JNR Class EF55

Class EF55

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 class (2'Co)(Co'1) Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Driver dia. 1,250 mm (4 ft 1 in) Trailing dia. 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) Loco 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Career Operators JNR, JR East Number in class 3 Delivered March 1936 Preserved 1 Disposition All withdrawn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]

• 
  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to be the downfall for this small class,^[2] and the locomotives were placed in storage from 1958, and then officially withdrawn in 1964.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for use hauling special event trains.^[2] It was operated by JR East, based at Takasaki depot, until it was finally withdrawn in December 2008.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]

• 
  The rear, non-streamlined end of EF55 1 stored at Takasaki Depot in July 1978
• 
  EF55 1 on a charter service

See also

• Japan Railways locomotive numbering and classification

References

1. JR全車輛ハンドブック'93 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 1993] (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 1993.
2. 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.
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.
4. 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.