This is steam engine C11312.
It was built in 1946 and was used by the Japanese National Railways until 1975. It was put on display for around a decade in Mie Prefecture before being used by the Oigawa Railway from 1988 until 2007.
I found this steam engine sitting in a siding back in 2017. It had been there for ten years, slowly rusting away. Weeds and vines were growing all over it. A significant number of parts had been removed to be used on other steam engines. It was in a sorry state.
Fast forward to 2022 and it has now been lovingly restored. Sitting pride of place at Kadode Station, it can be admired by passengers young and old for many years to come.
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