JNR Class C59

The Class C59 is a type of 4-6-2 steam locomotive designed by Hideo Shima and built by Japanese National Railways. The C classification indicates three sets of driving wheels. The C59 could haul 17 passenger cars. World War II limited their use as express trains, a function for which they were designed. C59s were transferred to Kyushu after electrification of the trunk lines after the war.^[1] 47 were rebuilt into Class C60 Hudsons between 1953 and 1961 at the railway's Hamamatsu works and Koriyama works. In 1970, the locomotives were retired. Only three are preserved. C59 1 is preserved at the Kyushu Railway History Museum on display. C59 164 is preserved at the Kyoto Railway Museum. C59 161 is preserved at the Hiroshima Children’s Museum.

The Class C59 where based on the earlier designs of the Railway such as the JNR Class C55 and the JNR Class C57 Pacifics that built in the 1930’s and early 40’s. The C59’s were built between 1941 and 1947 but only 173 C59’s were built during and after World War II. Between 1953 and 1961 47 Locomotives were rebuilt into the Class C60 Hudson’s. The remaining 126 C59 Pacific’s remained in service until 1970 when they were all scrapped except for 3 surviving C59’s that are preserved in Japan Post WWII. 46 of the rebuilt Class C60’s were scrapped by 1971 except for one Class C60 surviving in preservation.

• Japan Railways locomotive numbering and classification
• JNR Class C60
• JNR Class C61
• JNR Class C62