JNR Class ED44

JNR Class ED44
ED44 1 in 1955
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	Hitachi
Constructed	1955
Number built	1
Classification	B-B
Dimensions	13,500 mm × 2,800 mm × 4,095 mm
Gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Current collector	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	20 kV AC (50 Hz)
Traction system	Low pressure tap control
Service information
In service	1955 – 1966
Number in service	None
Fleet numbers	ED44 1, later ED90 1
Scrapped	N/A
Preservation information
Preserved	None
Number scrapped	1

The JNR Class ED44 was a Japanese AC electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from 1955 to 1966.

History

The ED44 was a prototype locomotive designed to test out a section of the Senzan Line experimentally converted to feature AC power lines in 1955.

One locomotive, ED55 1, was built by Hitachi in 1955; this was Japan's first AC electric locomotive. It was reclassified as the Class ED90 in 1961 and renumbered ED90 1. The locomotive was tested on the Senzan Line but was found to be difficult to maintain so it was withdrawn in 1966 and scrapped.

Design

The ED44 featured a large box-shaped body with large headlights mounted on the roof.

Specifications

The ED44 used a nose suspension drive system. MT950 traction motors were used on the locomotive.