Taiwan Today

The first generation of electrical multiple unit trains operated by Taiwan Railways Administration will be retired June 16, with the final Chiayi to Qidu service departing at 6 a.m. The EMU 100, prototype of the famed Tze-Chiang (or “Self-Reliant”) Limited Express, has been in service for 30 years. In 1979 the EMU set a speed record by taking only four hours to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Railway fans have been contacting each other through the Internet to sign up for the EMU 100’s last voyage. Not only do these devotees wish to catch of final glimpse of a beloved train, they also would like to reminisce of the days of yore. They remember how on July 1, 1979, when the electrification of the Western Line railway was complete, and the Tze-Chiang Limited Express came into service, it was the most comfortable and fastest of all trains at the time. It was indeed a moment of historic importance when the main locomotive of the EMU100, bearing a commemorative logo, rode from Taipei to Kaohsiung for the first time, at top speeds of 120 km per hour. Officials from Mechanical Engineering Department of the Taiwan Railway Administration said that the EMU100 was the highest-end train of its day. On the outside, the train was covered with a triple-layered brown-colored paint; its interiors were lavishly done as well. Its velvet sofas could be used as either seats or beds, and its floors were covered with blue velvet carpet. Double-layered curtains in yellow and lace were used, to provide extra protection from the glaring sun. The hidden air conditioning vents were unprecedented as well. Taiwan’s economy still had not taken off at the time, but many citizens could not wait for a chance to ride the train, in spite of its high tickets costs. The EMU100 was imported from the United Kingdom, which was why the railway fans nicknamed it the “British Maiden.” Its engine gave off so little noise that even later versions of the Tze-Chiang Limited Express could not rival it in terms of quietude. But the ravages of time took their toll: the EMU100 was subsequently renamed the “British Madame,” and then, at a later date, the “British Grandma.” But though the Tze-Chiang Limited Express is now in its fifth generation, in the minds of its adoring fans the original EMU100 is still considered “the eternal Tze-Chiang Express.” The department said that the EMU has already served for a long time and its mechanical components are no longer available. After the TRA changes its schedule on June 16, the 1002 and 1004 lines, which were originally served by the EMU100, will be served by the E1000, a push-pull train. One set of the EMU100 will be preserved in the Railway Museum in Miaoli. The TRA emphasized that the train will not retire completely, but will be activated now and again on important occasions. It will be the first instance of a retired train “kept in motion” from time to time. (WFW-HZW).