Beneath the bustling streets of Tokyo, a silent giant rests. It is the JNR Class C57 steam locomotive. More specifically, it is likely C57 186, displayed in Koganei.
But what makes the C-57 so special? It represents a pivotal moment in Japanese railway history. This class of locomotive was built from 1937 to 1947. A total of 201 C57 locomotives were manufactured. Hideo Shima designed them. These engines were the first modern standard passenger engines in Japan. The freight model was the D51.
Before the C57, there were C51, C54 and C55 models. All were Pacific models. The C57 became a culmination of those models. The C57s specifications did not represent any big change from C55. However, the boiler pressure saw an increase. It went from 14 to 16 kg per square centimeter. Also, the spoke driving wheel became a box wheel.
The first C57 was made at Kawasaki Rolling Stock Manufacturing Co. Its manufactured number was 1769 in 1938. The C57 appeared nearly everywhere on Japanese sub-main lines. It became the most popular passenger engine model among Japanese steam locomotives.
After World War II, 197 C57s remained active. Four were war-damaged. These were numbers 74, 75, 99 and 162. Two others were retired by 1964 due to accidents. These were numbers 90 and 106. In 1965, 195 engines were still active.
Surplus C57s began to be culled in 1966. By 1971, the number decreased to 103. Yet, 32 engines remained active even in 1974.
The last C57 operation was in December 1975. It was at Iwamizawa depot. The engines involved were numbers 38, 44, 57, 135 and 144.
Two C57 engines were restored. They were C57 1 and C57 180. The C57 180 on the West Banetsu line enjoyed the longest service. It also covered the greatest distance in Japan of all the restored steam engines. Also C57 1 is still active. It runs during the spring, summer and fall seasons on the Yamaguchi line. In the off season, it resides at the Umekoji Museum.
Of the 201 C57 locomotives, 32 have been preserved in Japan. As of 2014, two were still in working order. These are C57 1 and C57 180.
So here in Koganei, Tokyo, C-57 number 186 stands. It is a reminder of Japan’s steam train era. It connects us to a time when these powerful machines ruled the rails. It evokes the spirit of innovation and progress.