Steam locomotive CT273 makes its maiden voyage to eastern Taiwan, taking passengers to “unreachable little stations”

Reporter Chen Ziying / Comprehensive Report

The steam locomotive “CT273,” known as the “Grand Lady,” will make its first trip to eastern Taiwan this afternoon (the 7th), and from August 7 to 9, it will run for three days as the “Midsummer Taiwan No.” to tour eastern Taiwan. It’s a rare event to see this vintage steam locomotive back in service on these routes, and it will even reach the “unreachable little station”—Shanli Station. Many railway fans are very excited and looking forward to it.


▲ The steam locomotive CK273, also known as the “Queen of Locomotives,” makes its first run to Taitung. (Photo / fromTaitung County Government TourismDepartment Facebook fan page)

In preparation for the arrival of the “Queen of Locomotives” CT273, Taiwan Railways has been conducting two days of warm-up operations and return runs in the Hualien section since the day before yesterday, which continued until this morning. This afternoon, it will make its maiden voyage to the eastern region. Taiwan Railways stated that the “Midsummer Taiwan No. Train,” led by the CT273 steam locomotive, carries a tourism mission this time and will take passengers to scenic spots along the way at stations such as Chihshang, Guanshan, and Shanli. Railway enthusiast Mr. Lü Ren expressed great anticipation for seeing CT273 in eastern Taiwan. He said, “Antiques should really make appearances more often. This kind of event is great for boosting tourism.”

The CT273 steam locomotive is the same model as Japan’s C57 type and was the “speed king” during the Japanese colonial period. It was manufactured by Kawasaki in Japan in 1943 (Year 32 of the Republic of China). After the retrocession, it was assigned to pull express trains. In 1960 (Year 49 of the ROC), with the introduction of diesel-electric locomotives by Taiwan Railways, the CT273 was relegated to hauling fast and regular trains. Later, after the railway became electrified, it was officially retired and removed from service in February 1984 (Year 73 of the ROC).


▲ A photo of Taiwan Railways’ steam locomotive “CT273” when it was unveiled this June. (Photo / provided by Taiwan Railways)

The “Midsummer Taiwan No. CT273 Eastern Taiwan Tour,” led by the “Grand Lady,” will offer 320 seats per day for three consecutive days starting August 7. The train departs from Yuli, Hualien, at 1:05 p.m. bound for Taitung. The package includes a commemorative ride certificate, a boxed lunch set, and a souvenir edition commemorating the electrification of the eastern line’s Puyuma train, among other items. Taitung County Government has also added five “star-rated hotel accommodation vouchers” for a lucky draw. Passengers can get a raffle ticket at the tourist service center by presenting their Midsummer Taiwan No. train ticket along with a purchase of a two-day Taitung City bus pass.