While many countries have traditionally contended with problems of mixed track gauge, Japan's electric railways are truncated by non-uniform power supply.
Originally adopting a system of 1500V DC, the administration moved to an industrial frequency AC feed of 20,000V, beginning with the construction of the Hokuriki line in 1957. In some parts of japan, industrial supply is of 50Hz frequency, while in others it is generated at 60Hz.
Single current locomotives of the B-B-B wheel arrangement have been designed for all 3 electrification systems, but the necessity arose for locomotives that could operate under DC supplied lines, as well as both of the AC frequencies. Enter the EF81.
Four units are assigned to working in the 18.7km Kanmon undersea tunnel that connects the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. These class members were constructed with stainless steel body shells, to protect them against the corrosion, as they spend much of their lives in this salt heavy atmosphere.
Resources
Photo Roster EF81 1 - EF81 50 - Japanese EF81 site by met@ic.netlaputa.ne.jp
Photo Roster EF81 51 - EF81 100 - Japanese EF81 site
Photo Roster EF81 101 - EF81 152 - Japanese EF81 site
Photo Roster EF81 301 - EF81 304 - Japanese EF81 site
Many thanks to Doug Costa - Japanese Trains.com.
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