(A1004) JNR EF52-7 (Ryuge Locomotive Depot/Special Decoration)
¥9,350JPY
SKU： MicroAce A1004
Package Volume： 220.00
ItemNumber A1004
JNR EF52-7 (Ryuge Locomotive Depot/Special Decoration)
information
●The history of electric locomotives in Japan began in 1912 with the importation of the 10000-series locomotives for the Usui Pass. As the electrification of flat-terrain railway lines progressed rapidly during the Taisho era, Japan relied on imports from various major powers to supply its locomotives. In 1924, the ED15—the first electric locomotive manufactured by a private Japanese company—was completed. Building on this momentum, the Ministry of Railways spearheaded the development of the EF52, the first large-scale electric locomotive designed for mainline passenger service. The Ministry of Railways coordinated the diverse technical know-how and standards of the various manufacturers involved, helping to elevate the overall technical capabilities across the industry.
The locomotive’s core equipment was based on the unit-switch system developed by Westinghouse, while its auxiliary systems followed a pragmatic design philosophy—incorporating the best features from each manufacturer—and the body and deck layout were styled after American designs. Although the EF52 generally met its performance targets, it faced several issues, including excessive weight, faulty pantographs, and a compromise in performance that left it ill-suited for both passenger and freight service. These shortcomings were largely addressed in the EF53, which debuted five years later and proved to be a highly successful, masterfully designed locomotive.
After serving on the Tokaido Main Line, the EF52 was reassigned to the Chuo East Line around 1949, and later to the Hanwa Line. The locomotives remained in service for many years; in August 1975, to mark their retirement, unit No. 7 was specially decorated and used to haul the special express train "Kinokuni No. 53"—a sight that captivated many railway enthusiasts.
JNR EF52-7 (Ryuge Locomotive Depot/Special Decoration)
information
●The history of electric locomotives in Japan began in 1912 with the importation of the 10000-series locomotives for the Usui Pass. As the electrification of flat-terrain railway lines progressed rapidly during the Taisho era, Japan relied on imports from various major powers to supply its locomotives. In 1924, the ED15—the first electric locomotive manufactured by a private Japanese company—was completed. Building on this momentum, the Ministry of Railways spearheaded the development of the EF52, the first large-scale electric locomotive designed for mainline passenger service. The Ministry of Railways coordinated the diverse technical know-how and standards of the various manufacturers involved, helping to elevate the overall technical capabilities across the industry.
The locomotive’s core equipment was based on the unit-switch system developed by Westinghouse, while its auxiliary systems followed a pragmatic design philosophy—incorporating the best features from each manufacturer—and the body and deck layout were styled after American designs. Although the EF52 generally met its performance targets, it faced several issues, including excessive weight, faulty pantographs, and a compromise in performance that left it ill-suited for both passenger and freight service. These shortcomings were largely addressed in the EF53, which debuted five years later and proved to be a highly successful, masterfully designed locomotive.
After serving on the Tokaido Main Line, the EF52 was reassigned to the Chuo East Line around 1949, and later to the Hanwa Line. The locomotives remained in service for many years; in August 1975, to mark their retirement, unit No. 7 was specially decorated and used to haul the special express train "Kinokuni No. 53"—a sight that captivated many railway enthusiasts.