The class C59 was a Pacific locomotive of the JNR that was based on the C55 and C57. At an axle load of 16 tonnes, they were able to handle up to 17 passenger cars. Between 1941 and 1943, 100 were built which were called “pre-war type”. These were reinforced by 73 more in 1946 and 1947 which became known as “post-war type”. These had a considerably smaller tube heating surface, but a bigger firebox and a bigger superheater. Initially they were only used in express service.

To increase their road availability, 47 were taken to the Koriyama and Hamamatsu shops between 1953 and 1961 to add another trailing axle. This led to the wheel arrangement 4-6-4 “Hudson” and to the new class designation C60. This reduced the maximum axle load by more than a tonne, while increasing the service weight by less than three tonnes. Now they could also be used on secondary lines.

Later, the C59 and C60 locomotives were not only used for local passenger trains, but could also be seen double- or triple-headed with other locomotives in front of freight trains. In 1970, all C59 were retired and one year later also all C60. Today, three C59 and one C60 are still existing.