JNR Class EF16

JNR Class EF16
EF16 28 in July 2023
Technical specifications
Manufacturer(s)	JNR's Fukushima Works, JNR's Jōetsu Works
Constructed	1951 – 1952, 1955 – 1957
Number built	24
Classification	1-C+C-1
Dimensions	17,000 mm × 2,800 mm × 3,861 mm
Gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Current collector	Pantograph
Electric system(s)	1,500 V DC
Traction system	Resistor control
Service information
In service	1953 – 1982
Number in service	None
Fleet numbers	EF16 1 – EF16 12, EF16 20 – EF16 31
Scrapped	1980 – 1982
Preservation information
Preserved	1
Number scrapped	23

The JNR Class EF16 is a Japanese DC electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from 1953 to 1982.

History

The EF16 was designed to meet transportation needs immediately after the conclusion of World War II; these were intended for freight service alongside the similar EF15 and EF58 which were in use at the same time. The EF15s were not particularly suited to pulling trains up steep gradients; although there were measures taken such as pouring water on the wheels to cool them down there was no definitive solution reached. As such, a decision was made to convert some EF15 locomotives to have regenerative braking.

Between 1951 to 1957, 24 locomotives were converted by JNR into two distinct batches, known as the "Fukushima-type" and "Jōetsu-type"; both of these had slightly different modifications. After some trial runs, the first batch of Fukushima-type locomotives entered service in 1953; they were moved to Nagaoka after EF64s were deployed in that area, and remained there until 1980 when all locomotives were retired. The Jōetsu-type locomotives entered service in 1955 and were mainly stationed at Nagaoka; two Fukushima-type locomotives, EF16 11 and EF16 12, were later converted to Jōetsu-type specifications. Withdrawals of the Jōetsu-type locomotives started in 1980 and all locomotives were withdrawn by 1982, having been replaced by EF64-1000 locomotives.

EF16 28, a Jōetsu-type EF16, is the only preserved EF16; it is located at Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest Area, near Minakami Station in Gunma, Japan.

Design

The EF16s featured large box-shaped bodies with large top-mounted headlights.

Specifications

The EF16s used a nose suspension drive system. MT41 traction motors were used on the locomotives.

The Fukushima-type locomotives were fitted with equipment for use in snowy conditions while the Jōetsu-type locomotives were fitted with equipment to allow the locomotives to scale steep gradients.

Preservation

The following Class EF16 locomotives have been preserved:

Number	Manufacturer	Equipment manufacturer	Date manufactured	Date retired	Location	Notes
EF16 28	Mitsubishi Shipbuilding	Mitsubishi Electric	30 October 1947	1 December 1981	Minakami Mizu Kikokan Rest Area, Gunma, Japan	Ex-EF15 28; displayed under shelter