In May 2024, the Taiwan Alishan Forest Railway’s DL-34 locomotive arrived in Wales, United Kingdom, in February 2023 to serve as a “tourism ambassador.” The Welsh railway team spent 12 months adjusting the system, training operators, and now the DL-34 is officially on the tracks, set to take both local and international tourists on a journey through the natural beauty of Wales.
During the inaugural ceremony on May 4th, the DL-34, adorned with flags representing both Wales and the Republic of China (Taiwan), slowly made its way along the railway tracks, marking a significant moment in the collaboration between the two countries.
Former UK representative to Taiwan and railway enthusiast, Michael Reilly, played a key role in bringing the DL-34 to the spotlight in the UK. At the ceremony, he witnessed the raising of flags symbolizing Taiwan and Wales at the station, welcoming guests from all sides.
Reilly noted that the maiden voyage of DL-34 in Wales garnered high attention, with local political figures, British railway enthusiasts making special long-distance trips, and even travelers from Malaysia purchasing tickets to experience the inaugural train journey.
He emphasized that amid China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally, agreements like the exchange pact between the Alishan Forest Railway and the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (W&LLR) play a crucial role in enhancing Taiwan’s visibility and image on the global stage.
The Alishan Forest Railway and the W&LLR in Wales established a “sister railway” relationship in 2017, leading to collaborations in railway operations, maintenance practices, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges over the past years.
Following the establishment of the sister railway relationship, discussions and efforts spanning four years led to the transportation of DL-34 to Wales, overcoming regulatory obstacles and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The locomotive finally arrived in Wales in February 2023 after a journey of nearly 10,000 kilometers from Taiwan.
Upon DL-34’s arrival in Wales, the W&LLR team collaborated with professional contractors for 12 months to adjust the locomotive’s braking system, conduct practical tests, train operators, ensuring safe operations on the W&LLR railway tracks. The DL-34 is planned to remain in Wales for an initial period of 3 years.
Reilly noted that the lending of the locomotive signifies a deeper level of cooperation between Taiwan and the UK. Despite both the Alishan Forest Railway and W&LLR having the same narrow gauge of 762 millimeters, the DL-34’s 523 horsepower engine presents a unique experience for the W&LLR railway operations.
During the summer tourist season, W&LLR announced that more passenger trains will utilize the DL-34. Interested travelers and railway enthusiasts can check the W&LLR official website for the timetable. On the inaugural event on May 4th, DL-34 powered a regular scheduled train service.
Similar to the Alishan Forest Railway, W&LLR boasts a rich history as a tourist railway, housing locomotives with significant historical value from various countries. Enthusiasts can experience these restored trains as per the schedule. According to their website, W&LLR’s history dates back to 1903.
Director-General Lin Hua-ching of the Forestry Bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of China led a delegation from the Alishan Forestry Railway and Cultural Assets Management Office to attend the ceremony and experience the maiden voyage. He expressed confidence that under the careful supervision of W&LLR, the DL-34 would gracefully traverse Wales’ picturesque hills and plains.
W&LLR Chairman Stephen Clews highlighted that the four-year effort and discussions leading to the lending cooperation signified a positive step in the ongoing development of railway exchanges between Taiwan and the UK.
Alongside the DL-34, W&LLR also operates the 175 number “Diema” locomotive from the Tainan Shanhua Sugar Factory, which arrived in Wales in 2004. W&LLR acquired and refurbished this decommissioned locomotive to meet local railway technical regulations and safety requirements.
Apart from pulling tourist trains, the “Diema,” with horsepower below 250, also assists with maintenance works using engineering vehicles. Upon DL-34’s initial arrival in Wales, the “Diema” towed it to the maintenance area. With the addition of DL-34 to the locomotive fleet, W&LLR mentioned that the “Diema” would temporarily cease passenger service to undergo major refurbishment.