JGR Class 8900

The JGR Class 8900 was a type of 4-6-2 steam locomotive type formerly used in Japan by the Japanese Government Railways. The locomotives were built by the American Locomotive Company in the USA. They were the first 4-6-2 Pacific types used in Japan. They were numbered 8900-8935. They remained in service until 1957 when they were scrapped. None were preserved.

History

Thirty-six locomotives were manufactured in two batches. The first order of 24 locomotives were manufactured by Brooks Works, and the second order of 12 locos were manufactured by Richmond Works. The type was originally planned to be 8600 series, and the first order of 24 locomotives arrived with numbers 8600 - 8623, but due to a change in the wheel arrangement, the numbers were changed to the 8900 series. The second order from Richmond was originally completed with numbers 8924 - 8935. Occasionally these engines were used on royal train duties hauling Emperor Taishō.