JGR Class Ke 120

JGR Class Ke 120
Ke 121 in February 1937
Technical specifications
Serial number(s)	6076 (unconfirmed), 7040
Manufacturer(s)	Orenstein & Koppel
Build date	1912 – 1913
Total produced	2
Classification	0-4-0
Dimensions	5,159 mm × 1,906 mm × 2,703 mm
Rail gauge	2 ft 6 in (762 mm)
Valve gear	Walschaerts
Cylinders	2
Boiler pressure	12.3 kg/cm²
Fuel type	Coal
Heating area	11.7 m²
Service information
Years in-service	1912 – 15 October 1944
Running numbers	3 – 4, then Ke 120 – Ke 121
Disposition details
Preserved	None
Number operational	None
Number scrapped	2

The JGR Class Ke 120 (originally the Uonuma Railway Class 3) was a 0-4-0WT Switcher-type narrow gauge well tank steam locomotive operated by the Japanese Government Railways from 1912 to October 1944.

History

The Class Ke 120 was an early steam locomotive used in Japan. The locomotives were ordered by the Uonuma Railway, the predecessor to the now-closed Uonuma Line operated by the JNR. Two locomotives were manufactured by Orenstein & Koppel, with one manufactured in 1912 and 1913; the locomotives were designated the Class 3 and numbered 3 and 4. When the Uonuma Railway was nationalized on 15 June 1922, both locomotives came under the ownership of the Japanese Government Railways, where they were reclassified the Class Ke 120 and renumbered Ke 120 and Ke 121.

Throughout their careers the locomotives were stationed on the Uonuma Line. Ke 120 was withdrawn first in May 1934, while Ke 121 was used until the Uonuma Line was deemed non-necessary and operations temporarily halted on 15 October 1944. Ke 121 was then stored at Nagaoka Depot and scrapped in 1948.

No Class Ke 120 locomotives have been preserved.

References

Uonuma Railway steam locomotives
Tank	1 – 2 • 3 – 4