Checheng Recreation Area Introduction
Checheng Station is the starting and ending point of the Jiji Branch Line. After the last train arrives at Checheng, the conductor and railway staff rest in the staff dormitory before departing the next day. The train is parked in the maintenance shop for upkeep and repairs. The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration has renovated the former railway warehouse that housed miscellaneous items, transforming it into the Checheng Management Station office and a visitor center, which, along with surrounding railway facilities and businesses, forms a railway cultural park. The Japanese-style staff dormitory has been restored to its original architectural appearance, recreating the living scenes of the railway station master and staff, allowing visitors to experience the aesthetics of Japanese living. Additionally, the remnants of the maintenance shop have been preserved, providing visitors a glimpse into the past. Old train car introductions: 1. American GM-EMD-S300 switch locomotive: Purchased by Taiwan Railways in 1966, this lightweight locomotive was the most numerous type for shunting duties, with a top speed of 70 km/h and a power output of 950 HP. With a total weight of 54 tons, it had originally 21 units, but due to its smaller engine being less powerful and slower, it was gradually phased out as the S300 reached the end of its service life. Currently, only S316 remains here, and S318 is at the Changhua Locomotive Depot. 2. Car number 10R104 refrigerated car: Manufactured in Japan in 1928, this specially designed freight car was used during the Japanese occupation for transporting frozen meat, fresh fish, and seafood. It features a unique “+” marking indicating the absence of air brake devices, only having air brake pipes connecting the front and back cars. It was retired on June 30, 1984, and due to its distinctive shape, it has been designated as a railway heritage car, restored by the Kaohsiung Maintenance Depot for permanent preservation. 3. Car number 10C1216 wooden covered freight car: Produced in 1920 in Japan, this wooden covered car transported goods up to 10 tons during the Japanese occupation. It also has the “+” marking indicating the absence of air brake devices and was retired on August 26, 1992. Due to its unique design, it has been designated as a railway heritage car and restored for permanent preservation. 4. Car number 10EW11 water tank car: Built in Japan in 1931 and converted from the coal and water car used behind steam trains, this car is unique for its short dimensions (6,286mm x 2,100mm x 2,863mm) and served as equipment for supplying steam power for locomotives. It was retired on November 7, 1995, and has been designated as a railway heritage car for permanent preservation. 5. Car number 10K524 livestock car: Manufactured in Japan in 1967, this car was essential for transporting livestock during the agricultural era. Notably, it was surrounded by horizontal railings to securely house animals while allowing ventilation. It was retired on August 25, 2005, and has been preserved as a railway heritage car. 6. Car number 15V2016 ventilated car: Built in 1970 in Japan, this car was vital for transporting fresh produce from rural areas to city markets before the highway era. It resembles a covered wagon but has 16 ventilation holes for carrying fresh fruits and vegetables. It had its time of glory when Taiwanese bananas were exported to Japan in 1972 and was retired on June 16, 2005. 7. Car number 25C10056 covered car: Manufactured in Japan in 1940, it was used during the Japanese occupation for transportation of horses for the military. Initially serving as a substitute for ordinary passenger cars, it later served as a baggage car until its retirement in 1997. It has been designated for preservation due to its distinct design. 8. Car number 35GF6061 substitute flat car: Built in 1958 in Japan, this flat car was converted from an open car in the 1970s and was used for transporting logs and long materials. It was retired on July 8, 2008, recognized for its unique design and preserved as a railway heritage car. 9. Car number 35F20133 flat car: Manufactured by Tangrong in Taipei in 1975, this flat car can load various long objects, containers, and military vehicles. It is an open freight car with no side panels, withdrawn from service on September 10, 2008, and preserved due to its unique design. 10. Car number 3CK1573 guard car: Produced in Japan in 1967, this car was attached to the front and rear of freight trains, carrying the conductor and accompanying staff. Its cabin is equipped with a conductor’s room and hand brake mechanism for emergency control of the entire train, ensuring safety. It was retired on March 3, 2009.
