JNR Class EF55

EF55
EF55 1 at Matsumoto Station, October 2003
Power type	Electric
Builder	Hitachi, Kawasaki, Tōyō Electric
Build date	1936
Total produced	3
AAR wheel arr.	2-C+C-1
UIC classification	(2'Co)(Co'1)
Gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Driver diameter	1,250 mm (4 ft 1 in)
Trailing wheel diameter	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)
Locomotive weight	100.38 t
Electric system	1,500 V DC
Top 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	JNR, JR East
Number in class	3
Delivered	March 1936
Disposition	All withdrawn

The EF55 class of 2Co+Co1 wheel arrangement electric locomotives consisted of three locomotives built in 1936 by Hitachi, Kawasaki, and Tōyō Electric in Japan.^[2]

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]

The need to turn locomotives in regular use proved to be the downfall for this small class, and the locomotives were placed in storage from 1958, and then officially withdrawn in 1964.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. 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. In 1978, EF55 1 was designated as an important piece of railway heritage, and was subsequently restored to running condition, re-entering service in 1986 for use hauling special event trains. It was operated by JR East, based at Takasaki depot, until it was finally withdrawn in December 2008.

They were nicknamed "Moomin".

References

1. ^ ^{a b} JR全車輛ハンドブック'93 (JR Rolling Stock Handbook 1993). Japan: Neko Publishing. 1993. 
2. ^ Inoue, Kōichi (1999). 国鉄機関車事典 (JNR Locomotive Encyclopedia). Japan: Sankaido. ISBN 4-381-10338-6.