The JGR Class 120 and the related Class 130 (originally the JGR Class F) and Class 140 (originally the Nippon Railway Class SS2/3) are 2-4-0T Porter-type side tank steam locomotive operated by the Japanese Government Railways from 1874 to 1952.
History[]
The Class 120 was an early steam locomotive operated in Japan. The type was ordered by the JGR, with four locomotives built by Robert Stephenson and Company in the United Kingdom in 1873 and imported into Japan. The locomotives were assigned the class F and numbered 13 to 16. The locomotives entered service in 1874. A batch of four similar locomotives was manufactured by Sharp, Stewart and Company in 1875. The Class F locomotives were then reclassified as Class A4 locomotives.
After nationalization, the Stephenson locomotives were reclassified the Class 120 while the Sharp, Stewart and Co. locomotives were classified the Class 130 and 140. The locomotives were moved around a number of private railroads a number of times until the last locomotive was retired around 1952. Only one locomotive, 123, is preserved. It is located at the Kaya SL Square in Yosano, Kyoto and is in its guise as Kaya Railway No. 2; the locomotive features mismatched part numbers. The locomotive was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2005.
Preservation[]
The following Class 120 locomotives have been preserved:
