The Taiwan Railways CT273 Summer Steam Train "Taiwan Island No." Resumes Service

Text / Compiled and reported by the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Department

 

During the summer vacation, Taiwan Railways specially launched the “Summer Taiwan Island No.” CT273 steam train on the Hualien-Taitung Line. On August 5, it conducted its first trial run between Hualien and Heren, attracting a large number of rail enthusiasts to take photos and watch, also successfully warming up for the special train journey between Yuli and Taitung from July 7 to 9.

To celebrate the second anniversary of the SL Summer Taiwan Island No., Taiwan Railways has, for the first time this summer, moved the steam train journey to the Hualien-Taitung region.It will operate a steam train service between Yuli and Taitung from August 7 to 9 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday),with four SPK air-conditioned local express cars attached (total seating capacity 240) and two non-air-conditioned DR2511-2512 diesel railcars (total seating capacity 80). Passengers can disembark at stops such as Chihshang, Guanshan, and Shanli to enjoy the scenery of the Hualien-Taitung area.

The Summer Taiwan Island No. special train combines steam locomotives with tourism resources in the Hualien-Taitung area, taking passengers to popular attractions and small stations along the railway line.Visitors can stop at stations such as Chihshang, Guanshan, and Shanli, visiting attractions like the Chihshang Rice Ball Culture Story Museum, the old Guanshan Station and nearby former staff dormitories, and the white chapel at Shanli Station. The Taiwan Railways CT273 steam locomotive was refurbished and returned to service in June this year. It is a CT270-type steam locomotive, the same model as Japan’s C57. Known as the speed king of Taiwan’s railways during the Japanese colonial period, this historically iconic express train had a designed top speed of 100 km/h, with a maximum steam pressure of 16 kg per square centimeter. The total operating weight of the locomotive is 115.25 metric tons, and it provides a tractive effort of 12,820 kg.

In addition, to create a warm and harmonious atmosphere at the station and promote filial piety and the value of family bonds,Taiwan Railways specially held the “I Love My Family – ‘Big Hand Holding Little Hand’ Father’s Day Gratitude Tour – Guided Tour of Taipei Railway Station” on August 8 (Friday) starting at 1:40 pm in the multifunctional exhibition hall of Taipei Railway Station.This event encourages fathers to bring their children to visit Taipei Railway Station together, while also hoping to instill in children a deep appreciation for the hard work their fathers put into caring for the family, thereby strengthening familial bonds.