JNR Class C59 explained

Class C59
Powertype:Steam
Leadingdiameter:860mm
Driverdiameter:1750mm
Trailingdiameter:860mm
Wheelbase:10.02m (32.87feet)
Hatnote:Reference:[1]
Whytetype:4-6-2 Pacific 47 (Rebuilt to Class C60 4-6-4 Hudson Rebuild)
Fleetnumbers:C59 1-C59 172 later renumbered C59 1-C59 132, C59 156-C59 196
Retiredate:1970
Disposition:Three (C59 1, C59 161, and C59 164) preserved; remainder scrapped
Length:21.575m (70.784feet)
Axleload:Prewar: 16.17t
Postwar: 16.04t
Locoweight:79.75t
Locotenderweight:134.63t
Fueltype:Coal
Fuelcap:10t
Watercap:250NaN0
Builder:Kisha Seizō, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company, Hitachi
Builddate:1941-1947
Totalproduction:173
Maxspeed:100km/h
Boilerpressure:16kg/cm2
Firearea:3.270NaN0
Totalsurface:136.80NaN0
Superheaterarea:80.90NaN0
Cylindercount:Two
Cylindersize:52x
Valvegear:Walschaerts
Tractiveeffort:13860kg (30,560lb)
Rebuilddate:1953-1961
Numberrebuilt:47 (to Class C60)

The Class C59 is a type of 4-6-2 steam locomotive designed by Hideo Shima and 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] 47 were rebuilt into Class C60 Hudsons between 1953 and 1961 at the railway's Hamamatsu works and Koriyama works after World War 2. 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.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Naotaka Hirota Steam Locomotives of Japan (1972) Kodansha International Ltd. pp.60&97