Greetings All,
JNR Class DD51 Locomotive
A friend and neighbor recently returned from a trip to Japan and gifted me this Kato HO Scale DD51 locomotive he purchased at the Kato Store in Tokyo.
What is a JNR DD51Locomotive?
Prototype Information From Wikipedia
The Class DD51 (DD51形) is a B-2-B wheel arrangement diesel-hydraulic locomotive operated in Japan since 1962. 649 locomotives were built between 1962 and 1978 by Kawasaki Sharyo, Hitachi, and Mitsubishi.
The class was designed for mainline passenger and freight use with more power than the D51 and a higher maximum speed than the C62 steam locomotive classes. This was achieved by installing two 1,100 hp engines in an 18 meter long center-cab design, unusual for mainline operation.
The V12 DML61 engines were developed from the 6-cylinder inline DMF31 engines used in the Class DD13 locomotives. As of April 1st, 2016, 29 locomotives remained in operation.
Variations
Locos numbered from DD51 501 to 799 and from 1001 to 1186 were equipped to operate in multiple, and locos numbered DD51 800 to 899 and 1801 to 1805 were built without steam generators for train heating.
Liveries
All locomotives numbered from DD51 2 onwards were finished in the standard diesel livery of orange/red with grey upper surfaces separated by a white stripe.
Re-engined locos operated by JR Freight in Hokkaido sport a livery based on the Class DF200 color scheme, with no white stripe. These locomotives were used in pairs double-heading freight trains.
JR Hokkaido locos were all finished in the "Hokutosei" livery of blue with a gold stripe and shooting star logo. These were used in pairs for hauling sleeper trains (Hokutosei, Cassiopeia, and Twilight Express) between Hakodate and Sapporo.
DD51 592 (now withdrawn), and now DD51 791, was repainted in the "Euroliner" livery of pale blue with dark blue stripes for use with JR Central's "Euroliner" Joyful Train set.
"JNR-dd51 791 euroliner" by TaitaFkm is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
DD51 842 was designated as the Imperial Train locomotive. Whereas regular members of the class have white handrails and edges to the running boards, they are polished stainless steel on this particular locomotive, as are the exhaust shrouds. Based at Takasaki Depot, it is also used for special excursion trains.
Refurbishment
Many of the JR Freight locomotive underwent life extension refurbishment, which included removal of steam generator equipment where still fitted. These locos are distinguished by a new livery of blue with grey upper surfaces separated by a white stripe, and cream end panels.
DD51 class locomotives also formed the basis for the DD17, DD18, and DD19 self-propelled snow plough units.
Fleet Allocation
Following the privatization of Japanese National Railways (JNR) on 1 April 1987, JR Hokkaido received 25 locomotives, JR East received 29, JR Central received 4, JR West received 63, JR Kyushu received one locomotive, and JR Freight received 137.
As of 1 April 2016, 29 locomotives remained in operation, including 17 locomotives operated by JR Freight, four by JR East, and eight by JR West. A number of Class DD51 locomotives have been shipped to Myanmar for use on the Myanmar Railways.
Model Information
The good looking KATO locomotive is ready for unboxing. I'm very grateful that my friend thought of me while on vacation in Japan and brought me back this gift.
The DD51 comes with flexible railings and other detail parts that need to be installed by the modeler. Oh joy...
Testing
When looking at the DD51 I am reminded of the Baldwin Center Cab Switchers which were heavy haulers and thought the DD51 would perform in a similar manner. I tested the DD51 in several assignments and found it draws little current from the controller, can make jackrabbit starts, and runs great but doesn't have the weight needed to move a heavy cut of freight or passenger cars.
Bedford Park Yard
Engineer Robert R poses with the DD51 after it was delivered to Bedford Park Yard. This was a short lived assignment as the United Auto Workers at the Bedford Park Ford Plant promised a walkout if the DD51 entered Ford property.
Water Street Yard
Alco Joe and conductor Murray pose with the DD51 as they prepare to board the locomotive in Terminal Yard for the trip to Water Street.
Later that week the DD51 was sent to the Empire Belt RR for testing on the Haydon Heights Job, Trains HH-1 / HH-2. The EBRR guys look the B-2-B engine over with skeptical eyes.
The DD51 arrives at Water Street Yard along with the Kings Port Railfan Society who's railroad spies gave them the heads up on the DD51 and its current assignment.
The DD51 works the Water Street Job and switches cars for the Railway Express Agency.
The DD51 draws a crowd in the engine terminal.
The DD51 switches the Quaker Plant and Gervais Pipe and Fitting.
The DD51 has returned to the engine terminal and continues to draw the crowds. Engine hostler Wet Willie is sweating on how to service this diesel-hydraulic locomotive since all the instructions are in Japanese!!!
Final Thoughts and Comments
The DD51 is a good looking somewhat exotic locomotive that runs smoothly and reliably. The low current draw of the DD51is a definite plus best handled by using the momentum features in your DC controller or setting it with your DCC system to control the potential jackrabbit starts. The engine will move a light train at extreme speeds!!
I found the DD51 well suited for the Water Street and Haydon Heights Jobs where it performed the switching tasks with no problems. The locomotive could reliably hold down a commuter train job of a few passenger cars making use of its dual purpose.
A big thank you to my friend and neighbor for his generosity.
Thanks for reading and watching!!!
See you soon!!!