JNR Class EF55

Class EF55
EF55 1 at Matsumoto Station, October 2003
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderHitachi, Kawasaki, Tōyō Electric
Build date1936
Total produced3
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AAR2-C+C-1
 • UIC(2'Co)(Co'1)
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Driver dia.1,250 mm (49.21 in)
Trailing dia.860 mm (33.86 in)
Length19,150 mm (62 ft 9+7⁄8 in)
Width2,810 mm (9 ft 2+5⁄8 in)
Height3,810 mm (12 ft 6 in)
Loco weight100.38 t
(98.79 long tons; 110.65 short tons)
Electric system/s1,500 V DC
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Performance figures
Maximum speed95 km/h (59 mph)[1]
Power output1.350 MW (1,810 hp)
Tractive effort6,300 kgf (61,780 N; 13,890 lbf)
Career
OperatorsJNR, JR East
Number in class3
DeliveredMarch 1936
Preserved1
DispositionAll withdrawn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 "hippos (kaba)" or "monster shoes (kutsu no bakemono)" in the 1930s, and later in the 1980s "Moomin".[3]

Operations

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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
    A side view of EF55 2, August 1936
  • Tokaido Main Line EF552 (Numa) Limited Express 1 Train 'Fuji' Shinagawa - Oimachi, August 1936
    Tokaido Main Line EF552 (Numa) Limited Express 1 Train 'Fuji' Shinagawa - Oimachi, August 1936

Withdrawal

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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to be the downfall of this small class,[2] and the locomotives were placed in storage in 1958, and then officially withdrawn in 1964.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

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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,[4] and exhibited at JR East's Railway Museum from 12 April.[5]

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

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b JR全車輛ハンドブック'93 [JR Rolling Stock Handbook 1993] (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing. 1993.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ 産経新聞 (2015-04-25). "【鉄道ファン必見】「ムーミン」「カバ」「靴のお化け」…愛嬌たっぷり「ＥＦ５５形式電機機関車」が鉄道博物館に登場". 産経新聞：産経ニュース (in Japanese). Retrieved 2024-12-24.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ 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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