The JNR Class ED16 is a Japanese DC electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from May 1931 to June 1984.
History[]
The ED16 is an early electric locomotive used on Japan's rail network. Intended as passenger locomotives, the locomotives were intended for use on lines with grades as well as for pulling occasional freight trains. The locomotives themselves were essentially spawned from the ED55 locomotives, which were ultimately canceled and the design specifications altered to produce what would ultimately become this locomotive.
A total of 18 locomotives were built by four manufacturers in 1931; Mitsubishi manufactured the most locomotives of the five companies involved. When they entered service they were used to pull both passenger trains and freight trains on the Chūō Main Line and Jōetsu Line; during World War II most locomotives were used to haul military supplies on the Jōetsu Line to aid with Japan's war efforts. Larger electric locomotives were introduced onto the Chūō Main Line and Jōetsu Line following the war, with the ED16s relegated to branch line usage. The locomotives's final assignments were located on the Hanwa Line, as well as towing other trains as a pusher locomotive. The last service for an ED16 was on 19 June 1984.
ED16 1, located at the Ome Railway Park, is the only preserved ED16. ED16 10 and ED16 15 were also preserved in the past but both have since been scrapped.
Design[]
The ED16s featured large box-shaped bodies with large top-mounted headlights.
Specifications[]
The ED16s used a nose suspension drive system. MT17 traction motors were used on the locomotives.
Preservation[]
The following Class ED16 locomotives have been preserved:
Number | Manufacturer | Equipment manufacturer | Date manufactured | Date retired | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ED16 1 | Mitsubishi Shipbuilding | Mitsubishi Electric | 30 April 1931 | 4 October 1980 | Ōme Railway Park, Tokyo, Japan | Displayed under shelter; park temporarily closed from 2023 to end-2025 |
The following Class ED16 locomotives were preserved in the past but have since been scrapped:
Number | Manufacturer | Equipment manufacturer | Date manufactured | Date retired | Last location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ED16 10 | Hitachi | Hitachi | 30 May 1931 | 16 July 1983 | Ōmiya General Rolling Stock Center, Saitama, Japan | Scrapped February 2015 |
ED16 15 | Mitsubishi Shipbuilding | Mitsubishi Electric | 14 July 1931 | 31 October 1978 | Minami-Alps Wakakusa Counter Service Center, Yamanashi, Japan | Displayed under shelter; scrapped 2022 due to redevelopment of area |