The EMU100-model locomotive, which was withdrawn from regular service two years ago, will make a return at Hualien train station on Thursday, the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) said yesterday.
The TRA said the special service would run as part of celebrations for the Republic of China centenary, for which the nation’s largest railway system will arrange 12 different locomotive models to complete a train tour around the nation by October.
Since October last year, the TRA has used four locomotive models, including the CK124, R20, DR2700 and R101.
The CK124 was used first and ran between Greater Taichung and Chiayi in October.
The other three locomotive models — the R20, DR2700 and R101 — were used to continue the train tour during the following three months, operating in sections between Chiayi and Pingtung, between Pingtung and Taitung and between Taitung and Hualien in January.
Passengers boarding the trains using those locomotives will essentially participate in a one-day event, where the train makes a few stops along the way and allows passengers to visit tourist attractions on their own.
After a hiatus last month, the TRA said it would resume the around-the-nation train tour this month using the EMU100 model.
The train will continue from Hualien to Suao (蘇澳) in Yilan County.
The TRA said that the EMU100 model was manufactured by the UK’s General Electric Co in 1978.
Equipped with the most advanced electronic control system at the time, the locomotive was used for the TRA’s first-generation Tzuchiang-class service.
Railway enthusiasts also called the locomotive “English Lady” because of its elegant and graceful appearance.
Meanwhile, the TRA said it would arrange for two foreign women the play the role of English ladies during the ceremony at Hualien station on Thursday. It would choose a TRA passenger and allow the person to be a train conductor for a day.
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