Yubari SL 21 also known as Yubari Railway Steam Locomotive 21 (夕張鉄道 21) is a preserved steam locomotive displayed in the town of Kuriyama. It is located inside Kuriyama Park at 2 Chome-38-16 Sakuraoka in the town of Kuriyama, Yubari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Yubari SL 21 |
Yubari SL 21 Details
The Yubari SL 21, a marvel
of engineering, holds a significant place in Japan’s railway history.
Manufactured between August 30 and September 3, 1941, at Kawasaki Heavy
Industries' Hyogo Plant, the Yubari SL 21 represents the pinnacle of steam
locomotive design during its time. This powerful machine weighs nearly 56 tons
and features a classic 1D axle arrangement, making it a striking example of
Japan's commitment to precision and durability in railway technology.
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| Yubari SL 21 - Kuriyama town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Specifications of the Yubari SL 21 Steam
Locomotive
With a weight of 55.75 tons and a length of
16,563 mm, the Yubari SL 21 stands as a robust testament to steam locomotive
construction. Its 1,260 mm driving wheels provided the necessary traction for
its demanding role in coal transport. The locomotive also boasts a coal turbine
weighing 15.24 tons, allowing it to maintain the steam pressure needed for its
heavy tasks. Its width is 2,616 mm, and it stands 3,885 mm tall, offering a
sturdy and imposing presence.
Notably, the Yubari SL 21 shares the same
design as the JNR 9600 type and is considered the final locomotive of the 9600
series. This type of locomotive played a crucial role in Japan’s coal industry,
and the Yubari SL 21 was no exception.
The Role of the Yubari SL 21 in the Coal
Industry
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| Some stairs allow visitors to go to the cab |
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| Yubari SL 21's cab |
Throughout its service, the Yubari SL 21
was primarily used in the Yubari Railway system until its closure in March
1975. In its later years, it was employed for auxiliary tasks at the Peace
Mine, where it served as a rear engine for coal trains traveling from Heiwa
Station to Kuriyama. The train would depart Heiwa Station, proceed to the 46.5
km point before the third highway summit, release its load, and then reverse
back to Heiwa Station. To accommodate this reverse operation, the Yubari SL 21
was equipped with a special lever to release its coupler, making it uniquely
suited for this demanding task.
Retirement and Preservation at Kuriyama
Park
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| Kuriyama Kouen Train Stop |
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| A miniature wooden train sits beside Yubari SL 21 |
After its final service on March 31, 1975,
the Yubari SL 21 was retired from active duty. Today, this iconic steam
locomotive can be seen on display at Kuriyama Park, where it continues to
captivate visitors with its historical significance and engineering excellence.
Team Nicerio visits Yubari SL 21
My family and I had the pleasure of
visiting the Yubari SL 21 at Kuriyama Park for the first time during our
“Wedding Anniversary” road trip on May 13, 2023. It was also my 558th day in
Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. Since Kuriyama Park was our first stop,
we were excited to take photos with the impressive Yubari SL 21. I was
especially happy to see that the locomotive is well-preserved, with a
protective cover shielding it from the elements. In many ways, it stands out as
one of the key highlights of Kuriyama Park.
Yubari SL 21 Admission Fee
It’s FREE
to visit and explore the Kuriyama Park where the Yubari SL 21 is displayed.
Yubari SL
21 Operating Hours
Since
it’s in a public park, Yubari SL 21 is open to the public 24/7.
Why visit Yubari SL 21?
If you’re in the area, don't miss out on
the chance to see the Yubari SL 21 up close. With its rich history and
distinctive design, this steam locomotive offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s
past. For railway enthusiasts and history buffs, a visit to Kuriyama Park is an
excellent opportunity. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or simply interested
in Japan’s industrial history, the Yubari SL 21 is a must-see. Take a step back
in time and discover the fascinating story behind this impressive steam
locomotive.
Getting to Yubari SL 21
From Kuriyama Station, visitors can choose to walk for about 15 minutes to the park or ride bus #27 Iwamizawa Kuriyama Sen or bus #25 Iwamizawa Naganuma Sen to Chuo 1 Chome [Kuriyamacho] bus stop.
Once there, Yubari SL 21 in Kuriyama Park is a few minutes away on foot.
Travel time: 9 minutes
Fare: 240 yen
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