JAPAN SL 'OTAKU' PAGE
(JAPAN STEAM LOCOMOTIVE 'OTAKU' PAGE)
Page 3:
Umekoji Steam Museum in Kyoto
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Umekoji Steam Museum's D51 (Day-go-eechee) 2-8-2
(1-D-1) Mikado-type on the 3-times daily steam demonstration ride. The
ride is short but accompanied by music and a cheerful narration geared
to children. The Musem runs different steam engines from its collection
on different days.
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Left:
Magnificent display of the important Japanese
steam locomotive types in the former engine shed - at least 15 are on display,
most of which are operable. Some engines have scaffolding for easy viewing.
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Right:
Your's truly by the giant D52, the larger cousin
of the D51, both are the Mikado type 2-8-2 (1-D-1). First used in Japan
in the 1890's and named for the Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta about Japan,
the Mikado type was the standard freight locomotive in Japan. The D52 is
larger and has a bigger boiler than the D51.
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Left:
D51's Engine Driver (Kikanshi) invited me into
the cab and also showed me his fire which was in excellent shape - a perfect
carpet of red glowing coals without black spots and no 'green coal.'
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Right:
The impressive D51 framed by the museum engine
shed's turntable
Umekoji
Steam Museum - Kyoto
Last Updated: August 16, 2003
