"JNR Class ED55" is a name used to refer to two proposed Japanese DC electric locomotives intended to be operated by the Japanese National Railways.
History[]
The designation of "Class ED55" was used for two DC electric locomotives; neither would end up being built.
The initial proposal for the ED55 was drawn up in 1926; it was intended to be a locomotive converted from the ED14 locomotives, intended for passenger usage on the Chūō Main Line and the Yokosuka Line. The construction of the EF52s meant that less priority was put on the projects, and with the electrification of the Yokosuka Line the project was shelved in 1930.
The second proposal for the ED55 was drawn up in 1941, with surplus ED17 locomotives from the Jōetsu Line converted into freight locomotives for use on the Chūō Main Line to assist with Japanese war efforts, with EF12s introduced to replace the aforementioned locomotives; the outbreak of the Pacific War caused priority to be placed on the transportation of cargo, with the locomotives transferred to the Chūō Main Line with no modifications made. The plans were abandoned soon after.
Design[]
The ED55s would have featured large box-shaped bodies with large top-mounted headlights.
Specifications[]
The locomotives would have likely used a nose suspension drive system.