Botchan Ressha - Steam tram in Matsuyama, Japan

The Botchan Ressha is a diesel-powered replica of an old steam tram which operated in Matsuyama, Japan.
Le Botchan Ressha est une réplique diesel d'un ancien tram à vapeur qui circulait autrefois à Matsuyama au Japon.

[@trainzguy2472]

That's so neat how it can be jacked up and turned around at the end of the line!

[@jam1966ful]

What all the comments in English are missing is the fact that the train is connected to one of Japan's most famous novels Botchan. It's a much loved novel and hence the affection. Also there are images of an original preserved one in the video. As to the disparaging comments, well you must be great fun at parties!

[@MrBnsftrain]

I was quite surprised to see this was actually an electric-powered steam-outline train!

[@slimetank394]

@@alexanderchamberlain9285 i do wonder then, if it's diesel, what is the cable connecting to the overhead lines are for

[@SweetSunrising]

@@slimetank394 looks like it’s both I think some Amtraks are also set up like that depending on what track they’re running on

[@DanielMccoydinotrainman]

Wow a life-size electric model train set.

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

Even though it's only steam outline, it does look very nice. Although I can understand why they'd need it to be diesel, as it accelerates faster and can keep up with traffic better. Although a full on steam locomotive would've been great.

[@martythemartian99]

This is wonderful. I love the idea of modern retro to add variety to our lives. I guess this is why I desire a new Royal Enfield 350 Signal motorcycle that looks like it was built in the 1940's. 😁

[@christopherlovelock9104]

I mean this completely politely. Trust the Japanese to add "sound effects", and I loved the little 'turntable', - so why not finish the authenticity and connect all the driving rods. Surely a "flash" boiler could have been fitted, - (virtually instant steam), - only trouble with them is they are totally silent - oh well a few more "sound effects" would solve that problem. The only funny part I thought was the spotless white gloves to 'drive' a steam engine.

[@sleeptyper]

I laughed when i heard a starter motor crank diesel engine running - in a "steam" loco. :D

[@MrBnsftrain]

A very nice and unique "steam" locomotive!

[@brettcheeseman1154]

lol i discovered this when my sis went to a random town on google maps and went to a random street and there it is! im a skilled railfan!

[@susancrooks1776]

I don't care what runs it, I love it!!!

[@ErebosSan]

There is also a beautiful castle in Matsuyama.

[@Sohave]

1:1 scale Kato Pocket Line! :-D It could use a better sound decoder like an ESU loksound.

[@rodericklow323]

Rather fun! Pity they didn't go the whole hog and build a steam engine!

[@ErebosSan]

I think it is difficult to operate a steam locomotive daily among others trams. A diesel replica is more functional and cheaper. But they could build a real steam train for special events...

[@LouisPhung999]

And economically efficient.

[@christopherlovelock9104]

Another point I forgot was the "smoke" that came out the chimney, was that Diesel exhaust or yet another one of their 'effects'. Surely it wouldn't cost a lot to add similar effects to a lot of the very 'artificial' small loco's we have running in the UK.

[@computername]

Can the internet ever be saved from some brit adding some bullshit about the fucking UK. Nobody cares mate, this is Japan, it deosen't need to be similar to anything in the UK.l

[@gnhansen29]

I thought they might heat the water up with electricity to create Steam in the engine.

[@tracksidefilms5416]

Awesome!

[@angelspringsTavio]

Wow, Matsuyama! Iyotetsu!(Iyo Railway) The town is famous for its hot spring.

[@ErebosSan]

Je suis d'accord, c'est un train "classique" avec une locomotive et des voitures, mais ça roule sur un réseau tramway. De plus, il ressemble beaucoup au matériel conservé par le MTVS (Musée des Tramways à Vapeur et des chemins de fer Secondaire français)

[@ErebosSan]

C'est exactement ça !

[@SparkyTv_203]

Japan was always so creative, we don't get shit like this in the US. This is why I going to move to japan.

[@ErebosSan]

I understand!

[@00ta]

I didn't know this!

[@ErebosSan]

Attention, ce sont des répliques qui datent de 2001 : ça fonctionne au diesel, la fumée est recréée et les sons sont enregistrés ! Mais c'est sympa quand même, surtout que ça circule au milieu des autres tramways.

[@TramcarTrev]

Yes why not do the real thing? Simple too expensive..... But have any of you noticed the Tankoro type 100 electric tram?? Now that are a nice car with an old world "straight cut gear" ambience....

[@ciucciariellopiagnone997]

Wonder full this steam locomotive Can be used for playing in game densha de go rhojo hen. .

[@dashloc]

Marrant comme machine, un peu de vapeur un peu d'électricité, on dirait un jouet pour grand enfant ! :D

[@Sacto1654]

Authentic it's not but wow, that train is sure "kawaii"! ^_^

[@timosha21]

電車はきれです！！！

[@trenomanis]

Εξαιρετικοί! Θα πρέπει να μας βοηθήσετε να αναβαθμίσουμε σε σύγχρονο light rail τη σιδηροδρομική γραμμή Βόλος - Μηλιές στην Ελλάδα πλάτους 60 cm διατηρώντας όλα τα παλιά στοιχεία της δομής και αρχιτεκτονικής του και εκσυγχρονίζοντας εκείνα που μπορούν να δεχθούν αναβάθμιση (εκσυγχρονισμός επιδομής, διπλασιασμός της γραμμής όπου χρειάζεται, ηλεκτροκίνηση, σηματοδότηση, τηλεδιοίκηση κ.λπ.)

[@enterprisevi4440]

Electric steam 😀😀

[@peterergiandro6555]

Hey thats duncan's cousin

[@bigbigarchive]

But it doesn’t have sideplates or cowcatchers...

[@allan91911]

incroyable mais j'aurai pas appelé ca un tramway

[@theextremeanimator4721]

I wish it was steam-powered

[@ErebosSan]

Me too!

[@clangerbasher]

Are the collectors there for train, tram?, identification on the system?

[@ErebosSan]

The collector is used to trigger contactors on overhead line to command traffic lights.

[@clangerbasher]

@@ErebosSan So I was right then? :) There have been examples of electric-steam locomotives where electric has been used to heat water boilers.

[@yogadgsix]

Japan has a lot of old german technology. Thanks to german for transfering their tech in meiji restoration.

[@georgedes2006]

Et le panto sert à quoi ? Eclairage, chauffage ?

[@ErebosSan]

+georgedes2006 Non d'après ce que j'ai compris, c'est pour activer des boîtiers sur la caténaire, ces boîtiers commandant la signalisation et les feux routiers. ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%88%E3%83%AD%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B3%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%82%AF%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC

[@outminded6622]

That's pitiful it's not real steam. It's still cool tho

[@kristianhernaez1728]

ITS TOO UNUSUAL.

[@morderca95]

how you can dislike steam tram

[@TABRO284]

This is diesel

[@Adolphification]

steam tram wannabe electric tram :v

[@WKruit-oh3ce]

Nice video of a rather silly tram. When you want a replica of a steam tram, build a steam tram and not a contraption like this.