The Juche-class (Korean: 주체) is a 4-part electric multiple unit built by the Kim Chong-t'ae Electric Locomotive Works in 1976, intended for service on the Korean State Railway.[2]

Juche
The Juche-class EMU at its unveiling after refurbishment.
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Kim Chong-t'ae Works  North Korea Build date 1976
Specifications Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) Electric system/s 3,000 V DC + 25 kV 60 Hz AC Current pickup(s) Pantographs Couplers AAR knuckle
Performance figures Maximum speed 120 km/h (75 mph) continuous: 64 km/h (40 mph) Power output 1,720 kilowatts (2,340 PS)
Career Operators Korean State Railway Class 주체 Number in class 1 set
[1]

Description

Electric railcars had been used in Korea before the war by the Kŭmgangsan Electric Railway,[3] and these were used by Korean State Railway until the line was destroyed during the Korean War,[4] and no further electric railcars were used after that for many years. However, the opening of the P'yŏngyang Metro in 1973, along with worldwide attention on high-speed electric trainsets such as the Japanese Shinkansen put into service in 1964[5] and the ER200 class introduced by the Soviet Railways in 1974,[6] led the Railway Ministry to direct efforts towards the development of an electric multiple unit for North Korea, resulting in the unveiling of North Korea's first electric trainset, the Juche-class EMU, in 1976.[2] Externally, the four-car set was similar in appearance to the 181 series trainsets used by the Japanese National Railways on the Kodama limited express of the day; internally, despite all of North Korea's electrification being 3000 V DC, the Juche-class EMU was built for two-system operation - possibly with a view to future operation in South Korea, where AC electrification was used.[7]

Operation

Trials were carried out around P'yŏngyang, but no further sets were built.[7] The set was refurbished, repainted, and put into use on a daily commuter service for scientists between P'yŏngyang and Paesanjŏm in 1998, taking one hour to cover the 38 km (24 mi) distance each way.[2]

Philately

The train was featured on a stamp issued on 30 April 1987.[8]

References