The JGR Class 5500 was a type of 4-4-0 steam locomotive used for 60 years on Japanese Government Railways. The locomotives were imported from the United Kingdom. Sulfur was added to the forged steel used for the cylinders. The cylinders were set in a slightly canted position, and were used without replacement for the entire life of the locomotive. Japan was unable to produce cylinders of comparable durability. In 1929, ten units were converted to tank locomotives and reclassified as Class B10.

This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (December 2014)

Class 5500
Type 5500 locomotive preserved at Ome Railway Park
Type and origin Reference:[1] Power type Steam Builder Beyer, Peacock and Company Build date 1893- Total produced 72
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-4-0 Eight-wheeler Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Leading dia. 730 mm (2 ft 5 in) Driver dia. 1.4 m (4 ft 7 in) Wheelbase 6.578 m (21 ft 7.0 in) Length 13.91 m (45 ft 8 in) Loco weight 31.65 t Total weight 55.85 t Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 3.46 t Water cap. 9.1 m3 (2,404 US gal) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 1.33 m2 (14 sq ft) Boiler pressure 12 kg/cm2 (170 lbf/in2) Heating surface 73 m2 (786 sq ft) Cylinders Two Cylinder size 40.6 cm × 55.9 cm (16 in × 22 in) Valve gear Stephenson

One Class 5500 locomotive, 5540, is preserved at the Ome Railway Park.[1] A Class B10 locomotive, B104, is preserved at the Kominato Railway headquarters.

See also

• Japan Railways locomotive numbering and classification

References