The JR Freight Class EF500 is a prototype dual-voltage electric locomotive operated by JR Freight from 1990 to 1994.
History[]
The EF500 was developed in the early 1990s to respond to the increases in transportation capacity after the privatization of JNR and its separation into seven constituent companies. The locomotive was also intended to replace older trains, such as the EF65 and ED75. One locomotive was manufactured in 1990 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries with assistance from Mitsubishi.
When delivered, the train was used for initial testing, then subsequently underwent long-term feasibility testing on the Tōhoku Main Line; the locomotive however fell foul of government guidelines regarding high-frequency electromagnetic noise emissions and as such mass production was deemed unfeasible, with JR Freight opting later for the EH500 and EF510 designs. Other faults with the locomotive included it being supposedly too powerful, with substations often not having enough power for the locomotive to handle. The locomotive was then moved to Sendai Depot, where it saw little use and was officially retired on 29 March 2002. The locomotive was then moved to JR Freight's Hiroshima Depot, where it remains today.
Design[]
The Class EF500 featured a design largely based on the previous Class EF200s. It was finished in Red with silver trim. The locomotive featured large red lettering on its left, reading "INVERTER HI-TECH LOCO".
Specifications[]
The Class EF500 was a prototype electric locomotive largely based on the Class EF200 locomotive. The locomotive used a Hitachi GTO variable frequency drive, said to be of a similar specification to that of the EF200 as well. The locomotive was said to have produce 6,000 kW (8,046 hp) and 26,600 kgf of tractive effort.
Preservation[]
The following Class EF500 locomotives have been preserved:
| Number | Manufacturer | Equipment manufacturer | Date manufactured | Date retired | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EF500-901 | Kawasaki Heavy Industries | Mitsubishi Electric | 22 August 1990 | 29 March 2002 | Hiroshima Rolling Stock Depot, Hiroshima, Japan | Prototype locomotive; viewing possible on depot open days |