The JNR Class EF57 is a Japanese DC electric locomotive operated by the Japanese National Railways from 1940 to January 1977.
History[]
The EF57 was an electric locomotive designed for passenger service. These were the last passenger locomotives built for the JNR before the onset of the Pacific War; despite the fact that the locomotives were produced under duress they were manufactured using high-quality materials and was considered an excellent locomotive for the time.
The first locomotive was completed by Hitachi in October 1940; these were equipped with new MT38 traction motors, noted as being very powerful. The second locomotive, EF57 2, was completed by Kawasaki in May 1941; by 1943 15 locomotives were completed. The locomotives entered service in 1940 and were first used on the Tōkaidō Main Line pulling passenger trains, as well as pulling freight through the Kanmon Tunnel. Following the war the locomotives were used to pull passenger trains such as the Tsubame and Hato; in 1948, EF57 12 was involved in an accident that led to its scrapping. In its later years on the line the locomotives were replaced with EF58s; the locomotives were relocated to Nagaoka and Takasaki where they operated on the Jōetsu and Takasaki Lines.
Still being used to pull passenger trains, the locomotives were also replaced by EF58s on this line, with the locomotives moved to the Tōhoku Main Line by April 1961 and stationed at Utsunomiya Rolling Stock Depot. The locomotives also began to show vibrations in their body although a root cause could not be identified. Locomotives began to be stored out of service with further introductions of EF58 locomotives, with withdrawals beginning in 1975; all locomotives were withdrawn from service after a special New Year's charter service.
EF57 7, located at Utsunomiya Station East Park, is the only preserved EF57.
Preservation[]
The following Class EF57 locomotives have been preserved:
| Number | Manufacturer | Equipment manufacturer | Date manufactured | Date retired | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EF57 7 | Hitachi | Hitachi | 30 September 1942 | 9 October 1978 | Utsunomiya Station East Park, Tochigi, Japan | Displayed under shelter |
Design[]
The EF57s featured large box-shaped bodies with large top-mounted headlights.
Specifications[]
The EF57s used a nose suspension drive system. MT17 traction motors were used on the locomotives.