The JGR Class 5000 (originally the JGR Class D1) was a 0-4-2 Olomana-type steam locomotive operated by the Japanese Government Railways from 1872 to 1921.
History[]
The Class 5000 was one of the earliest steam locomotives operated in Japan. The type was ordered by the JGR as one of their earliest steam locomotives, with a two locomotive manufactured by Sharp, Stewart and Company in 1871; this was one of ten British-imported steam locomotives operating around that time. The locomotive was assigned the Class D1 and initially numbered A and B. The locomotives began operation in 1872, hauling fast passenger trains. The locomotives were then renumbered to 11 and 12, and then 2 and 4. Due to their wheel arrangement, the driving wheels wore out fast and were replaced as early as 1878. The Class D1s were notable as being Japan's first tender locomotives.
The locomotives were reclassified as the Class 5000 in 1909 when a formal rule regarding standardized classification of locomotives was enacted; the locomotives were thus renumbered 5000 and 5001. In their later lives the locomotives were used for shunting. The locomotives were retired from the JGR roster in 1921, with none sold to private railroads. No Class 5000s survive; however, 5000 was intended to have been preserved to commemorate Japan's first tender locomotive. After retirement in 1921, the locomotive was stored at the Shiodome Station yard along with Class 3950 locomotive 3951; however the locomotive was damaged during the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and burned down as a result.
Trivia[]
- The Class 5000s are the only known tender locomotives on the JGR which used an 0-4-2 wheel arrangement.
Gallery[]
