JR Freight Class DB500

Class DB500
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-hydraulic
BuilderHokuriku Heavy Industries
Build date2016
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • Whyte4wDH
 • UICB
Gauge1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Length7,650 mm (25 ft 1+1⁄8 in)
Width2,824 mm (9 ft 3+1⁄8 in)
Height3,670 mm (12 ft 1⁄2 in)
Axle load13.45 t
(13.24 long tons; 14.83 short tons)
Loco weight26.9 t
(26.5 long tons; 29.7 short tons)
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine type4-cycle, straight-six engine, water-cooled
Cylinders6
Safety systemsATS-SF
Performance figures
Maximum speed25 km/h (15 mph)
Power output184 kW (247 hp) @2,000 rpm
Tractive effort66 kN (15,000 lbf)
Career
Operators JR Freight
Number in class4
NumbersDB500-1 DB500-4
Delivered2016
First run4 March 2017
DispositionIn service

The Class DB500 (DB500形) is a B wheel arrangement two-axle diesel-hydraulic locomotive type operated by Japan Freight Railway (JR Freight) on shunting duties in Japan since March 2017.

Overview

The Class DB500 was developed to replace ageing Class DE10 diesel-hydraulic locomotives used for shunting duties at smaller freight terminals such as Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The locomotive has a single water-cooled four-cycle straight six-cylinder diesel engine, with a power output of 184 kW (247 hp), sufficient to haul 500-tonne (490-long-ton; 550-short-ton) trains.

History

The Class DB500 entered service at Shimonoseki Freight Terminal from the start of the revised timetable on 4 March 2017.

Classification

The DB500 classification for this locomotive type is explained below.

References

  1. 1 2 3 DB500形液体式内燃機関車 [Class DB500 diesel-hydraulic locomotive]. Japan Railfan Magazine (in Japanese). Vol. 57, no. 676. Japan: Koyusha Co., Ltd. August 2017. p. 65.

Further reading