The JNR Class EF51 was a Japanese DC electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from 1926 to 1959.
History[]
The EF51 was an early electric locomotive operated in Japan, intended for passenger service.
One of the last passenger electric locomotives imported into Japan, two locomotives were manufactured in 1926; the locomotives were manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works while their electrical equipment was manufactured by Westinghouse. When manufactured they were classified as the Class 8010 locomotives and numbered 8010 and 8011, but with an introduction of a rule in 1928 to standardize locomotive naming they were reclassified as Class EF51 locomotives and renumbered EF51 1 and EF51 2.
Initially used on the Tōkaidõ Main Line to pull passenger trains, the locomotive's light axle load meant it was transferred to regional lines quickly. The locomotives were loaded with dead weight in 1936 for use on sloped sections and colder regions and used on the Jōetsu Line; the locomotives returned to the Tōkaidō Main Line after the Pacific War and used on freight and passenger trains. The locomotives were moved to Hachiōji in 1954 and were withdrawn in 1959.
No EF51s have been preserved, although it is said that their electrical equipment was used as spare parts for the ED19.
Design[]
The EF51s featured large box-shaped bodies with large top-mounted headlights.
Specifications[]
The EF51s used a nose suspension drive system. MT19 traction motors were used on the locomotives.