JR Freight old and new
This month we take a look at JR Freight locomotives old and new in service around Japan. The first two were taken on 2nd April at Tosu, an important junction, with the Nagasaki Main Line branching off from the Kagoshima Main Line. The third photo was taken on 8th April at Kiyosu on the Tokaido Line.
All photos: Anthony Robins
Toshiba built ED76 1019 on a down container train is one of seven remaining from twenty original class members built between 1970 and 1979. These locomotives built to use Kyushu’s 20,000 volts AC electrification system are based at Moji.
EF81 303, the last 300 series example, is also based at Moji and carries the traditional unpainted style connected with the Kanmon Tunnel between Honshu and Kyushu. Carrying plates from Hitachi and Kokura Works, it was built one of four built between 1973 and 1975.
The EH200 type has been around for two decades, but just started operating fuel trains bound for the western part of the Chuo Line from the March 2022 timetable change. Here it is seen just after leaving sidings at Inazawa depot and is heading for Nagoya and onwards.