I was thinking how to spend my morning in Taichung and suddenly got reminded by the place I saw in a Taiwanese idol serial- 原来爱。 就是甜蜜。。There was this scene where the lead actor was there toking about his dream of hosting a fashion here here.
This fan shaped depot is the only in Taiwan and is also known as as a Train head hotel. This is where train heads goes to for maintenance after travelling for long distances. Had wanted to take a look here, but is too out of the place unless you are in Taichung area. Since we r here this time, I took the opportunity to plan a visit to this place.
On the last day of our stay in Taichung, we woke up early for breakie and took a train to Changhua (彰化） where the train depot is located.
Upon disembarking from train at Changhua station, I was captivated by the various plates displayed at the platform of Changhua station explaining the various types of train used by TRA and their history.
 |
| Express train |
 |
| Diesel railcar |
 |
| Electric multiple unit |
 |
| Fu-xing express |
 |
| Chu-Kwang express |
 |
| Push Pull Train |
After much photo taking, we then exited the station. Immediately, I was lost for direction. Didnt know which way to go. It was said to be 10min walk away from the train station but again, we were bluffed.
 |
| Beautiful flowers |
We tried asking around and got the information to turn left as we exit from the station.
 |
| Pretty empty street on a weekday morning |
Then we realised that they are signs along the street directing us to the direction of the depot. Happily, we followed the signs.
 |
| Sign pointing us to the direction of the depot |
We then came to a small alley and the signs suddenly stopped. We saw a uncle walking his dogs and decided to ask him for directions. He told us to walk straight and then take the underpass. The depot is on the other side of the underpass. Hhehe thank god for this uncle, else dunno how much 冤枉路 we need to take.
 |
| Underpass to fan depot |
The depot is a short distance away from the underpass. For visitors, we need to register at the guards room. There is no need for any identification, just write your name, time of visit and sign in. Simple.
 |
| Finally reached |
 |
| Train head |
 |
| Train heads parked in the depot |
 |
| Tracks leading to the depot |
The were many train heads parked in around the depot waiting for maintenance. We were awed by the many train heads here and also, the feeling of being in a train depot sweep me off my feet. I mean, how many of us have a chance to step foot in a depot despite taking the train for umpteen times.
 |
| The legendary fan depot |
The is a rotating bridge right in the middle of the depot which connects the tracks to the slots in of the depot where the train heads rest or gets an overhaul from the engineers.
 |
| Rotating bridge leading to the depot |
 |
| View from the top |
We saw a viewing tower and went up where we took in the view of the whole depot under our feet. There are 8slots in this depot and many have train heads parked inside.
We then got lucky. Not sure whether there is a schedule or the fact that
there are quite a few of us visitors here. The staff decided to move 1
of the train head out of the depot. I was so excited when the bridge
started moving into place to get ready to move the train head to the
depot.
 |
| The bridge started to move suddenly!! |
The bridge is operated by 1 operator who will maneuver the bridge to
connect to the track of the depot slot where the train head is suppose
to move out from.
 |
| Rotating bridge moving into place |
Once connected, another operator will then move the train head out of the depot slot and onto the bridge.
 |
| Train head moving to the bridge |
When the operators confirmed that the train head is safely parked in the middle of the bridge, they start to rotate the bridge again to connect to the desired tracks they want to park the train head on.
 |
| Train on the bridge, and it starts to rotate |
 |
| Turning slowly |
 |
| Still turning |
Not sure whether it is due to the weight of the train head, but the bridge seems to be moving more slowly as compared to when it is empty. Took a long time for it to move to the correct position. We also noticed that the bridge is rotating in a clockwise direction, not sure whether it can rotate in the opposite direction or not.
 |
| Facing us while turning |
 |
| Ta-dah! connected to the desired track |
 |
| And the train head start moving out of the bridge |
 |
| The train head moving out of the bridge to the tracks |
The whole process took around 15-20 min and I was happie to be able to witness 1 such move. We then happily left the depot.
 |
| Underpass entrance |
 |
| On our way back to Changhuaa station |
The only place of interest I planned in Changhua this time round is to the Fan shaped depot only and thus after visiting here, we are to make our way back to Taichung where we will check out and to meet Shan Shan Jie for lunch.
 |
| 彰化火车站 |
 |
| Coast line stations |
As mentioned earlier, we took the mountain line to Taichung. Changhua is the connecting station that the coast line trains connects to onwards to Southern Taiwan. Those taking coast line can also transfer trains here to Taichung.
 |
| Coast line stations |
 |
| Trains parked on the tracks |
 |
| Tickets back to Taichung |
Train ride to Taichung is around 15min and thus making this a good place for 1 to kill time in the morning if visiting Taichung.
 |
| Map from Changhua station to Fan shaped depot |
Address: No. 1, Sec 1, Zhangmei Road, Changhua city (
彰化县彰化市彰美路一段1号)
Opening time: Mon-Sun :08:00 -12:00, 13:00-17:00 .
No comments:
Post a Comment