The historic steam train makes its triumphant return to relive a century of memories — come aboard!

By MOOK Scenic Spots Chen Wenlin | Compiled & Reported
 
No. 650 of the Taiwan Sugar steam train is a cherished memory for many railway fans. After a 14-year, million-dollar restoration, it made its first run at the Suantou Sugar Factory in Chiayi County — a highly symbolic moment in history. It not only attracted large numbers of tourists and railway enthusiasts to witness its return, but also provides visitors to Chiayi with a fresh travel option and experience.

The No. 650 steam locomotive was manufactured by Germany’s Koppel factory in August 1928. As a high-performance engine with a unique design that sets it apart from other Taiwan Sugar steam trains, it has been dubbed the “Mercedes-Benz of steam locomotives.” With the advent of diesel and gasoline-powered engines, steam trains were gradually phased out and completely retired by the 1980s, with most sold off as scrap metal. Due to historical circumstances, No. 650 was decommissioned at the Suantou Sugar Factory in 1973, then purchased by Japan’s Tohoku Kogyo Co., Ltd. and shipped to Japan, where it was displayed in Zao Town, Miyagi Prefecture. Later, it was bought by a Japanese railway enthusiast passionate about Taiwan’s rail history and eventually donated back to Taiwan, with hopes of seeing it run again on the Chianan Plain.

The No. 650 steam train will connect the Chiayi HSR Station with the National Palace Museum Southern Branch, reviving memories of the old Taiwan Sugar “five-cent trains” and the beautiful era of sugarcane transport. It will also bring together the “fastest” and “slowest” trains at this junction. Passengers arriving by high-speed rail can take the small train to the National Palace Museum Southern Branch, experiencing a culturally unique mode of transport and a deeply historical sugar industry tourism journey.