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".

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 Configuration: ​  • AAR 2-C+C-1  • UIC (2'Co)(Co'1) Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Driver dia. 1,250 mm (49.21 in) Trailing dia. 860 mm (33.86 in) Length 19,150 mm (62 ft 9+7⁄8 in) Width 2,810 mm (9 ft 2+5⁄8 in) Height 3,810 mm (12 ft 6 in) Loco weight 100.38 t (98.79 long tons; 110.65 short tons) Electric system/s 1,500 V DC Current pickup(s) Pantograph
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Career Operators JNR, JR East Number in class 3 Delivered March 1936 Preserved 1 Disposition All withdrawn

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to be the downfall for this small class,[2] and the locomotives were placed in storage from 1958, and then officially withdrawn in 1964.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for use hauling special event trains.[2] It was operated by JR East, based at Takasaki depot, until it was finally withdrawn in December 2008.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

Wikimedia Commons has media related to JNR EF55.