JNR Class EF66
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 EF66 11 | |
| Power type | Electric (1,500 V DC) |
|---|---|
| Builder | Kawasaki Sharyō |
| Total production | 89 |
| UIC classification | Bo-Bo-Bo |
| Gauge | 1,067 mm |
| Wheel diameter | 1,120 mm |
| Length | 18,200 mm |
| Width | 2,800 mm |
| Height | 4,200 mm |
| Locomotive weight | 100.80 tonnes |
| Electric system(s) | 1,500 V DC |
| Current collection method | Pantograph (PS16, PS22B) |
| Traction motors | DC motors (MT56) (x6) |
| Transmission | One-stage reduction gear (20:71), flexible quill drive |
| Top speed | 110 km/h |
| Power output | 3.9 MW |
| Tractive effort | 192 kN |
| Career | JNR, JR West, JR Freight |
| Locale | Tōkaidō Main Line, Sanyō Main Line |
| Delivered | 1966 |
The EF66 is a 6-axle (Bo-Bo-Bo) electric locomotive designed for fast freight used by Japanese National Railways (JNR), and its descendents JR West and JR Freight.[1]
Contents |
Summary
The EF66 class locomotive was designed for express freight on the Tōkaidō Main Line and Sanyō Main Line, in an attempt to counter the increasing market share being gained by road transport. The EF66 was designed to pull the new KOKI 10000 or RESA 10000 freight cars at speeds up to 100 km/h. JNR hoped that these improvements would help make them competitive against truck traffic along the newly-opened Meishin Tomei Expressway.
The prototype (initially numbered EF90 1, later becoming EF66 901) was built by Kawasaki Sharyō in 1966; at the time with a power of 3.9 MW it was the world's most powerful narrow-gauge locomotive.[1]
The production series of locomotives were delivered from 1968 with 55 built between 1968 and 1974 [1]. The EF66 was first used on Flying Fish (「とびうお」 tobiuo) express freight service between Tokyo and Nagasaki, and Silver Scale (「ぎんりん」 ginrin) express service between Tokyo and Hakata, hauling the then-new RESA 10000 refrigerated cars (carrying fresh seafood, as suggested by the service's name).[2]
From 1985, JNR used the EF66 to haul the Asakaze (「 あさかぜ 」), Sakura (「 さくら 」), Mizuha (「 みずほ 」), Fuji (「富士」), and Haybusa (「はやぶさ」) sleeper expresses from Tokyo to points west.
In 1989, after the privatization of JNR, the EF66 class locomotives were distributed to JR West and JR Freight. That same year, in response to increased demand, JR Freight began construction of 32 of the new JRF Class EF66-100 class.
Technical
The locomotives were designed to be able to haul a 1,000-tonne train at 100 km/h. Each motor has a 650 kW power output, (about 50% more powerful than the EF65). The bogies have an air suspension system to limit the impulsive forces on the track.
Variants
Prototype
In September 1966, Kawasaki Heavy Industries constructed the first prototype, numbered EF90. The prototype had a top speed of 100 km/h, and was delivered concurrently with a new generation of high-speed freight cars (KOKI 10000, RESA 10000).
The EF90 prototype differed in appearance from later models. The windows were a slightly different shape.
In 1968, the EF90 1 was renamed EF66 901 when mass production of the EF66 series began.
In 1987, EF66 901 was handed to JR Freight, and was used for freight services in the Suita district. EF66 901 was scrapped in 2001 at the Hiroshima depot.
0 series
Of the first series of production, the last 35 (i.e. 21st to 55th locomotive) were slightly different in design. Externally a few changes were made — most noticeably above the driver's window a sunshade was added. Internally, these locomotives had their auxiliary electrical supply uprated from 5 kW to 90 kW.
Early Production
Late Production
100 series
The second series of locomotives (EF66-100) are fundamentally the same design as the first: the external shape is the same — though in a slightly more modern style. The driver's cabin is air conditioned.
History of Operations
JNR
During the JNR era, these locomotives were used for freight trains and also for passenger work - primarily hauling night trains such as the Hayabusa sleeping car limited express.[3]
Liveries Used
JR Freight
Following privatisation, JR Freight received the prototype (EF66 901) and forty of the original series (EF66 1 to EF66 40) as well as the EF66-100 machines. Some refurbishment of the locomotives has taken place since. JR West obtained the remainder of the machines (EF66 40 to EF66 55) - a total of 16. The locomotives still work the Tokaido and Sanyo Mainline, some have since been transferred to JR Freight ownership.
Liveries Used
JR West
As of 1 April 2006, 85 EF66s (including all 33 EF66-100s) were in service, with 75 owned by JR Freight (all based at Suita Depot in Osaka), and 10 owned by JR West (all based at Shimonoseki Depot).[4]
Liveries Used
Preserved examples
- EF66 11: The Railway Museum, Saitama[5]
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Fujii, Katsuhisa (November 1991), "国鉄最大最強力電機EF66形のすべて (All about Class EF66, the largest and the most powerful electric locomotive of JNR)", Japan Railfan Magazine 31 (367): p. 8 et seq.
- ↑ http://katomodels.com/product/nmi/tobiuo.shtml
- ↑ EF66-100
- ↑ JR全車輌ハンドブック2006 (JR Rolling Stock Handbook). Japan: Neko Publishing. 2006. ISBN 4-7770-0453-8.
- ↑ The Railway Museum exhibit information Retrieved on 29 January 2009 (Japanese)
