1956
70th anniversary
ClosureJapan
Last steam run on Japan's Chichibu Railway
Chichibu Railway
Saitama
July 22, 1956
Summary
Japan's Chichibu Railway retired its final steam locomotives, completing the shift to diesel and electric traction.
Full Story
On July 22, 1956, the Chichibu Railway in Saitama Prefecture operated its last scheduled steam-hauled passenger train using a Class 9600 2-8-0 locomotive. Postwar modernization and electrification of mountain grades reduced coal dependency and improved schedules. The transition reflected Japan's rapid industrial recovery and influenced preservation efforts that later created heritage steam operations popular with railfans worldwide.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- July 22, 1956
- Event Type
- Closure
- Country
- Japan
- Years Ago
- 70
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