JR Freight Class DB500

The Class DB500 (DB500形) is a B wheel arrangement two-axle diesel-hydraulic locomotive type operated by Japan Freight Railway (JR Freight) on shunting duties in Japan since March 2017.

Overview
The Class DB500 was developed to replace ageing Class DE10 diesel-hydraulic locomotives used for shunting duties at smaller freight terminals such as Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The locomotive has a single water-cooled four-cycle straight six-cylinder diesel engine, with a power output of 184 kW, sufficient to haul 500 t trains.

History
The Class DB500 entered service at Shimonoseki Freight Terminal from the start of the revised timetable on 4 March 2017.

Classification
The DB500 classification for this locomotive type is explained below.
 * D: Diesel locomotive
 * B: Two driving axles
 * 500: Diesel-hydraulic locomotive