Dismantling of D52335

From the Tohoku and Takasaki Lines, the inside of the Omiya Works used to be visible. Not only steam locomotives, but also electric locomotives, freight cars, and passenger cars came and went. Even as a locomotive awaiting dismantling, the D52 class still had an imposing presence.

Using a torch, the parts were cut to suitable sizes and lifted off by crane. Discarded parts like the air tank, smokestack, and smokebox door lie scattered around.

The cutting process advanced rapidly, and the locomotive was disassembled in no time. Since the parts are not meant to be reassembled, it quickly becomes impossible to recognize what each component was.

The cylindrical silhouette of the boiler is still visible, but as dismantling progresses, its original form becomes unrecognizable. This section is not the boiler proper, so the metal plates are thinner and easy to cut through.

Even at the time, parts theft was a concern. The most valuable plates were removed early for safekeeping. Whistles, safety valves, and the smokebox handle were carefully taken off first. The cab, being detachable, was removed next. Behind it are the sand dome and steam dome covers.

The upper front part, previously attached, has been cut off and now lies in pieces. You can still recognize where the chimney, feedwater heater, and headlight once sat.

The locomotive has lost nearly all of its recognizable form. Boilers endure high pressures, and the firebox’s upper area is reinforced with many staybolts.

Steam locomotives burn coal to boil water, so they are coupled with tenders carrying coal and water. The D52 class tender could carry 25 m³ of water and 12 tons of coal—quite large in size.

Many parts of a steam locomotive are equipped with lifting hooks for installation. The steam-powered air compressor was lifted by crane and placed in the area for removed heavy components.

With part of it cut away, the usually hidden interior of the boiler is visible. The firebox is especially reinforced to withstand high heat and pressure. The right side shows where the cab used to be; most pipes have already been removed.

Beside the D52 was an ED17 electric locomotive awaiting dismantling. Built from 1920 to 1924 by North British and Packett & Sons (Atlas Works), with electrical equipment by English Electric, the ED17 series unified several British types. This one features a front platform. The series was retired entirely by 1972 after service on the Minobu and Iida Lines.

This ED17 type lacks a front platform. Dismantled pipes and parts from the D52 locomotive are piled in front. ED171 is now preserved at the Railway Museum in Omiya.