日光から福島県会津若松へ　ＳＬ大樹「土津」初運行

A steam locomotive (SL) train connecting Nikko to Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture will begin operation for the first time, and a test ride for members of the press was held on the 4th. The train to be operated is the SL Taiju "Tsuchitsu." As a special train exclusively for tours, it will connect Shimo-Imaichi Station on the Tobu Nikko Line to JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, via the Yagan Railway and Aizu Railway. Tobu Railway, which has been operating SL trains in the Nikko-Kinugawa area since 2017, had been considering extending the service to the Minami-Aizu region, but the numerous tunnels and continuous uphill sections in the mountainous areas presented challenges. Reporter Iijima: "By attaching a diesel locomotive to the front of the SL to pull it, these challenges have been resolved, and the SL will be revived in Minami-Aizu after 52 years." Four railway companies involved in this project are jointly aiming to establish a sightseeing route. "Tsuchitsu" is taken from the name of a shrine in Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture. The train has an observation deck where you can experience the smell of coal up close. This is the first time a steam locomotive (SL) train will be running on the Yagan Railway. Since it will be a tour-only operation, there will be no passengers getting on or off, but Yagan Railway employees came to see us off. From Aizu-Kogen-Ozeguchi Station, the train will run on the former JNR Aizu Line, now the Aizu Railway, for the first time in 52 years. The journey to Aizu-Tajima Station takes approximately 3 hours. Here, the diesel locomotive will be detached, and the SL will lead the train to Aizu-Wakamatsu. The SL Taiju "Tsuchitsu" will operate on June 27th and 28th. [Addendum: Apology] There was an error in the operating dates of the SL train. Please be careful when traveling. We apologize to everyone involved.