New Member and a couple of questions re: the Ryūgasaki line

[DanMacK]

Hello,

 

My name is Dan MacKellar, and some of you may know me from my escapades with Transport Tycoon graphics.  I'm currently planning a T-gauge layout based on Japanese prototype, and I've got a couple of questions.  My layout design is modular and can be seen at http://adventuresint.blogspot.com .  One of the features of my layout will be a branchline, and upon researching several lines, I'm liking the look of the Ryūgasaki line as a possible prototype inspiration with inspiration from other lines as well.

 

I'm wondering.... I've seen an image of a Kanto Railway KiHa 532 - What was that in a former life?  Looks like a JR KiHa 30... 

 

Also, it doesn't appear there is a physical connection with the mainline at Sanuki - Are cars trucked onto this line or is there a connection not evident in maps.

 

Thanks for any info.

[bikkuri bahn]

Hi Dan.  The kiha 532, as you astutely noticed, is a converted ex-JNR type.  However, the base is the kiha 20 type, rather than the kiha 30.  In 1981, Niigata Iron Works (the current Niigata Transys), took a surplus kiha 20 underframe and running gear and added a new carbody with 3 doors per side and one man operation capability to match the circumstances of the line.  

 

It appears that yes, there is currently no physical connection with the JR Joban line, so any rolling stock deliveries are probably trucked in on special flatbed.  However, it appears that there was a physical connection with the JNR line prior to 1971, when freight service on this line ended.  Take a look at this blog, which has interesting pictures of a little 0-6-2 steam loco as well as the Sanuki terminus circa 1964:

 

http://homepage3.nifty.com/m_horikoshi/3_2Sitetu/_Rs_42_00_Ryuugasaki.htm#01

 

Another site, with slighter later era photos (1969), including a diesel shunter (DC 201) used to shunt interchange traffic at Sanuki:

 

http://www.dagashi.org/local/ryugasaki1.html

[DanMacK]

Thanks for the info!  Looks like the interchange was right beyond the platform.  One of the pictures from 1975 at the second link appears to show the scond track being lifted.  I plan to make my branchline somewhat generic with alot of elements from this line, as well as some from the Kominato line and other small lines as well.  As a prototype though, this line has alot going for it.

 

Sanuki will definitely be an option for my mainline station though.  

 

Once again, thanks.  Alot of cool information there.  I love the 2 axle trailer.