The JNR Class EF15 is a Japanese DC electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from 1947 to November 1986.
History[]
The EF15 was designed to meet transportation needs immediately after the conclusion of World War II. Intended for freight service alongside the similar EF58 designed for passenger service, 202 locomotives were built from 1947 to 1958.
When these were introduced the EF15s were used on numerous major lines, such as the Tōkaidō and San'yō Main Lines. With the introduction of regional freight trains the EF15s would slowly be replaced; combined with their age withdrawal and scrapping of the locomotives began in 1978. On these lines, the EF15 would be replaced with newer EF60 locomotives. Operations centered in the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Jōetsu Line were stopped in the 1980s; the locomotives on the Tōhoku Main Line were replaced with EF64s.
By this point only the Hanwa Line and Kisei Main Line operated EF15s; most locomotives were replaced with EF60s with the 14 March 1985 timetable revision, with only three locomotives, EF15 123, EF15 158 and EF15 184 still in service. All three were retired on 1 November 1986 with the introduction of the revised timetable due to the abolition of freight trains on the Kisei Main Line, a few months before JNR's privatization and division in April 1987. Of these, EF15 158 remained registered on the fleet register, with its ownership passing to JR West when the JNR was privatized although it did not run any revenue services.
Four locomotives have been preserved, including EF15 158. EF15 192 was stored at the Ōmiya General Rolling Stock Center but was scrapped in 2017.
Design[]
The EF15s featured large box-shaped bodies with large top-mounted headlights.
Specifications[]
The EF15s used a nose suspension drive system. MT41 or MT42 traction motors were used on the locomotives. Numerous parts were shared with the EF58.
Preservation[]
The following Class EF15 locomotives have been preserved:
Number | Manufacturer | Equipment manufacturer | Date manufactured | Date retired | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EF15 120 | Shin-Mitsubishi Jukōgyō | Mitsubishi Electric | 7 September 1954 | 19 January 1983 | Shinkansen Park, Osaka, Japan | Preserved near 21-73 |
EF15 158 | Hitachi | Hitachi | 20 February 1958 | 31 October 2011 | Aboshi General Rolling Stock Depot, Hyōgo, Japan | Stored in shed; remained on JR West's fleet roster until October 2011 |
EF15 165 | 22 July 1958 | 28 October 1985 | Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park, Gunma, Japan | Displayed outdoors; cosmetically restored 2024 | ||
EF15 198 | Kisha Seizō | Tōyō Denki | 1 October 1958 | 10 February 1986 | Nirasaki Central Park, Yamanashi, Japan | Displayed outdoors, painted in light brown |
EF15 168 | Hitachi | Hitachi | 5 August 1958 | 23 August 1984 | Ōmiya General Rolling Stock Center, Saitama, Japan Tanōhatako Yachi, Osaka, Japan |
Cab ends only; both preserved in different locations |
The following Class EF15 locomotives were preserved in the past but have since been scrappwd:
Number | Manufacturer | Equipment manufacturer | Date manufactured | Date retired | Last location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EF15 192 | Kawasaki Heavy Industries | Kawasaki Sharyō | 18 September 1958 | 20 November 1985 | Ōmiya General Rolling Stock Center, Saitama, Japan | Scrapped 2017 |