D61 1

[Nick_Burman]

Hi all,

 

Is there any site where I can find information about D61 1 - career, depots assigned to, etc?

 

Cheers NB

[miyakoji]

Well, there's the Japanese wikipedia page, according to which it was built in 1959 at JNR's Hamamatsu Works, based on D61 640.  Six D61s were built, all from D51s.  D61 1 was assigned to Nakatsugawa Loco Depot and tested on the western section of the Chuo Line and the Kansai Line.  After testing it was reassigned to Rumoi Loco Depot (as were the rest of the D61s) and used for hauling coal and lumber on the now-closed Haboro Line.  With the closing of Haboro Coal Mine in 1970 and the discontinuance of coal trains on the line, they were run together with D51s on mainlines.  Although the D61 was more comfortable to ride because of its rear truck, it was used less, particularly in winter, because of its light axle loading.  At the same time, steam was being phased out, and they were surplussed along with Rumoi's D51s.  The following year they were transferred to Fukagawa Loco Depot where they were sometimes used to assist D51s.  The last to be taken out of service was #4 in June 1975.  #3 is on static display in Rumoi City.

 

Someone please check this translation 

 

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%9B%BD%E9%89%84D61%E5%BD%A2%E8%92%B8%E6%B0%97%E6%A9%9F%E9%96%A2%E8%BB%8A