JNR Class C59

The Class C59 is a type of 4-6-2 steam locomotive built by Japanese National Railways. The C classification indicates three sets of driving wheels. The C59 could haul 17 passenger cars. World War II limited their use as express trains, a function for which they were designed. C59s were transferred to Kyushu after electrification of the trunk lines after the war.[1] They were rebuilt into 47 Class C60 Hudson Rebuilds between 1953 and 1961 at the railway's Hamamatsu works and Koriyama works. In 1970, the locomotives were retired. Only three are preserved. C59 1 is preserved at the Kyushu Railway History Museum on display. C59 164 is preserved at the Kyoto Railway Museum. C59 161 is preserved at the Hiroshima Children’s Museum. They were designed by Hideo Shima.

Class C59
Preserved C59 161
Type and origin Reference:[1] Power type Steam Builder Kisha Seizō, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company, Hitachi Build date 1941-1947 Total produced 173 (47 rebuilt to Class C60 Hudson Rebuilds 1953-1961 by the JNR)
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-2 Pacific 47 (Rebuilt to Class C60 4-6-4 Hudson Rebuild) Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Leading dia. 860 mm (2 ft 10 in) Driver dia. 1,750 mm (5 ft 9 in) Trailing dia. 860 mm (2 ft 10 in) Wheelbase 10.02 m (32 ft 10 in) Length 21.575 m (70 ft 9.4 in) Axle load prewar 16.17t - postwar 16.04t Loco weight 79.75 t Total weight 134.63 t Fuel type Coal Fuel capacity 10 t Water cap. 25 m3 (6,604 US gal) Firebox:  • Firegrate area 3.27 m2 (35 sq ft) Boiler pressure 16 kg/cm2 (230 lbf/in2) Heating surface 136.8 m2 (1,473 sq ft) Superheater: ​  • Heating area 80.9 m2 (871 sq ft) Cylinders Two Cylinder size 52 cm × 66 cm (20 in × 26 in) Valve gear Walschaerts
Performance figures Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph) Tractive effort 13,860kg
Career Numbers C59 1-C59 172 later renumbered C59 1-C59 132,C59 156-C59 196 Retired 1970 Disposition Three (C59 1, C59 161, and C59 164) preserved; remainder scrapped