The JNR Class EF53 is a Japanese DC electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from 1932 to 1968.
History[]
The EF53 was one of Japan's earliest domestically-produced electric locomotives. Designed as a passenger locomotive, the EF53 was based on the earlier EF52 and featured improved performance, reliability and equipment functionality.
Between 1932 and 1934, nineteen locomotives were produced. When introduced they were used on the Tōkaidō Main Line, hauling such trains such as the Tsubame and Fuji limited express trains; the EF53s were significantly more powerful than the EF52s and handled better. The EF53s were slowly replaced with the EF58s from 1954 onwards; the locomotives were later selected as candidates for conversion to allow for a "smokeless" railway as part of JNR's Power Modernization Plan, being chosen due to being in good condition. From 1963 to 1968, all nineteen EF53s were converted into EF59s; in their final years, the locomotives were based in Takasaki and Tokyo.
EF53 2, located at the Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park, is the only preserved EF53. The locomotive, numbered EF59 11 when withdrawn from service, was restored back to EF53 2 in appearance only in 1987. The locomotive's number plates are replicas cast from the numberplates of ED42 2, preserved at Tobu Elementary School in Karuizawa, Nagano.
Design[]
The EF53s featured large box-shaped bodies with large top-mounted headlights.
Specifications[]
The EF53s used a nose suspension drive system. MT17 traction motors were used on the locomotives.
Preservation[]
The following Class EF53 locomotives have been preserved:
| Number | Manufacturer | Equipment manufacturer | Date manufactured | Date retired | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EF53 2 | Kisha Seizō | Shibaura Seisakushō | May 1932 | 20 April 1964 | Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park, Gunma, Japan | Displayed outdoors; restored from EF59 11 in appearance only in 1987 |
Gallery[]
