JR Yamaguchi Line's "C57 SL" will be in commercial operation for the first time in 6 years... Trial run will be released on the 19th

On the 19th, the steam locomotive (SL) C57 on the JR Yamaguchi Line, which had completed extensive repairs, was shown to the press and test-run the approximately 62.9 km distance between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano. It has been affectionately nicknamed ``The Lady'' because of its slender body, large wheels, and graceful silhouette. It will resume commercial operation on October 3rd for the first time in six years.

According to JR West, the train was built in 1937 and began operation in 1979 during the former Japan National Railways era as the ``SL Yamaguchi'' sightseeing train connecting the former Ogori (now Shin-Yamaguchi) and Tsuwano. Even after privatization, it was used by many passengers.

In October 2020, a problem with the piston caused the train to become stranded during commercial operation, and repairs continued at a depot in Kyoto City. There is no longer a SL parts manufacturer, so they are custom ordered to a company that handles marine parts. Repairs were finally completed at the end of July, and trial runs have been underway since August.

The resumption of service coincided with the ``Destination Campaign,'' a large-scale tourism project in which JR companies collaborated with Yamaguchi Prefecture. Shingo Harada, a vehicle manager who has been in charge of maintenance at JR West, said, ``People have been waiting for a long time.We hope to attract people from all over the country to the campaign and liven up Yamaguchi.''