Firing up a "Wason" on the Katakami Railway

[Nick_Burman]

 

Firing up KiHa 702 on the preserved stub of the former Katakami Dowa Kogyo Railway. I call this series of railcars "Wasons" because at a distance the resemble the early Wason/GE gas-electric railcars which ran in the US.

 

Nice to know that there is one example of this railcar in working order.

 

 

Cheers NB

[westfalen]

Somewhere else to add to my list of places to try and get to one day.

[miyakoji]

I don't know too much about rolling stock this old, but one thing that's interesting according to Wikipedia is the time span over which they were built.  It looks like a total of 67 were built in between 1934 and 1937 by all the usual companies, Kawasaki, Nippon Sharyo, Niigata, and JGR's Omiya Works, but then 20 more were built in 1952 by Niigata and Tokyu!  Similarly, John Deere built the D from 1923 until 1953.

[bikkuri bahn]

I don't know too much about rolling stock this old, but one thing that's interesting according to Wikipedia is the time span over which they were built.  It looks like a total of 67 were built in between 1934 and 1937 by all the usual companies, Kawasaki, Nippon Sharyo, Niigata, and JGR's Omiya Works, but then 20 more were built in 1952 by Niigata and Tokyu!  Similarly, John Deere built the D from 1923 until 1953.

 

There was that unpleasantness between 1941-45, that kinda hindered development of new rolling stock, I reckon.

[ToniBabelony]

Plus, after 1952, Japan wasn't under direct USA command any more. So, it could proceed with economical developments.

 

And well, in between 1939 and 1945, there were quite some developments and productions in rolling stock, due to rationing. For example: the steam locomotives C57, D51,  C11, C12, C58, C59, D52 and the B20. Not to mention that special electric EF13 that had concrete blocks installed to compensate for its light weight. Never underestimate war time and technological progress ;) (the development for modern diesel cars it was quite different I presume).

 

P.s. I've been a long time fan of the Katakami, but visiting it is maybe just a bit too much off the beaten track. However, it can be worthy.

[ToniBabelony]

Also, generous time!

 

Pocky CM with cute Momoko Kikuchi at the Katakami

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvfbyJjc16k

 

Part of a TV program, promoting the the Katakami and the caring Station Master 'Kotora' (Little Tiger). Very entertaining! :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZfpCDe5xO4