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.

[@MrBnsftrain]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@DanielMccoydinotrainman]

Wow a life-size electric model train set.

[@kristianhernaez1728]

ITS TOO UNUSUAL.

[@ErebosSan]

C'est exactement ça !

[@trainzguy2472]

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

[@yogadgsix]

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

[@susancrooks1776]

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

[@Sohave]

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

[@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.

[@martythemartian99]

This is wonderful. I love the idea of modern retro to add variety to our lives.

[@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!

[@ErebosSan]

There is also a beautiful castle in Matsuyama.

[@rodericklow323]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@gnhansen29]

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

[@angelspringsTavio]

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