JNR Class C56

The Class C56 was a compact, lightweight design to operate on light-graded branch lines unsuitable for larger locomotives.

[1] Of the 68 C56 locomotives that remained in Japan, many were redeployed across regions such as Hokuriku, Kyushu, and the Chugoku area, and operated on less-trafficked branch lines.

While their limited power made them unsuitable for express passenger services, they handled local or mixed trains.

[2] The C56 earned the nickname 'Pony' for its light, agile operation, especially during its scenic runs on the Koumi Line, where it was called the 'Pony of the Highlands'.

[3][4] C56 160 was mainline operational until 2018, when the limited space on the locomotive made it difficult for it to be fitted with the latest digital automatic train stop system.

C56's tender with cut-outs to secure rear visibility
740 (C56 49), one of the C56s that remained in Thailand after the war, crossing the River Kwai Bridge
C56 150, one of the 'Ponies of the Highlands', on the Koumi Line , 1971
C56 44 in April 2012