JNR Class EF70

The Class EF70 (EF70形) is a Bo-Bo-Bo wheel arrangement AC electric locomotive type operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) in Japan from 1961 until the 1980s.[1] 81 locomotives were built by Hitachi and Mitsubishi between 1961 and 1965.[1]

Class EF70
EF70 2 in 1982
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderHitachi, Mitsubishi
Build date1961–1965
Total produced81
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • UICBo-Bo-Bo
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
BogiesDT120 (outer), DT121 (centre)
Wheel diameter1,120 mm (44.09 in)
Length16,750 mm (54 ft 11+1⁄2 in)
Width2,805 mm (9 ft 2+3⁄8 in)
Height4,260 mm (13 ft 11+3⁄4 in)
Loco weight96.0 t
(94.5 long tons; 105.8 short tons)
Electric system/s20 kV AC at 60 Hz overhead wire
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Performance figures
Maximum speed105 km/h (65 mph)
Power output2,300 kW (3,100 hp)
Career
OperatorsJNR
Number in class81
NumbersEF70 1 – 81, EF70 1001 – 1007
Delivered1961
Withdrawn1986-1987
Preserved2
DispositionAll withdrawn

Variants
  • EF70-0: Numbers EF70 1 – 81[1]
  • EF70-1000: Numbers EF70 1001 – 1007 renumbered from EF70 22 to 28 in 1968[1]
  • First-batch type EF70 21 in 1983
    First-batch type EF70 21 in 1983
  • Second-batch type EF70 55 in 1984
    Second-batch type EF70 55 in 1984

Design

The Class EF70 was developed for use through the steeply graded Hokuriku Tunnel on the Hokuriku Main Line, and was designed to be capable of hauling 1,300 tonne freight trains on a 10‰ gradient and passenger trains at up to 100 km/h (62 mph).[2] The locomotives had two PS100A pantographs, but normally operated with only the rear pantograph raised.[2]

Locomotive numbers EF70 22 onward (built from 1964) incorporated minor design changes, including two roof-mounted headlights replacing the original centrally-mounted single headlight, and changes to the cabside window design.[2]

History

In 1968, seven locomotives, EF70 22 to 28, were modified for use on sleeping car services, and were renumbered EF70 1001 to 1007.[1][2]

With the introduction of Class EF81 multi-voltage AC/DC electric locomotives, many of the Class EF70 locomotives became surplus, and numbers 61 to 81 were transferred to Kyushu in 1980 to replace Class ED72 and Class ED73 AC locomotives, but they themselves were soon replaced.[2]

By 1984, only a small number of the class remained in service on the Hokuriku Main Line, with most of the class removed from service coinciding with the March 1985 timetable revision.[2] All of the class except EF70 1 were officially withdrawn in March 1986, and EF70 1 was finally withdrawn in March 1987.[2]

Preserved examples

As of 1 April 2014, two members of the class are preserved: EF70 57, together with camping carriages at a youth facility in Hakusan, Ishikawa, and EF70 1001 at the Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park in Gunma Prefecture.[3]

The camping facility where EF70 57 is preserved closed in March 2013, and cutting up of the camping coaches commenced in February 2016.[4]

  • Preserved EF70 57 in August 2014
    Preserved EF70 57 in August 2014
  • Preserved EF70 1001 in April 2007
    Preserved EF70 1001 in April 2007

Classification
Main article: Japan Railways locomotive numbering and classification

The EF70 classification for this locomotive type is explained below.

  • E: Electric locomotive
  • F: Six driving axles
  • 7x: AC locomotive with maximum speed exceeding 85 km/h (55 mph)

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to JNR EF70.
  1. Inoue, Koichi (1999). 国鉄機関車事典: 蒸気・電気・ディーゼル機関車66形式 国鉄機関車辞典 [JNR Locomotive Encyclopedia] (in Japanese). Japan: Sankaido. pp. 154–155. ISBN 978-4-381-10338-3.
  2. 国鉄電気機関車の系譜 [JNR Electric Locomotive Lineage]. Railway Journal (in Japanese). Vol. 51, no. 610. Japan: Tetsudo Journal. August 2017. pp. 148–149.
  3. Sasada, Masahiro (25 November 2014). 国鉄&jr 保存車大全 2015-2016 国鉄&JR保存車大全2015-2016 [JNR & JR Preserved Rolling Stock Complete Guide 2015-2016] (in Japanese). Tokyo, Japan: Ikaros Publications Ltd. p. 122. ISBN 978-4863209282.
  4. 旧列車ホテル「なかよし号」 解体始まる [Cutting up of "Nakayoshi" train hotel begins]. RM News (in Japanese). Japan: Neko Publishing Co., Ltd. 4 February 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
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