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Japanese National Railways class EF81
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Japan | 1968
161 produced
EF81 502 in August 2010 between Yamazaki and Shimamoto
EF81 502 in August 2010 between Yamazaki and Shimamoto
Mitsuki-2368

The EF81 is a series of Bo-Bo-Bo locomotives for use under 1.5 kV DC and 20 kV AC. The prototype was completed in 1968 and a total of 160 further locomotives was completed by Hitachi and Mitsubishi by 1992. These were split among several batches which had a similar outside appearance and could only be distinguished by details like the headlights. Some had been built for traffic through the Kanmon undersea tunnel and had bodies of unpainted corrugated stainless steel. All had six 425 kW traction motors and delivered 2,550 kW under AC, but only 2,370 kW under DC. By 2016, the number of EF81 in service had fallen to 44.

General
Built1968-1992
ManufacturerHitachi, Mitsubishi
Wheel arr.B-B-B 
Gauge3 ft 6 in (Cape gauge)
Dimensions and Weights
Length61 ft 0 5/16 in
Rigid wheelbase8 ft 6 3/8 in
Service weight222,226 lbs
Adhesive weight222,226 lbs
Axle load37,038 lbs
Boiler
Power Plant
Power
Power sourceelectric - AC/DC
Electric system20,000 V 60 Hz, 20,000 V 50 Hz, 1,500 V
Hourly power3,420 hp (2,550 kW)
Top speed68 mph
Starting effort44,063 lbf
Calculated Values
electric locomotive
passenger
freight
multi-system
last changed: 12/2025
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