“The Nearest Steam Locomotive from Tokyo: Visit the SL Paleo Express Depot at Hirosegawara”

Railway, Chichibu Railway, train, SL train, sightseeing train, Paleo Express

“The nearest steam locomotive from Tokyo” depot is open to the public

On April 25, 2023 (Tuesday), Chichibu Railway will hold the “Wakuwaku Railway Festa 2023” commemorating the 35th anniversary of the SL Paleo Express operation at the “Hirosegawara Depot” in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture on May 20, 2023 ( announced that it will be held on Saturday.

This year marks the 18th time for this event to be held at the Hirosegawara Depot for the first time in four years. Last year it was held at “SL Turntable Park” adjacent to Mitsumineguchi Station.

At the event, SL Paleo Express, electric locomotives, trains (7000 series and 5000 series), new multiple tie tamper, etc. will be exhibited. SL will also be possible to visit the driver’s cab. In addition to railway vehicles, police vehicles (Kumagaya Police Station), fire vehicles (Kumagaya Fire Department), Self-Defense Force vehicles (Self-Defense Force Saitama Regional Cooperation Headquarters), and Chichibu Railway sightseeing buses will also be on display.

In addition to this, there will also be stage events such as sales of event-limited products, exhibitions by railway companies, and live performances by Shinji Tachikawa, who is known as a “railway impersonator”. On the day of the event, there will also be a direct special train from Kumagaya Station to the venue.

The Hirosegawara Depot is located between Hirose Wild Bird Forest and Osano, and was relocated from the south exit of Kumagaya Station in 1969. SL, electric locomotives, and commuter trains that run on the Chichibu Railway line belong to this department, and they perform vehicle maintenance and inspections.

　

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