Abandoned mine railway reborn as theme park

[shiawase raichou]

 

 

Abandoned railway reborn as theme park

 

Jun 2, 2014

AFP-JIJI

KOSAKA, AKITA PREF. – A theme park based on a restored railway at an abandoned mine opened Sunday in the town of Kosaka, Akita Prefecture.

The Kosaka Railroad Railpark features locomotives and other rolling stock, but its real draw is the chance to ride trolleys and pedal-driven rail carts — and, for those 18 or older, to drive a diesel locomotive.

The Kosaka Railroad dates from 1909, when it was built for the Kosaka mine. It closed a century later, in 2009. The relaunch was spearheaded by the town government, which revived the facilities for visitors to “watch, touch and learn,” officials said.

The park is close to Lake Towada, a well known tourist spot in neighboring Aomori Prefecture.

On the park’s opening day, nine visitors drove a DD131 diesel locomotive along a 100-meter stretch of track. Staff gave them a short briefing on how to start and stop it. Made in 1967, the locomotive weighs a hefty 55 tons.
 

[Ochanomizu]

Interesting.  I wonder what kind of a lifespan such an attraction will have.  After all, I know of several abandoned theme parks that could well be turned into mines .... >x<

[bikkuri bahn]

Interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences are positive features.  If operating costs are not extravagant, it could have a good future.