In 2001, JR Freight developed Pre-production type of EH200 two-unit DC
electric freight locomotive, displacing superannuated EF64 DC electric
locomotive used on the freight services on graded mountain routes.
EH200 has as same performance as double-headed EF64. A EH200 locomotive
is divided into 2 bodies, which are connected with the pulling unit having
the spherical bearing.
The traction system features 3-step AVAF (Adjustable Voltage Adjustable
Frequency) inverter control adopting IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor).
Each traction system controls 1 AC 3-phase asynchronous motor, FMT4, rated
at 565kW. Although one-hour rating is 4520kW, 30-mintue rating is 5120kW
(same output as double-headed EF64) for operation on graded mountain route.
Bogies features bolster-less air spring and axle arm type journal box supporting
system. Current collector is FPS4 single-arm type.
Mass-production type of EH200 locomotives delivered from 2003. A number of minor improvements were incorporated, with the main external differences from the prototype being as follows.
Elimination of centre pillar in the cab windscreens
Redesigned windscreen wipers
"Blue Thunder" logos are applied on the side of the car.
Now EH200 locomotives replaced with superannuated EF64-0 locomotives and
used on freight services of Chuo line, Shinetsu line, and Johetsu line. |
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