Iyo Railway Suburban Lines

The Iyo Railway operates several suburban lines from Matsuyama as well as five tram lines in Matsuyama.  Everything is clean and gleaming.

http://web1.nazca.co.jp/kazmal/503_iyoko.html

http://web1.nazca.co.jp/kazmal/503_iyoko02.html

http://web1.nazca.co.jp/kazmal/503_iyoko03.html

http://web1.nazca.co.jp/kazmal/503_iyoko04.html

http://web1.nazca.co.jp/kazmal/503_iyoko05.html

The Iyo Railway also operates the tram system in Matsuyama.  Until 1954 steam trams operated in Matsuyama and one of these trains has been restored and operates along the tram lines. Known as the Bottcham train, the locomotive is diesel powered and turned on an armstrong turntable.

Here's a description of the operation from a tourist web site:

"Botchan Train (traditional street car), the matchbox-like train that runs around Matsuyama, was reproduced as a diesel locomotive based on the original steam locomotive that operated in Matsuyama from 1888 to 1954. The conductors' uniforms and timber finish used inside the carriages lend a sense of realism and a retro-feel to the train.

Stops at: Matsuyama Shieki City Station, Okaido, Dogo Onsen Ekimae Street Car Station, JR Matsuyama Station, and Komachi.

Operates about once an hour all year round (number of runs and timetable varies for Saturdays, Sundays and as required depending on the season)

Fare: 300yen per ride

Time required: Approximately 30 minutes"

www.pref.ehime.jp/izan...route1.htm

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

I want to have that engineers job! Doesn't tomix or kato make a model of this train?

I've never seen one.

It's THomas the tank engine!

An ex-girlfriend, who lived in Matsuyama for about a year, told me the engineers on the Bottchan are quite rude, always shouting at girls. Hell, they must've had a boring job :P

...the locomotive is diesel powered and turned on an armstrong turntable.

What's interesting is that the "turntable" is actually a fitting mounted under the loco, similar to many modern track maintenance machines, and some old French and Italian railcars.

Cheers,

Mark.

I want to have that engineers job!

I don't. Looks too much like hard work, turning the engine by hand. Been there, done that, had to have physio afterwards! 

Cheers,

Mark.

...the locomotive is diesel powered and turned on an armstrong turntable.

 

What's interesting is that the "turntable" is actually a fitting mounted under the loco, similar to many modern track maintenance machines, and some old French and Italian railcars.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

This sounds really interesting. Any websites with pics of such Italian/French cars?

Offhand, I don't know of any. If you were to google "De Dion railcar" you might come up with something. I've seen a few firsthand, and some photos in books/magazines.

Cheers,

Mark.

"De Dion railcar"

Thanks.