Minamikyougoku station is at the foot of Ezo Fuji (Mt.
Youtei) on Hokkaido.
In Osaka, Honshu, where I live, June is a warm month of early Summer, but I definitely felt cold in June in Hokkaido.
A steam locomotive pulled a freight train, and me too, because I was aboard, both going and returning.
I spent one whole day on it.
I talked for a long time with the stationmaster.
When I said that I intended to come back some other time, the stationmaster said, "You better buy a platform ticket today, because this station, along with the train, will disappear in three more months."
I remember the stationmaster's tone, which was very sad.
"Thank you, for a long time of service, Mister Stationmaster," I said to myself.
(click on each image for an enlargement)
I listened to the hammer...
"bonk,bang,clang,clunk," and the sound inspection in the repair yard, where the morning sun was glaring.
It seemed to me that the maintenance man speaking quietly to the big locomotive, "Be strong today, and do your best."
Koumi line (Oct, 1970) C56
Many "DISCOVER JAPAN" signs are seen today, promoting tourism.
There were many young women traveling to summer resorts.
Some were taking pictures, but I didn't see any women taking pictures of the steam locomotives.
Maybe the women love the men.
But the men love the steam locomotives?
The ashes were scooped from the firebox with a shovel, and then they were carried away by cart.
The work, which no one thinks about nowadays, was repeated every day.
It was October, 1969, that I visited this company in Itoigawa.
These locomotives were used by a company which produced lime.
Both the locomotives and the inside of the shed were sparkling clean.
I signed in at the office, and a nice gentleman gave me a tour, telling me all about the locomotive.
The people were all so pleasant and allowed me to take lots of pictures.
My wife was with me, and we rode in the cab together all the way to the platform in Itoigawa.
I have a very fond memory of that day.
Most people are good people.
Though the engineer can see well in the distance straight toward the front from the driver's seat, the view is poor just in front and at the sides.
So a signalman joins the crew and leads the locomotive in the crowded yards, and whenever it nears the station.
This is for safety, both for the train, and also anything that might be in the way.
The person who is in charge of the station confirms the safety of the platform and insures that events follow the timetable.
Then, when everything is ready, he signals, "Time to depart" to the engineer.
Luggage [and large parcels] were placed in a separate baggage car.
There were special carts for moving the baggage from the terminal to the train .
In those days these carts were just part of the common scenery.
Now they are history.
Maybe there are none left.
Stationmaster
Let's Do OUR Best Today, Too.
The Conductor Examining Tickets
Cleaning Out the Ashes
Boiler Cleaning
Itoigawa (Oct, 1969)
Good Guidance
A Safe Departure
Baggage Handling
osaka@slnet.gr.jp
