The JNR Class DC11 was a diesel-electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from September 1930 to 1935.
History[]
The DC11 was an early diesel locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways. The locomotive was imported as an example of a switcher diesel locomotive alongside the DC10 for a trial period. One locomotive, DC11 1, was manufactured by Maschinenfabrik Esslingen in 1929; the locomotive arrived at Kobe Port in June 1929, where it was disassembled and inspected before being assembled again at Takatori Works. The locomotive's electrical systems were manufactured by Brown Boveri and its engine was manufactured by Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg AG (MAN).
After performance testing in August 1929, DC11 1 entered service on 25 September 1930 for use on a stretch of the San'yō Main Line; it would then be assigned to Takatori Rolling Stock Depot and performed switching duties around Kobe Port. Being designed during a period where technology used in the locomotive was still being researched and developed, many design defects and issues were present, such as the maintenance issues for the engine and constant engine failures; there was also an inability to procure or manufacture parts of sufficient quality due to Japan's technology at the time. As a result the locomotive was withdrawn from service in 1935, with many failures having occurred. DC11 1 remained at Takatori Works during that time but was lost near the end of the Pacific War.
Despite the locomotive's unsatisfactory performance, data from the DC11 was used to develop the DD10, another early diesel locomotive.
Design[]
The DC11 featured a steeplecab-like design.
Specifications[]
The DC11 was fitted with a MAN W6Vu28/38 prime mover and a Brown Boveri electric transmission system; this prime mover produced about 600 PS (441 kW). It had a drive system similar to a steam locomotive, featuring a set of jackshafts.