The was a DC electric locomotive operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) between 1958 and 1986. It was the first "second-generation" DC electric locomotive type featuring increased-power traction motors. Despite its diminutive size, the Bo-Bo wheel arrangement ED60 design offered performance comparable with the much larger Class EF15 1Co+Co1 design weighing almost twice as much.
Each bogie's two motors ran on a 750 volt voltage and were connected in series. This high-performance DC locomotive has an axle load movement compensation system. The locomotives were dubbed "atomic locomotives" in Japan because of their small size and excellent performance, a reference to the Astro Boy cartoon. For multiple traction, they had transition doors on the front sides. It was originally painted a single shade of No. 2 grape, but from 1965, the front warning color has been altered to No. 1 cream in basic sequential blue No. 15.
Eight locomotives were built between 1958 and 1960 by Kawasaki, Kisha Seizō with Tōyō electrical components, and Mitsubishi. They were introduced on local freight services on the Ōito, Senzan, and Hanwa Lines, replacing earlier ED21, ED22, and ED38 class locomotives acquired when private railways had been absorbed into JNR. The class survived until early 1986 when freight was discontinued on these lines. ED60 1 is preserved at Nagano Depot.
The JNR ED60 locomotive is also celebrated in the model train community, with companies like MicroAce producing detailed replicas that showcase its design and historical significance.
Build details
Number Manufacturer Built Works no. Withdrawn ED60 1 Mitsubishi Aug 1958 Jan 1985 ED60 2 Kawasaki Aug 1958 Dec 1984 ED60 3 Tōyō + Kisha Seizō Sep 1958 2796 Dec 1984 ED60 4 Tōyō + Kisha Seizō Nov 1959 2830 Mar 1986 ED60 5 Tōyō + Kisha Seizō Dec 1959 2831 Feb 1986 ED60 6 Kawasaki Oct 1959 Feb 1986 ED60 7 Kawasaki Nov 1959 Mar 1986 ED60 8 Kawasaki Mar 1960 Mar 1986
See also Japan Railways locomotive numbering and classification
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