Okinawa Prefectural Railways Class 1

Okinawa Prefectural Railways Class 1
Builder's photo
Technical specifications
Serial number(s)	12592 – 12594
Manufacturer(s)	Henschel & Son
Build date	1917
Total produced	3
Classification	0-4-2T
Dimensions	Unknown
Rail gauge	2 ft 6 in (762 mm)
Valve gear	Walschaerts
Cylinders	2
Fuel type	Coal
Service information
Years in-service	1 December 1914 – March 1945
Running numbers	1 – 3
Disposition details
Preserved	None
Number operational	None
Number scrapped	3

The Okinawa Prefectural Railways Class 1 was a 0-4-2T Olomana-type narrow gauge side tank steam locomotive operated by the Okinawa Prefectural Railways from December 1914 to March 1945.

History

The Class 1 was the first steam locomotive type to operate on the Okinawa Prefectural Railways. A total of three locomotives were built by Henschel & Son for use on the railway in 1914, numbered 1 through 3. These began operation on 1 December 1914 with the opening of the railway. One of these locomotives pulled a train carrying then-Crown Price Hirohito on his visit to Okinawa in 1921.

The three locomotives were used on the Okinawa Prefectural Railways until March 1945 with the line ceasing operations. Okinawa would ultimately lose all of its railways due to the effects of World War II, with numerous air raids significantly damaging the locomotives; Okinawa would not regain a railway line until 2003 with the construction of the Okinawa Urban Monorail.

No Class 1 locomotives have been preserved, although a number of replicas have been constructed, most notably an electrically-powered 3/4 scale replica located at Neo Park.

Trivia

• The locomotives were never given classifications by the Okinawa Prefectural Railways; this naming scheme is given for consistency and convenience.

References

Okinawa Prefectural Railways motive power
Steam locomotives	1 – 3 • 4 • 6 – 8 • 11 – 14 • 20
Diesel multiple unit	KiHa 1 • KiHa 11 • KiHa 21 • KiHa 31