The JNR Class DF41 was a diesel-electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from 1959 to March 1962.
History[]
The DF41 was a prototype diesel-electric locomotive used by the JNR, with a single locomotive prototyped while the company developed its own locomotives for domestic sales as well as potentially for export. A total of ten locomotives were prototyped; these were Hitachi's DF90, DF91 and DF93, Kawasaki's DF40, Kisha Seizō's DF41, Nippon Sharyo's DD42 and DD93, Shin-Mitsubishi's DD40 and DD91 and Toshiba's DD41.
One locomotive was built in 1958 by Kisha Seizō, where it was displayed at the Asian Railway Leaders's meeting that year. The locomotive was purchased by the Japanese National Railways in 1959 and numbered DF41 1. Intended for mainline use, DF41 1 was used on the San'in Main Line and Fukuchiyama Line; DF41 1 was later renumbered DF92 1. DF92 1 was returned to Kisha Seizō in March 1962 and presumably scrapped afterwards.
Design[]
The DF41 featured a semi-streamlined design, nicknamed the "Shōnan style". The design made the locomotive look "sophisticated and smart"; the cab design is identical to the EH10 locomotives.
Specifications[]
The DF41 was fitted with a Burmeister & Wain DE1222VL-34V prime mover produced by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding under license and a Tōyō Denki Seizō electric transmission; the locomotive is also equipped with TDK539A traction motors, also produced by Tōyō Denki. The prime mover produced 1,320 PS (971 kW).
Gallery[]
