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Early Alishan trains used steam locomotives to transport timber. However, the terrains between Chiayi and Alishan varied greatly, so the railway was divided into flat, mountainous, and branch lines. The “Chiayi to Zhuqi” flat section mainly used 18-ton steam locomotives in the early days. The “Zhuqi to Alishan” mountainous section mainly used 28-ton steam locomotives. In contrast, the branch lines that extended deep into the various logging areas on Alishan Mountain primarily used 18-ton steam locomotives due to their gentler slopes.
The introduction of diesel locomotives later shortened the travel time between the mountain and the base and eventually replaced steam locomotives. After the first-generation diesel locomotive was introduced in 1953, the Forest Railway Authority has continued to develop new models, and the latest generation is the seventh.
In recent years, the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office (AFRCHO) has restored steam locomotives No. 21, 25, 26, and 31 based on the railway cultural assets dynamic preservation concept. These steam locomotives have been saved thanks to dynamic operations, and the historical glory of these forestry behemoths has been restored!
The introduction of diesel locomotives later shortened the travel time between the mountain and the base and eventually replaced steam locomotives. After the first-generation diesel locomotive was introduced in 1953, the Forest Railway Authority has continued to develop new models, and the latest generation is the seventh.
In recent years, the Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office (AFRCHO) has restored steam locomotives No. 21, 25, 26, and 31 based on the railway cultural assets dynamic preservation concept. These steam locomotives have been saved thanks to dynamic operations, and the historical glory of these forestry behemoths has been restored!