Changhua Locomotive Depot in 2000
Although it was the year 2000, 25 years have already passed since then. These photos were taken during a visit to the Changhua (彰化) Locomotive Depot to see the restored CK101. At that time, the facility was not open to the public as it is today. When we asked the guard at the entrance, we were told to speak with the depot manager. After making a direct request, the manager kindly allowed us to look around freely, but advised us to be very cautious, as this was still an active facility in operation. That level of openness felt like a sign of changing times. Today, the roundhouse is designated as a national heritage site and is accessible to visitors, although restricted zones are now clearly marked. (Taken in November 2000)
Entrance to the Changhua Depot
This is the entrance to the Changhua Locomotive Depot. Since the roundhouse is now open to the public, the area around the entrance has been renovated and looks different today. At the time of this photo, a slogan banner read "The 54th Campaign for Train Operation Safety and Station & Train Interior Order." Interestingly, the banner text was written in horizontal script from right to left.
Changhua Depot Turntable (1)
The roundhouse at the Changhua Locomotive Depot was built in 1922 during the Japanese era and is the only remaining roundhouse in Taiwan. It was a large structure with up to twelve tracks. In 2000, a slogan saying "United with Sincerity" was displayed prominently.
Changhua Depot Turntable (2)
Since public tours were not common at the time, the current observation platform had not yet been built. Tracks 1 and 2 were occupied by E100-class electric locomotives.
S318, CK101 and R48 at Changhua Depot
In 1998, CK101 was restored to operational condition and assigned to this depot. A banner on track 12, where CK101 was housed, read: "Welcome CK101 Steam Locomotive to Our Depot."
CK101 at Changhua Depot (1)
Although it was not fired up at the time, the operationally preserved CK101 looked as though it could spring to life at any moment. CK101 is the first unit of the CK100 class and was built in 1917 by the Japanese Locomotive Company.
CK101 at Changhua Depot (2)
While entry into the depot building is now restricted, this photo was taken from inside the roundhouse, showing a side view of CK101. At the time, it was my first time entering a roundhouse in Taiwan, and I was fascinated by the interior structure.
CK101 at Changhua Depot (3)
Entry into the depot is no longer permitted today, but this photo shows the rear view of CK101. Its cab, coal bunker, window frames, and handrails were painted in yellow, which I found a bit disappointing.
Steam Crane Car at Changhua Depot
This type of crane car was also seen at major depots in Japan. Powered by steam, it could lift loads of up to 65 tons. It was used during in the event of a derailment to lift and re-rail electric cars, locomotives, or freight wagons.
E109 at Changhua Depot
E109 was manufactured by Union Carriage & Wagon (UCW) in South Africa and was retired in 2004. Currently, E101 is preserved at the Changhua roundhouse.