Center-cab locomotives

Originally “Loko 2” of Tomioka Railway (Toyama–Iwasehama, 9.7 km) opened in 1924. Built by Baldwin-Westinghouse in the USA in 1924, later rebuilt by Nippon Railway Automobile in 1940. The line was nationalized in 1943 and became the JNR Toyamako Line, reclassified as ED261 in 1952. Retired in 1960, it was transferred to Echigo Railway and operated until 1980. (May 1979, Kamo)

Built in 1955 at Seibu Railway’s Tokorozawa Works based on a Toshiba 40-ton locomotive. From Seibu E32 to E31, it became Echigo Railway ED31 in 1964 and worked until Echigo Railway closed in 1995. Its trucks resemble those of ordinary old EMUs. Preserved today at Nagaoka University of Technology. (May 1979, Kamo)

Built in 1952 by Hitachi, a 31-ton locomotive, first used by Nagoya Railway as DeKi 251. Transferred to Kita-Ena Railway in 1968 and operated until its closure. Unfortunately by that time freight traffic had already declined, and the locomotive only worked light yard duties. (1978, Kita-Ena Railway)

Jōshin Railway once had three凸-type locomotives built by Siemens of Germany in 1924. DeKi 2 was retired in 1995, but DeKi 1 and 3 remain in service for events. The other locomotive visible, ED316, was also originally center-cab-type but later rebuilt into box-shape. Built in 1924 by Ishikawajima Shipyard as DeKi 6 of Ina Electric Railway (now Iida Line). Nationalized in 1943, reclassified ED316 in 1952, retired in 1957 and moved to Jōshin Railway. Originally equipped with Brill MCB trucks. (1970, Takasaki)

Double-heading at Tennōji: ED5152 (front, built 1947 by Toshiba) and ED5151 (rear, built 1943). ED5151 was originally Hanwa Electric Railway Loko 1151, retired 1978. These were handsome green locomotives of Nankai. The Nankai Tennōji branch lost freight connections and with the opening of the subway was closed in 1993. (1976, Tennōji)

DeKi 3 of Chōshi Railway was built in 1923 by AGE of Germany. First used at Okinoyama Colliery in Ube, transferred to Chōshi Railway in 1941. Very small for 1067 mm gauge, only 10 tons, with bow collector. After freight ended in 1984, it could no longer run the line, but is preserved in working order at Nakanochō depot. (1976, Nakanochō)

Originally DeKi 54 ordered by Toyokawa Railway, built in 1944 by Nippon Sharyō and Tōyō Electric. By completion the line had been nationalized into the Iida Line. Reclassified from JNR ED301 to ED2511, transferred to Izu Kyūkō in 1963. Retired 1994. Afterwards used unregistered at Tokyu Nagatsuta Works, scrapped 2009. (1977)

Built 1921 by Baldwin-Westinghouse, USA. Five units (DeKi 1–5) existed; this DeKi 3 was retired 1984. Today preserved at a transport company in Kumagaya, viewable only from outside the premises.

A colliery line branching from Usui Station of the Kamiyamada Line (closed 1988) in Kitakyūshū. Used steam switchers and small electric locomotives for coal traffic. This 6-ton No.602 (with No.601) was built in 1947 by Mitsubishi Electric. At the time my interest was steam, so I did not research these engines further.

The Seibu Yamaguchi Line was a 762 mm light railway, nicknamed “Otogi Densha.” Though considered part of the amusement park, it was an official Seibu Railway line. Operated by battery cars, with steam locomotives revived for events, making it a rare spot to see light steam near Tokyo. Center-cab-type battery locomotives B12–B15 were built 1952–1960 at Tokorozawa Works. The line was rebuilt into a new transport system in 1984, ending the last suburban light railway in Tokyo. (1977)

With its large cab, whether it counts as center-cab-type is debatable. This was ED1012 of the Odakyū DeKi 1010 series, built 1927 by Kawasaki Shipyard. Retired in 1984. (1970s, Sōbudai-mae)

Originally DeKi 51 of Toyokawa Railway, built 1925 by North British/English Electric, UK. Toyokawa Railway was nationalized into the Iida Line, and DeKi 51 became JNR ED28. Retired 1959, transferred to Enshū Railway, where it still serves for works trains. (2001, photo by Mr. Osamu Takeya, reproduction prohibited)

Built 1937 by Nippon Railway Automobile Works as DeKi 11 of Ube Electric Railway. Later merged with Ube Railway and nationalized, reclassified as JNR ED251. Transferred to Ueda Maruko Railway in 1969, later to the Bessho Line until retired 1986. Preserved today at Ueda “Hundred Years of Industry Park.” (2005)

Though a diesel, with its semi-center cab body it may be counted as center-cab-type. DE1157 was built March 1970 by Nippon Sharyō, assigned to Takasaki First Depot. Brand new at the time, it displaced C11 and 9600 steam switchers. Yet after only 16 years, retired at Kashii in 1986. (1970, Takasaki First Depot)

凸-type electric EB10 locomotives worked around Oku and Tabata, handling freight on the Suga Line from Ōji. Unlike other acquired凸-types, EB10 originated as JNR battery locomotive AB10 built 1927 by Kisha Seizō and Toshiba, later rebuilt as EB10. Worked until 1972. At the time a familiar sight, but the DD13, EF58, EF80 in the photo are all gone from JR today. (1970, Oku)

Built 1947 by Toshiba, 45-ton locomotive, initially classed ED45, reclassified ED4020 in 1955. Used mainly for yard duties on the Tōbu Main Line, retired 1984. (Date unknown, Kita-Senju)