Remember the "White Iron Kid"? Taiwan Railways' Glorious Express is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a comeback to carry passengers.

▲Taiwan Railways’ “White Iron Kid” Glorious Express. (Photo / Provided by Taiwan Railways)

Reported by Lai Wen-hsuan / Taipei

The “White Iron Kid” is 50 years old this year. The DR2700 diesel railcar of Taiwan Railways, known as the Glorious Express, first operated between Taipei and Kaohsiung in 1966 (Republic of China Year 55), completing the journey in just 4 hours and 45 minutes — the fastest mode of transport at the time. After being retired two years ago, the Glorious Express will make a return on October 29 this year to carry passengers, running a special commemorative train for its 50th anniversary.

On October 31, 1966 (Republic of China Year 55), the DR2700 diesel railcar Glorious Express first ran between Taipei and Kaohsiung. Although it was retired two years ago and preserved as a cultural asset, it has continued to undergo maintenance and is kept operational for dynamic preservation. This year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Glorious Express, Taiwan Railways will hold a “Glorious 50” commemorative event on October 29 (Saturday), operating a “Glorious Express 50th Anniversary Commemorative Special Train” from Taipei through Kaohsiung to Taitung, joining in the celebration of the “White Iron Kid’s” birthday.

The commemorative train will stop at Taipei (departing at 09:20), Taichung (departing at 11:50), Kaohsiung (departing at 15:05), and Taitung (arriving at 18:25). Ticket sales are divided into the Taipei–Taichung section, Taichung–Kaohsiung section, and Kaohsiung–Taitung section. Tickets for the Taipei–Taichung and Taichung–Kaohsiung sections are each priced at NT$1,000, while the Kaohsiung–Taitung section is NT$700. Each section will have 360 seats available. The fare includes meals, a commemorative ticket set, and exclusive souvenirs.

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