One of the most significant differences between the trains on the Alishan Forest Railway and other railways is that they must overcome steep slopes and navigate winding routes. Sand play a crucial role in overcoming steep slopes, especially in rainy weather when the tracks are slippery. Typically, inspection personnel will fill the sandbox of the locomotive during train maintenance to ensure that when the train is traveling on sections with steep inclines or slippery tracks, the sandbox can release sand by air to increase the friction between the wheels and the tracks.