The Return of the Steam Train King – Ride CT273 and Relive the Nostalgia of Eastern Taiwan

▲ TRA Steam Locomotive CT273. (Photo / Courtesy of TRA Official Website)

By Chen Ruizhong / Comprehensive Report

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) will launch a cruise-style train tour combined with a steam locomotive journey on January 31, limited to 280 passengers, with ticket sales starting from January 16.

This journey is the first of its kind, featuring a cruise-style sightseeing train to transport passengers from stations such as Shulin to Hualien Station, then transferring to steam locomotive CT273 to Wanrong Station. Local transit will take passengers to Lintianshan to experience pristine mountain landscapes, historic railway scenes once used for transporting timber, and the picturesque Dream Lake reminiscent of a little Europe. Passengers will then be taken back to Hualien Station to board the sightseeing train for the return trip.

CT273 is part of TRA’s CT270 class of steam locomotives, the same model as Japan’s C57 class. Known as the speed king of Taiwan’s railways during the Japanese colonial period, it had a designed top speed of 100 km/h. Manufactured in 1943 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan, it worked alongside the CT250 class in pulling express trains after the Retrocession. By 1960, it was reassigned to hauling fast and regular passenger trains. Following the electrification of the railways, it was officially decommissioned in 1984, becoming the last steam locomotive to retire from TRA service.

TRA stated that the full fare for this package is NT$1,423; child tickets are NT$1,097; and senior and disadvantaged passenger tickets are NT$1,133. The package includes transportation, sightseeing, and guided commentary. The steam locomotive will also be coupled with two DR2500 diesel railcars, allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful scenery of eastern Taiwan and reminisce about the charm of the retro era.