The JGR Class 8800 was a 4-6-0 Ten-Wheeler-type superheated steam locomotive operated by the Japanese Government Railways from 1911 to 1950.
History[]
The Class 8800 was a fast passenger locomotive used by the JGR. The type was ordered by the JGR in 1911, with a total of twelve locomotives manufactured by Berliner Maschinenbau AG and imported into Japan. These locomotives were numbered 8800 through 8811 and was Japan's first superheated steam locomotive. The locomotive competed alongside the Class 8700, 8850 and 8900 locomotives; the locomotive was graded as having excellent performance and as such superheating was adopted for all future steam locomotives.
The locomotives were immediately placed into service and were all used in the Kinki Region, with all locomotives based in Kobe. The locomotives were also the first locomotives to haul JGR's first special express trains. In the locomotives's later years, they were relegated from hauling passengers to hauling freight, with Class 8620 locomotives taking over their passenger duties. Some locomotives were also relocated around Japan. The first retirements began in 1948 and all locomotives were retired by 1950, with none sold to private railroads. No Class 8800s have been preserved.