Final tribute to the "White Iron Warrior" Guanghua Train — last service departs on the 15th before official retirement

▲ The Taiwan Railways Guanghua Train, nicknamed the "White Iron Warrior," will depart its final service at 5:20 p.m. on the 15th from Yuli Station. (Photo / From Wikimedia Commons)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Taiwan Railways Guanghua Train, nicknamed the "White Iron Warrior," will depart its final service at 5:20 p.m. on the 15th from Yuli Station, expected to arrive at Hualien Station at 7:27 p.m. After nearly half a century of service, it will retire with honor.

The non-air-conditioned Guanghua Train was among Taiwan’s first diesel trains. In its early years of operation, it could reach speeds of up to 110 km/h and ran on the Western Trunk Line, once setting the record for the fastest train journey between Taipei and Kaohsiung at just 4 hours and 45 minutes — making it the fastest train operated by Taiwan Railways at the time. After the electrification of the West Coast Main Line in 1986 (the 75th year of the Republic of China), the "White Iron Warrior" was relegated to serving the eastern line as a regular train. With the completion of the electrification of the Hualien-Taitung Line, starting on the 16th, Taiwan Railways will adjust its schedule, replacing the Guanghua Train with air-conditioned electric multiple units. The White Iron Warrior will retire after fulfilling its legendary role.

Taiwan Railways stated that the "White Iron Warrior," having served for nearly 50 years, will run with six carriages attached on the 15th to bid a grand farewell to everyone. All seats will be unreserved, so railway enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Guanghua Train’s final appearance.

▲ The non-air-conditioned Guanghua Train was among Taiwan’s first diesel trains. (Photo / From Wikimedia Commons)