Steam Locomotives of the Rasa Industries Private Line
Rasa Industries, located in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, once operated a private railway line connected to the JNR Yamada Line for the exchange of freight. Although JNR discontinued steam locomotive operations in March 1976, steam locomotives of former JNR classes remained in active service on this private line until 1979, making it the final place in Japan where such locomotives were still operational. Among them, the C10 class locomotive used here had been entirely retired from JNR by 1962. The unit preserved at this site was the only operable one of its type in Japan. In addition, a C11 class locomotive was also kept on standby, making this one of the last locations where two types of JNR steam locomotives were still in working condition. The steam locomotives were replaced by diesel locomotives in 1979, and the private railway line itself was abolished in 1983. The factory also gradually downsized, with the closure or transfer of its electrolytic copper refining and fertilizer production departments. However, the 160-meter-tall smokestack, completed in 1939 and once the tallest in the Orient, still quietly stands as a symbol of Miyako City.
The C10 and C11 Locomotives of Rasa Industries
Locomotive C10 No. 8 was built in 1930 by Kawasaki Rolling Stock. This type was developed to replace aging steam locomotives and modernize operations, primarily for suburban rapid services in metropolitan areas. However, with the progress of electrification in urban regions, the C10s were gradually reassigned to rural lines. No. 8 was eventually deployed to Aizu-Wakamatsu, where it remained in service until 1962. After being retired, it was transferred to Rasa Industries and reactivated on the company’s private line in Miyako. The backup locomotive, C11 No. 247, was built in 1943 by Hitachi and also served in Aizu-Wakamatsu before being retired in 1968 and later acquired by Rasa. Both locomotives were equipped with prominent handrails on the front to facilitate shunting operations within the factory premises. Notably, the C10 did not have a generator for the ATS (Automatic Train Stop) system.
Freight Exchange with JNR
After exiting the tunnel, the line connected to a siding where freight was exchanged with the Yamada Line. DE10 1001 from the Morioka Depot was seen operating there. Although Rasa Industries had switched to diesel locomotives, freight exchange continued for a time. However, the private line was officially abandoned in 1986, following the discontinuation of freight services at JNR’s Miyako Station.
C108 at the Ōigawa Railway
After the closure of Rasa Industries' Miyako factory, C108 was preserved in operating condition on the Umineko Line in Miyako City. In 1994, it was transferred to the Ōigawa Railway, where it continues to be maintained as an operational heritage locomotive. The handrails on the front have been restored to their original JNR-era configuration.