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Beloved train heads into retirement
(HK Edition)
Updated: 2009-06-16 07:35
TAIPEI: The first generation of electrical multiple unit trains to serve Taiwan's railways will be retired today. The EMU100, prototype of the famed Tze-Chiang (or "Self-Reliant") Limited Express, has been in service 30 years. In 1979 the EMU set a speed record by taking only four hours to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung. The 1002 train, scheduled to depart from Chiayi at 6 am and to arrive at Qidu at 10:35 am, will be the final journey of the EMU100. Railway fans have been contacting each other through the Internet to sign up for the EMU100's last ride. They remember how on July 1, 1979, when the electrification of the Western Line railway was complete, and the Tze-Chiang Limited Express came into service, it was the most comfortable and fastest of all trains at the time. It was considered a moment of historic importance when the main locomotive of the EMU100, bearing a commemorative logo, rode from Taipei to Kaohsiung for the first time, at top speeds of 120 km per hour. Officials from the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Taiwan Railway Administration said the EMU100 was the most advanced train of its day. On the outside, the train was covered with a triple-coat of brown paint; its interiors were lavishly done as well. Its velvet sofas could be used as either seats or beds, and its floors were covered with blue velvet carpet. Double-layered curtains in yellow and lace were used, to provide extra protection from the glare of the sun. The hidden air conditioning vents were unique as well. Taiwan's economy still had not taken off at the time, but many citizens could not wait for a chance to ride the train, in spite of high tickets costs. The EMU100 was imported from the United Kingdom, which was why railway fans nicknamed it the "British Maiden". Its engine gave off so little noise that even later versions of the Tze-Chiang Limited Express could not rival it in terms of quiet operation. But time took its toll: the EMU100 was renamed the "British Madame", and then, at a later date, the "British Grandma". Though the Tze-Chiang Limited Express is now in its fifth generation, in the minds of its fans the original EMU100 is still considered "the eternal Tze-Chiang Express". The department said that the EMU has already served for a long time and replacement parts are no longer available. After the TRA changes its schedule, the 1002 and 1004 lines, which were originally served by the EMU100, will be served by the E1000, a push-pull train. One set of the EMU100 will be preserved in the Railway Museum in Miaoli. The TRA emphasized that the train will not retire completely, but will be activated now and again on important occasions. It will be the first instance of a retired train "kept in motion" from time to time. Taiwan Today
(HK Edition 06/16/2009 page2) |
