The JNR Class DD17 was a diesel-hydraulic locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from 1983 to 1991.
History[]
The DD17 was designed as a dedicated snow-clearing locomotive, being one of a number of dedicated snow-clearing locomotives operated by the JNR. Intended to replace the DD14s used for snow clearing purposes, the DD17 was designed to be more powerful than the DD14s and could run on its own without assistance. Due to JNR's financial situation at the time it was not wise to manufacture a new locomotive for this purpose; as a result, DD51 507 was modified at JNR's Takatori Works in 1983. DD17 1 was completed on 29 March 1983 and stationed at Kōriyama Rolling Stock Depot.
Mainly used for snow removal when introduced, there were fewer opportunities for DD17 1 to be used due to a decrease in snowfall and the closure of various local lines. JR East took over ownership of DD17 1 after the JNR was privatized and split in 1987; it would be used on the Itaya Pass but caused two derailment incidents involving itself, causing major delays. After this, the locomotive was moved to Aizu-Wakamatsu and operated on the Ōu Main Line; when that line was retracked, the locomotive was rebuilt as the DD19.
Design[]
The DD17 featured a semi-streamlined design, being painted in red with silver accents.
Specifications[]
The DD17 was fitted with two V12 prime movers, designated the DML61Z. Much of the locomotive's equipment is reused from DD51 507 which the locomotive was converted from.