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With the steep grades on the Alishan line (up to 1 in 16)
the trains are propelled upgrade rather than have a loco haul them. The end
carriages have an area for an observer to sit and signal to the train driver
at the rear when to start and stop. |
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This set of carriages appeared to be new or refurbished.
Note the larger end windows. To me, the biggest drawback of these cars was
the rather inappropriate and loud piped music. |
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One of the older diesel locomotives at Chaoping with a
sleeper train which was being loaded from a road truck. Note the rod-drive
on the bogies. |
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Same loco and train of open wagons being loaded. |
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Scene from just inside the Alishan forest looking towards
the Hotel and railway station area. Quite a stark contrast in just a few
metres. As you can see, the light levels dropped dramatically under the
trees. |
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A sign at Chiayi station advising tourists about the
features of the Ali-shan line. As with many signs that have English
translations, there is some amusement value in reading it. |
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This lovely model of one of the famous Shay locomotives sits
in the open near the shops at Alishan. |
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Even the Hotel I stayed in had a Shay model - this one made
from timber. Numerous photos adorned the walls too. |
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A scene taken from the window of the return working of the
Sunrise train. The 8 carriages required 2 locomotives. One in the middle of
the train. |
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A remnant of the logging era. A steam-powered winding engine
is on display at Alishan. |
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Close-up of open wagons. Some of these have a cab on one end
for on observer to signal to the train driver at the rear of the train. |
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An Alishan Forestry Railway train arrives at the temporary
station at Alishan. A new station was under construction during my second
visit in 2003. |
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Another Alishan train at Chaoping station. |
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This G gauge model was one of several hauling food around
the tables at a Hot Pot restaurant. |
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Passenger train at Chiayi. |
