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Nagasaki Tramways
by Steve Waterfield
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Japan
is home to a fair number of tramway systems. Some, like Hiroshima,
have been modernised in recent years whilst many others have had the
trackage curtailed or have disappeared altogether. Nagasaki has remained
in its present shape for many years with four distinct routes No's
1, 3, 4 & 5 whilst route 2 [see picture 1] now appears
to be reserved for special schedules used during disruption caused
by various festivals. Not only are the routes well established, but
the bulk of the cars have been around for a long time as well, many
dating to the early 1950's and mid 1960's, whilst the first new low
floor articulated tram arrived (from Europe) in 2003. This purchase
also prompted major track renewals and overhead line replacement.
A flat Y100 fare ($1 / £0.70) has been in place since 1992 and
as a result the system is always busy with tourists and locals. Fare
collection is a simple 'coin in the bucket' system [see picture
2]
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| Picture 2: Fare payment
box arrangement, note drivers white gloves and knitted
wool hat on the control lever knob, typical for this system.
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There are two depots, one a small storage barn and the other
the main works for the system, where all major overhauls are
carried out, including the frequent repainting for the overall
advertising liveries carried by many cars. There is an open
day each year giving the opportunity to get a close look at
a number of 'museum' cars that have been acquired from various
Japanese systems and which do not see revenue service. [see
picture 3]
The oldest car predates the tramway by three years, #105
goes back to 1902; it is still in running condition but
kept for special occasions. [see picture 4]
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The main operating fleet is at least fifty years
younger but these are just as well maintained and
include full air conditioning. [pictures 5-8
below] |
| Picture
4: The Granddad of the fleet, No.168 of 1903,
stretching its legs on a special, nicely restored
by the NET staff. |
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Picture
1: Car 203 heading
towards the railway station, at Nishi Hamana-machi on a special
schedule working during the Bon festival 2003. The haze and
litter are from thousands of fire crackers let off during
this event.
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Picture
3: Urakami Shako
Open Day. The paint shop is on the left whilst the main workshops
are at the rear of the flat roofed car barn that has a public
car park on the roof.
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| Picture 5: No.364
heads along the harbour front of Oura Bund towards the city. This
is the site of Japan's first railway, a short lived 400m demonstration
track laid by William Glover in 1862, equally importantly; Glover
was credited with opening the first beer brewery in Japan. |
Picture 6: Car 1803,
new in 2002 and one of three of this class. 'wrong line' running from
the depot, main entrance on left. Signal lights indicate route set
to yard tracks. |
Picture
7: 1508 advertising NTT telephones services. It's summer so drivers
are allowed to work without ties and jackets, caps are still required
though. |
Picture 8: Car 306
at Hamana-machi on a Saturday morning, The Asahi beer can suggests
that there was a good party on Friday night. |
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