DF50 in Shikoku 1983

[bikkuri bahn]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=JP&v=WNzExOCOf8U

 

A discussion of diesel types for branchlines in another thread piqued my interest in the DF50, a type that was retired relatively quickly before the widespread proliferation of personal video cameras.  But this clip turned up.  Location is Shikoku, Dosan Line.  Starting at 0:52 is a nice sequence at the switchback at Tsubojiri Station, a  DF50 double headed special pulls in to let a 6-car kiha 58/kiha 65 express service pass by (just to see that DMU train, not to mention the DF50s would be manna for yours truly).

[westfalen]

September 1983 if I convert the date correctly.

 

I'll be going that way the day after tomorrow, I bet I won't see anything like that though.

[miyakoji]

DD50, not to be confused with the bad-luck DD53

[Fenway Park]

DF50 is correct. These were either Sulzer or MAN engined diesel electrics and one of the first JNR diesel locos in volume service.

 

DD50s were a pair of BO BO diesels coupled back to back which operated around Maibara. I think there were only 6 or rather 3 pairs.

 

DD53 was one of those JNR Snow plough diesels. Only 2? built but quite successful, I think.

 

The DD54 was another matter.  German MAN engine hydraulic transmission a B - 1 - B  San In line and others. A disaster.

[miyakoji]

DD54, you're right.  Lousy engine and driveline, according to the wikipedia page.