JNR Class EF55

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Class EF55
300px
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 diameter 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Disposition All withdrawn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]

  • JGR EF552 sideview.jpg

    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to be the downfall for this small class,[2] and the locomotives were placed in storage from 1958, and then officially withdrawn in 1964.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1986 for use hauling special event trains.[2] It was operated by JR East, based at Takasaki depot, until it was finally withdrawn in December 2008.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]

  • JNR-EF55-1-back.jpg

    The rear, non-streamlined end of EF55 1 stored at Takasaki Depot in July 1978

  • JR east EF55 1 EF58 61 salonexpresstokyo.jpg

    EF55 1 on a charter service

See also

References

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