JNR Class ED15

The Class ED15 (ED15形) was an electric locomotive formerly operated in Japan from 1924 until 1960.^[1] The Class ED15 was the first mainline electric locomotive type to be built domestically in Japan.^[1]

Class ED15
Preserved ED15 1 in June 2017
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Hitachi Build date 1924, 1926 Total produced 3
Specifications Configuration: ​  • UIC B + B Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Length: ​  • Over couplers 13,260 mm (43 ft 6 in)  • Over body 12,220 mm (40 ft 1+1⁄8 in) Width 2,780 mm (9 ft 1+1⁄2 in) Height 3,840 mm (12 ft 7+1⁄8 in) Loco weight 59 t (58 long tons; 65 short tons) Electric system/s 1,500 V DC overhead line Current pickup(s) Pantograph
Performance figures Power output 820 kW (1,100 hp) Tractive effort 9,000 kgf (20,000 lbf)
Career Operators JNR Number in class 3 Numbers ED15 1 - 3 Retired 1960 Preserved 1 Disposition All withdrawn

History

Founder Namihei Odaira and other engineers from Hitachi visited the Omiya Works of the Japanese Governmental Railways in 1922 and saw imported electric locomotives. They decided to build one by themselves soon afterwards, and the first example, ED15 1 was completed in 1924.^[2] Two more locomotives of the class were built in 1926.^[1] Initially designated Class 1070 under the original Japanese Government Railways (JGR) numbering scheme, the locomotives became Class ED15 from 1928.^[1]

The locomotives were initially used on Tokaido Main Line freight services, and were later employed on the Chuo Main Line.^[1]

The locomotives were withdrawn from service between 1959 and 1960.^[1]

• 
  ED15 1 drawing
• 
  ED15 2 drawing
• 
  ED15 3 drawing

Preservation

ED15 1 is preserved at the Hitachi Mito Factory in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki.^[1]

Classification

Main article: Japan Railways locomotive numbering and classification

The ED15 classification for this locomotive type is explained below.

• E: Electric locomotive
• D: Four driving axles
• 15: Locomotive with maximum speed 85 km/h or less

See also

Mechanical Engineering Heritage (Japan), No. 45: Type ED15 Electric Locomotive.