Product Description

- RM Re-Library is a series of reprints of two or three of the best volumes from the long history of RM LIBRARY, which has already published over 280 issues. The 24th volume in the series will be a reprint of "The Genealogy of Japanese National Railways' Imported Electric Machinery" (by Yoshikawa Fumio) from RM Library volumes 11 and 12.

- Electrification of main lines of the Japanese National Railways began with the Abt section of the Shinetsu Main Line at Usui Pass, but this book does not cover the Abt system electric locomotives, and begins with the explanation of the locomotives that were imported in small numbers from Europe and the United States when the Tokaido Main Line between Tokyo and Kozu and the Yokosuka Line between Ōfuna and Yokosuka were electrified.

- Electric locomotives were imported in three groups, the first group being small numbers of two each of each type from the US, Switzerland, and the UK, the second group being completely different, being all made in the UK, and the third group, which was brought in before the opening of the Tanna Tunnel, was mainly made in the US with the addition of some unusual Swiss-made locomotives.
In addition to these, there are a few other locomotives called ED56 and 57, which were imported by different manufacturers and then incorporated into JNR. Over the years, Japanese technology has been incorporated into each of them, and they have also been modified as operating methods have changed.

- This book introduces these fascinating early electric locomotives, overflowing with the national character, with a wealth of photographs (note that locomotives acquired by private railways are not included; see the previously published [Genealogy of electric locomotives acquired by private railways]). Some were transferred to private railways and maintained their long life, so it is interesting that it includes locomotives that are familiar even to relatively young people.


Item Size/Weight : 25.9 x 18.4 x 0.7 cm / 329g

Product Specifications

Item series

RM Library

Item code

055685

ISBN code

9784777055685

Purchase Information