The JNR Class EF30 is a Japanese dual-current electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from 1960 to March 1987.
History[]
The EF30 was developed specifically for use on trains traveling through the Kanmon Railway Tunnel, linking Honshu and Kyushu; both locations used different types of current so a dual-current locomotive would be needed.
From 1960 to 1968, 22 locomotives were manufactured by Hitachi, Mitsubishi and Toshiba; these entered service in 1960 as the world's first mass-produced dual-current electric locomotive. The EF30s were capable of pulling 1,200 ton freight trains on a gradient and were based at Moji Rolling Stock Center. Mostly pulling freight trains, the EF30s also handled passenger services such as the Tsubame and Hato services.
Withdrawals began in 1978 with EF30 1 and all were withdrawn by 29 March 1987, a few days before the JNR's privatization and division. Two locomotives have been preserved.
Design[]
The EF30s featured large box-shaped bodies with a large circular headlight mounted on top. The locomotives featured an unpainted stainless steel body to prevent corrosion from the sea water near the areas where the locomotive operates. The basic locomotive body design was derived from the EF60 and ED71 locomotives.
Specifications[]
The EF30s used a WN drive system. MT51 traction motors were used on the locomotives; the prototype used MT102 traction motors.
Preservation[]
The following Class EF30 locomotives have been preserved:
Number | Manufacturer | Equipment manufacturer | Date manufactured | Date retired | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EF30 1 | Shin-Mitsubishi Jukōgyō | Mitsubishi Electric | 19 March 1960 | 4 December 1978 | Mekari Park, Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan | Prototype locomotive; displayed outdoors coupled to passenger car OHaFu 33 488 |
EF30 20 | 31 October 1968 | 17 December 1986 | Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park, Gunma, Japan | Displayed outdoors next to EF58 157 | ||
EF30 3 | 2 August 1961 | 24 March 1995 | Kyushu Railway History Museum, Kitakyushu, Kyushu, Japan | Cab only, last operational EF30; displayed under shelter, preserved with cabs of ED76 1 and KuHa 481-246, formerly on display at Ōita Rolling Stock Center until 2006 |
The following Class EF30 locomotives were preserved in the past but have since been scrapped:
Number | Manufacturer | Equipment manufacturer | Date manufactured | Date retired | Last location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EF30 21 | Shin-Mitsubishi Jukōgyō | Mitsubishi Electric | 1968 | 1986 | Suita Locomotive Depot, Osaka, Japan | Stored in roundhouse; scrapped 1998 with demolition of roundhouse |