The JGR Class Ke 160 was a 0-6-0T Switcher-type narrow gauge side tank steam locomotive operated by the Japanese Government Railways and its successor the Japanese National Railways from 1922 to August 1954.
History[]
The Class Ke 160 was an early steam locomotive used in Japan. The locomotives were ordered by the Japanese Government Railways in 1922, with ten locomotives completed by Amemiya Seisakusho in September 1922; these were the last locomotives ordered by the JGR manufactured by Amemiya Seisakusho. Amemiya Seisakusho is not known to have manufactured other locomotives similar to this type for other private railways.
When they entered service, the locomotives were intended for use to pull construction trains. Ke 160 through Ke 162 were assigned for service in Tokyo, Ke 163 through Ke 165 in Nagaoka, Ke 166 in Ōita, Ke 167 and Ke 168 in Akita and Ke 169 in Shinjō. All locomotives except Ke 165 would later be used for the construction of the Shimizu Tunnel on the Jōetsu Line; following this, Ke 160 and Ke 167 were stationed in Okayama where they were used for the construction of the Ako Line, while the remaining eight were stationed at Shinanogawa. Ke 167 was withdrawn first in 1951, followed by Ke 160 in 1953 and all other locomotives in August 1954. It is stated that Ke 167 was at some point loaned to the Ikasa Railway.
No Class Ke 160 locomotives have been preserved.