2017-3 Steam Locomotive C62-2
A long-awaited re-release of the two C62 locomotives that powerfully ran along the "Mountain Line" of the express train "Niseko," which reached the peak of the SL boom!
●The C62s that were active in Hokkaido were equipped with heavy cold-weather and snow-resistant equipment to cope with the harsh winter climate, and served to pull passenger trains, including the express train "Niseko." Among them, locomotive No. 2 is characterized by the "swallow mark" on its deflector (smoke deflector) and the stainless steel trim around the deflector, and was affectionately known as the "Swallow Angel." On the Hakodate Main Line, commonly known as the "Mountain Line," it was also popular for double-heading operations with a helper locomotive attached to the front. The C62 retired from active service on September 15, 1971, after its final triple-headed C62 run. Afterward, C62 No. 2 was preserved in working order at the Kyoto Railway Museum, while C62 No. 3 remained in service until September 30, 1973, when steam locomotives were phased out. It was then decommissioned and preserved, but was revived in 1987 during the privatization of Japan National Railways (JNR) and operated as the "C62 Niseko" until November 1995. Currently, it is preserved statically at the JR Hokkaido Naebo Factory Railway Technology Museum.
◆The C62 2/C62 3, representative of the SL boom of the late 1960s in Hokkaido, are making a reappearance. You can recreate the famous double-headed operation of the express train "Niseko" with the famous No. 2 + No. 3.
*This product is a re-release. The price and JAN code will change from the previous product. Other specifications remain unchanged from the previous product.
*Some images are from the previous product.
Product
●Represents the robust appearance of the locomotive equipped with cold-weather and snow-resistant features suited to the climate of Hokkaido during its time at the Otaru Chikko Locomotive Depot on the Hakodate Main Line in Hokkaido. Features include a sealed beam auxiliary light (non-illuminated), a heavy oil tank on the tender, and a snowplow.
● Detailed reproduction of the differences between Unit 2 and Unit 3.
- Unit 2: Reproduces the shining swallow mark on the deflector and the white line on the side of the running board.
- Unit 3: Reproduces the differences such as the absence of the white line on the running board, the lower front number plate, and the boiler piping.
● Powerful and smooth running achieved with a coreless motor power unit.
● Reproduces the gap between the boiler and the frame, and the wheel centers of the box-type driving wheels with holes, just like the real thing.
● Headlights illuminate.
● Standard equipped with Arnold couplers, replacement knuckle couplers, Arnold couplers for double-heading, and knuckle couplers for double-heading are included.
Accessories: Replacement knuckle couplers, Arnold couplers for double-heading, knuckle couplers for double-heading