By KOSHIN MUKAI/ Staff Writer
May 4, 2024 at 12:33 JST
Railroad fans set up cameras in Yamaguchi to take pictures of the SL Yamaguchi steam locomotive, which resumed service May 3 for the first time in two years. (Jun Ueda)
YAMAGUCHI--With black smoke billowing, the steam-powered SL Yamaguchi sightseeing train resumed regular service on the JR Yamaguchi Line for the first time in two years on May 3, West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) announced.
Residents and train buffs gathered along the line, waving hands and holding up cameras as the steam locomotive D51 sped by.
The train was taken out of service for repairs due to a crack found in the coal-loading section of the D51.
About 800 people attended the departure ceremony at Shin-Yamaguchi Station in Yamaguchi to see the “revived” first train.
The SL Yamaguchi train makes a round trip to Tsuwano Station in Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture, mainly once a day on weekends. All seats during Golden Week holiday weekend until May 5 are fully booked, according to JR West.
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