JR Freight Class EH200

The Class EH200 (EH200形) is a Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′ wheel arrangement twin unit DC electric freight locomotive operated by JR Freight in Japan since 2001.

Operations
The locomotives are built at the Toshiba factory in Fuchū, Tokyo. They are all based at Takasaki depot, and are primarily used on oil tank trains north of Tokyo and on the steeply-graded Chūō Main Line, Shinonoi Line, and Joetsu Line, replacing pairs of Class EF64s.

, 25 Class EH200 locomotives are in service (EH200-901 and EH200-1 to EH200-24).

Variants

 * EH200-900: Prototype locomotive EH200-901, built 2001
 * EH200-0: Full-production locomotives built from 2003 onward

EH200-901 prototype
The pre-production prototype, EH200-901, was delivered to Takasaki depot in 2001, and entered revenue service in October 2002 following extensive testing.

EH200-0 full-production version
Following evaluation of the prototype version, the first full-production locomotive, EH200-1, was delivered to Takasaki in March 2003. A number of minor improvements were incorporated, with the main external differences from the prototype being as follows.
 * Elimination of centre pillar in the cab windscreens
 * Redesigned windscreen wipers
 * "Blue Thunder" logo on bodyside
 * Reduced size white "JRF" logo on the body side

Classification
The EH200 classification for this locomotive type is explained below. As with previous locomotive designs, the prototype is numbered EH200-901, with subsequent production locomotives numbered from EH200-1 onward.
 * E: Electric locomotive
 * H: Eight driving axles
 * 200: DC locomotive with AC motors