museum from 12 April.[4]
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The rear, non-streamlined end of EF55 1 stored at Takasaki Depot in July 1978
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EF55 1 on a charter service
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 JR全車輛ハンドブック'93 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 1993] (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 1993.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Inoue, Kōichi (1999). 国鉄機関車辞典 [JNR Locomotive Encyclopedia] (in Japanese). Japan: Sankaido. p. 92-93. ISBN 4-381-10338-6.
- ↑ EF55 1,鉄道博物館で展示へ [EF55 1 to be exhibited at Railway Museum]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 27 January 2015. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
- ↑ 鉄道博物館EF55 1に「ご紋章」と日章旗 [EF55 1 at Railway Museum adorned with crest and flags]. Japan Railfan Magazine Online (in Japanese). Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. 26 April 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
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