TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Alishan Forest Railway's DL-34 diesel locomotive completed a long voyage overseas and after twelve months of mechanical adjustments undertook its maiden voyage on Saturday (May 4) in Wales, U.K.
The 51-year-old diesel locomotive is the centerpiece of “railway diplomacy” spearheaded by railway enthusiast Michael Reilly, the former British representative to Taiwan. In a CNA interview, Reilly said the locomotive's arrival attracted local politicians, media, and railway enthusiasts to witness its maiden voyage.
Reilly said such informal diplomacy is important as China increases efforts to isolate Taiwan. He believes agreements between the Alishan Forest Railway and Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (W&LLR) can play a role in increasing Taiwan's international visibility and image.
Alishan Forest Railway and W&LLR are “sister railways” as both are narrow-gauge railways operating in remote areas. In 2017, the two railways signed a cooperative agreement covering railway operation, maintenance, tourism, education, and culture.
In 2019, the two parties began to arrange the loan of the DL-34 to Wales. Many obstacles stood in the way of transporting the locomotive, such as the COVID pandemic, though hard work and dedication culminated in the arrival of the locomotive in Wales in February 2023.
A team of local contractors worked for nearly a year to adjust the DL-34's braking system and linkage devices. Other testing and training were conducted to ensure the DL-34's operation in Wales.
The agreement between the two railways called for an initial three-year loan period for the DL-34. W&LLR plans to deploy the DL-34 during the summer tourist season, with information about the train schedules available on the W&LLR website.
Like the Alishan Forest Railway, W&LLR is a tourist railway with a rich history dating back to 1903. The W&LLR owns and rents locomotives of historical value from different countries, making it a popular destination for people wanting to experience traditional railway travel.
W&LLR also owns a Taiwan Sugar Corporation locomotive No. 175, which operates under the Diema trade name. The locomotive came to Wales in 2004 after being decommissioned, with modifications required to meet U.K. safety requirements.
The W&LLR’s Diema locomotive, with 230 horsepower, tows engineering vehicles to maintain the railway. When the DL-34 arrived in Wales, it was also towed to the maintenance area by Diema.
With the addition of the DL-34 to the locomotive lineup, W&LLR said Diema would stop transporting passengers. The time off for the Diema locomotive will allow it to receive maintenance and upgrades.
