After 35 years of retirement, the national treasure steam locomotive "The Duchess" makes a comeback in June

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The CT273 "The Duchess," a national treasure steam locomotive retired by Taiwan Railways for 35 years, has been confirmed as fully restored through the joint efforts of the Taiwan Railways work team and retired master technician Liu Shugen. On June 9, Railway Day, it will make a grand return to public view — its "great revival" — marking the fifth steam locomotive to be "brought back to life" in recent years.

▲ The CT273 steam locomotive, known as "The Duchess." (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways)

Taiwan Railways stated that the CT273 features circular holes in the design of its driving wheels and has a streamlined body shape, making it more aesthetically pleasing than other models — hence earning the nickname "The Duchess." Additionally, it was faster than other trains of its time, capable of reaching speeds of 100 km/h, far surpassing the usual 85 km/h — earning it the title of "Queen of Locomotives."

Taiwan Railways noted that to bring "The Duchess" back into service as soon as possible, the work team and retired master technicians have been researching and restoring the locomotive over the years. Finally, after successfully firing up the crucial boiler, the locomotive once again emitted billowing white steam and began moving slowly forward. After four years, the old train has officially been declared rehabilitated.

▲ The "The Duchess" locomotive emits billowing steam once again, with the Taiwan Railways work team unable to hide their excitement. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways)

The CT273 was manufactured by Japan's Kawasaki Vehicle and introduced to Taiwan in the 32nd year of the Republic of China (1943). It served as one of the main locomotive types for Taiwan Railways through the 1940s. After being taken out of service in 1979, it was officially deregistered in February 1984, making it the last steam locomotive to retire from Taiwan Railways.

Taiwan Railways pointed out that Japan produced a total of 201 CT270 series locomotives, of which Taiwan imported 14. Currently, four are preserved, including the CT271, CT273, CT278, and CT284, which are located in Keelung, the Fan-shaped Depot in Changhua, Ershui, and Yilan, respectively.