SL Hitoyoshi
The SL Hitoyoshi (SL 人吉) is a steam hauled excursion train operated by the Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) on the Kagoshima Main Line and the Hisatsu Line since April 2009.
58654 on an SL Hitoyoshi service | |
Overview | |
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Service type | Joyful Train |
Status | Operational |
Locale | Kyushu, Japan |
First service | 25 April 2009 |
Current operator(s) | JR Kyushu |
Route | |
Start | Kumamoto |
End | Hitoyoshi |
Distance travelled | 84 km |
Average journey time | 2 hrs 50 min |
Service frequency | 1 return trip daily |
On-board services | |
Class(es) | Standard |
Seating arrangements | 2+2 (standard) |
Catering facilities | Car 2 |
Observation facilities | Cars 1 and 3 |
Technical | |
Rolling stock | 50 series coaches |
Track gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
Overview
The SL Hitoyoshi runs a return journey between Kumamoto and Hitoyoshi once a day on weekends and national holidays from March to November. The train was inaugurated to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Hisatsu Line. A reserved seat must be made prior to boarding. The train stops at Shin-Yatsushiro, Yatsushiro, Sakamoto, Shiroishi, Isshōchi, and Watari.
Rolling stock
The SL Hitoyoshi consists of an 8620 (8620形) Class steam locomotive and three specially modified OHa 50 series (オハ50系) carriages. The interior design of the carriages was done by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. On occasion the train is assisted or hauled by a Class DE10 (DE10形) diesel locomotive.
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Exterior
The train livery is painted chocolate with grey roofs and SL Hitoyoshi motifs and lettering in gold.
See also
- List of named passenger trains of Japan
- Joyful Train, the generic name for excursion and charter trains in Japan.