Does this train still operate the 3.5 hour ride from low to high elevation as described int he latest Taiwan LP? I remember that it derailed a couple of years back and I am worried they never resumed service. If it is still in service, does anyone know if the train looks like some sort of steam train? My 2 yr old son loves trains and I would make this trip more readily if I knew the train had some steam, or a whistle, or made a lot of noise, swished and chugged, etc.
Also, 3.5 hours seems too long for a 2 yr old to sit still even on a train with which he is so enamored. If we get on at FenQiHu is the good part still yet to come?
[quote=“Hobart”]Does this train still operate the 3.5 hour ride from low to high elevation as described int he latest Taiwan LP? I remember that it derailed a couple of years back and I am worried they never resumed service. If it is still in service, does anyone know if the train looks like some sort of steam train? My 2 yr old son loves trains and I would make this trip more readily if I knew the train had some steam, or a whistle, or made a lot of noise, swished and chugged, etc.
Also, 3.5 hours seems too long for a 2 yr old to sit still even on a train with which he is so enamored. If we get on at FenQiHu is the good part still yet to come?[/quote]
Yes, they resumed service years ago and have had no problems since. I took it once and it is noisy and swishy, looked like a quaint old choo choo (though I have seen some pics with trains that look like ordinary, if a little narrow, modern trains), and lugged along at a fine slow pace. Most of the engines are deisel but they do have a few steam engines that they bring out occassionally. Contact the Ali-org people to see if they have a schedule. ali.org.tw/en/
Starting at Fenqihu is a good idea as yes, it is a long ride. The ride is the same all the way up except that the terrain changes from semi-tropical to temperate forests so you wont miss anything starting later.