JNR Class EF64

Class EF64

EF64 38 at Hachioji in July 2004

Type and origin Power type Electric Builder Kawasaki, Toshiba Build date 1964–1982 Total produced 132

Specifications UIC class Bo-Bo-Bo Gauge 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Wheel diameter 1,120 mm (3 ft 8 in) Length EF64-0: 17,900 mm (58 ft 9 in), EF64-1000: 18,600 mm (61 ft 0 in) Width 2,800 mm (9 ft 2 in) Height 3,960 mm (13 ft 0 in) Loco weight 96 tonnes Electric system(s) 1,500 V DC Traction motors DC

Performance figures Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph) Power output 2.55 MW (3,420 hp)

Career Operators JNR, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Freight Number in class 47 (as of 1 April 2016[update] Preserved 2 Disposition In service

The Class EF64 (EF64形^?) is a 6-axle (Bo-Bo-Bo wheel arrangement) DC electric locomotive type operated on passenger and freight services in Japan since 1964.

The class was designed to replace the ageing EF16 class locomotives used on the steeply-graded Ou and Chuo mainlines in the early 1960s. Two prototype locomotives, EF64 1 and 2, were delivered in 1964, built by Toshiba and Kawasaki Sharyo respectively. The basic body design was based on that of the earlier Class EF62s but with the more usual Japanese Bo-Bo-Bo wheel arrangement. Livery from the start was all-over blue with just the lower cab ends painted cream.

Full production started in 1965, continuing to 1976 with loco EF64 79. Minor variations within the class included the discontinuation of the cab ventilation grilles above the marker lights from EF64 46 onward. Locos EF64 1 to 12 and EF64 29 to 55 were equipped with train-heating generators for passenger use, and are distinguishable by the train heating indicator lights next to the cab doors. The DT120A/DT121A bogies were virtually identical to those used on the Class EF70.

The first batch of locos, consisting of EF64 1 to 12, were assigned to the Ōu Main Line between Fukushima and Yonezawa, where their duties included assisting KiHa 80 Tsubasa DMUs over the steep gradients.

The second batch, from EF64 13 onward, were allocated to the Chuo Main Line for use primarily on freight duties. With the conversion of the Ou Main Line from 1,500 V DC to 20 kV AC electrification in October 1968, the first 12 locos were transferred to the Chuo Main Line.

Nowadays, with the exception of a handful of locos owned by JR East/Central/West for charter and occasional passenger haulage, the subclass is divided evenly between Shiojiri and Aichi depots (JR Freight) at either end of the Chuo Line.