JNR Class EF57

The Class EF57 (EF57形) of 2-C+C-2 wheel arrangement DC electric locomotives was a development of the previous JNR Class EF56. 15 Class EF57s were built between 1939 and 1943 by Hitachi and Kawasaki.

Class EF57
Preserved EF57 7 in October 2008
Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Hitachi, Kawasaki Build date 1939–1943
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR 2-C+C-2  • UIC (2'Co)(Co2') Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Driver dia. 1,250 mm (4 ft 1 in) Length 19,920 mm (65 ft 4 in) Width 2,810 mm (9 ft 3 in) Height 4,091 mm (13 ft 5 in) Loco weight 110.82 t Electric system/s 1,500 V DC Traction motors DC
Performance figures Maximum speed 95 km/h (59 mph) Power output 1.56 MW (2,090 hp) Tractive effort 9,500 kgf (93,160 N; 20,940 lbf)
Career Operators JNR Number in class 172 Disposition One preserved, remainder scrapped

Introduced on Tokaido Line passenger services, they were seen at the head of expresses such as the Tsubame, complete with train headboard mounted precariously on the front of the cab decks. With the introduction of the newer semi-streamlined Class EF58s on Tokaido Line services, the EF57s were transferred to the Tohoku Main Line. At the same time, their steam-heating boilers were removed and replaced by electric-heating generators.

The class remained in use on long-distance express trains on the Tohoku Main Line until the 1970s.