Ershui Depot in the Age of Steam

At that time, the Ershui Subdepot was a locomotive sub-branch of the Chiayi Depot. The signboard clearly displayed this affiliation. Currently, the site is reorganized and belongs to the Changhua Depot. Locomotive CK124, seen next to the sign, was operational during the time this photo was taken.

This photo captures the interior of the shed. In the back, CK124's cab is barely visible. The lighting conditions were poor, and the interior felt dim. Because the location was still active, access was limited.

Several tracks branched off, with steam locomotives parked outside. Although the sky was overcast, the atmosphere conveyed the busy operations of the depot at the time.

Various handwritten warning and instruction signs were installed on the walls. These signs give a sense of the on-site safety measures and workplace culture during the steam era.

The classic lines of CK124 stood out against the backdrop of the depot. It was a moment that conveyed the beauty and strength of steam locomotives, even when at rest.

The coal storage here was also a sturdy concrete structure embedded with cobblestones. Coal was placed temporarily at the top of a ramp and then loaded into the locomotive manually using shovels.

From this angle, the relationship between the shed, water tower, and coal stage is clearly visible. The tall structure seen in the distance on the right is a tower in the public cemetery, built in 1975 and quite prominent at the time.

Coal was carried up to the stage manually using traditional yokes with baskets on both ends. Today, such manual methods have been replaced by mechanization and are rarely seen.

Besides CK120, we also saw DT586, a freight locomotive. Built by Kawasaki in 1925, it is the same type as Japan National Railways' Class 9600. It was reclassified as Class DT580 after the war. While 1925 marked the last production year for the Class 9600 in Japan, the type was so useful in Taiwan that production continued, and the final units were delivered in 1939.

CT189, built in 1927 by Nippon Sharyo, is the same model as Japan’s Class 8620. Unlike Japanese locomotives, Taiwanese engines did not have depot name plates, so it’s unclear whether this one was assigned to Ershui. Concrete catenary poles began appearing in 1977, absent during our previous visit. Electrification of the Changhua–Chiayi section was completed in December 1978.

This simulated setup was used to train firemen in efficient coal shoveling techniques. The CK120's grate area is 1.3 square meters, about the size of a typical household doorr. To ensure even burning, coal had to be spread uniformly, necessitating regular training.

A freight train from the Jiji Line has arrived. While passenger services had already transitioned to diesel railcars, CK120-class steam engines were still used for freight.

A "Water Supply Car" was seen parked. In Japan, this type was marked with the freight car code "Mi." These cars were stationed at depots to provide water for steam locomotives. This particular car, with riveted joints and shoe-type trucks, appears to be quite old, though details are unclear.

Our visit took place in the afternoon, with sunlight illuminating even the underframe, allowing for clear photography. CK120s differ from Japan’s C12s in that they lack ATS equipment, have no generator, and are fitted with cowcatcher-style pilot plows. Nonetheless, they preserve the original beautiful form. This CK124 was restored to operating condition in 2001 and now runs special event trains based at Changhua Depot.