The JNR Class ED18 is a Japanese DC electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from 1953 to 1976.
History[]
The ED18 is a freight locomotive designed for use on the Iida Line. Intended to reduce the axle load of other locomotives, the ED18s were rebuilt from existing electric locomotives used by the JNR at the time.
The first ED18, ED18 3, was completed in 1953, converted from ED18 3 at Hamamatsu Works; this was a similar locomotive with the same number built in 1928 as ED52 3 by the North British Locomotive Company. Following this, two ED17 locomotives were converted to become ED18 1 and ED18 2 from 1954 to 1955; initially with no change in number, the locomotive's numbers were changed a year after they entered service. Used to pull freight trains, the ED18s were used mainly in the Chūbu region; they were withdrawn from 1975 to 1976.
ED18 2 is the only preserved ED18. After it was withdrawn in 1976, ED18 2 would be used as a switcher at Hamamatsu Works before it was moved to the Sakuma Rail Park in 1991; in 1992 the locomotive was restored to operational condition and ran until 2005 when it was withdrawn due to a breakdown. The locomotive was struck off JR Central's register on 31 March 2009; it is now located at the SCMaglev and Railway Park, where it has been since 2011.
Design[]
The ED18s featured large box-shaped bodies with large top-mounted headlights.
Specifications[]
The ED18s used a nose suspension drive system. MT6 traction motors were used on the locomotives.
Preservation[]
The following Class ED18 locomotives have been preserved:
| Number | Manufacturer | Equipment manufacturer | Date manufactured | Date retired | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ED18 2 | North British Locomotive Company | English Electric | 1924 | 30 March 1979 | SCMaglev and Railway Park, Saitama, Japan | Ex-1055, ex-ED50 16, ex-ED17 16; displayed indoors, formerly located at the Sakuma Rail Park |
Gallery[]
