JNR Class EF55
Japanese locomotive class
19,150 mm (62 ft 9+7⁄8 in)(98.79 long tons; 110.65 short tons)
| Performance figures | |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 95 km/h (59 mph)[1] |
| Power output | 1.350 MW (1,810 hp) |
| Tractive effort | 6,300 kgf (61,780 N; 13,890 lbf) |
| Career | |
|---|---|
| Operators | 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| Disposition | All withdrawn |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 -
Tokaido Main Line EF552 (Numa) Limited Express 1 Train 'Fuji' Shinagawa - Oimachi, August 1936
Withdrawal
The need to turn locomotives into regular use proved to be the downfall of this small class,[2] and the locomotives were placed in storage in 1958, and then officially withdrawn in 1964.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1986 for use hauling special event trains.[2] It was operated by JR East, based at Takasaki depot, until it was finally withdrawn in December 2008.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]
-
EF55 1 -
The rear, non-streamlined end of EF55 1 stored at Takasaki Depot in July 1978 -
EF55 1 on a charter service
See also
References
- ^ a b JR全車輛ハンドブック'93 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 1993] (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 1993.
- ^ a b c d e Inoue, Kōichi (1999). 国鉄機関車事典: 蒸気・電気・ディーゼル機関車66形式 国鉄機関車辞典 [JNR Locomotive Encyclopedia] (in Japanese). Japan: Sankaido. pp. 92–93. ISBN 978-4-381-10338-3.
- ^ 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.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to JNR EF55.
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