Class C57 Steam Locomotive – “The Lady”
The Class C57 was a passenger steam locomotive built between 1937 and 1947, with 201 units produced. Its slim boiler and large 1,750 mm driving wheels gave it an elegant silhouette, earning the affectionate nickname “The Lady.”
Locomotive No. 180 was completed in August 1946 at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as part of the third batch, built to address the postwar shortage of passenger engines. Initially assigned to Niigata depot and later Niitsu depot, it worked mainly on the Uetsu and Banetsu West Lines. Its final run came in September 1969, after which it was preserved at Niitsu First Elementary School thanks to strong local support.
In 1999, with growing enthusiasm for steam revival, No. 180 was restored to operation and began hauling the “SL Banetsu Monogatari” tourist train. A commemorative plate from Niitsu First Elementary School was mounted on its tender. Over the years, the locomotive occasionally appeared with special equipment such as smoke deflectors with a snowplow, a first for the class.
In 2020, No. 180 received modern upgrades, including an integrated ATS-Ps safety system and a larger-capacity generator, ensuring reliable operations on the Uetsu Main Line. The model reproduces this updated form.
- SCALE
- 1:80
- GAUGE
- HO
- MINIMUM PASSAGE RADIUS
- R790mm
- BODY MATERIAL
- brass
Test this is will be template
