SL Steam Locomotive - RM6 9600 Rumoi Main Line - Forward observation? Is that impossible, I wonder~

SL Steam Locomotive 9600, Rumoi Main Line: Forward visibility? Is it impossible?

〇 The Rumoi Main Line is a railway line connecting the city of Fukagawa and the city of Rumoi in Hokkaido. It opened in 1910 and contributed to the region's development, but due to a recent decline in ridership, its closure has been decided.
〇 Opening and Development
The Rumoi Main Line opened its section from Fukagawa Station to Rumoi Station (now Rumoi Station) on November 23, 1910, and the section from Rumoi Station to Mashike Station opened on November 5, 1921. This line was initially built for the purpose of transporting timber, coal, and seafood to Rumoi Port. There were Tondenhei villages and coal mines along the line, and it functioned as an important transportation route for the region. It was particularly prosperous in transporting coal after the Showa era, but all the coal mines in the Rumoi Coalfield closed by 1970.
〇 Background of Closure
In recent years, the Rumoi Main Line has faced a decline in ridership. The Rumoi to Mashike section was closed in 2016, and the Ishikari-Numata to Rumoi section was closed in 2023. The remaining section from Fukagawa to Ishikari-Numata is also scheduled to be closed in 2026. The main reasons for the closure are the decrease in ridership and the emergence of alternative transportation methods due to the opening of high-standard roads. In particular, the extension of the Dōō Expressway and the improvement of National Route 231 had an impact.
〇 Current Situation
The Rumoi Main Line, once an important line with express trains running, now primarily serves high school students commuting to school and tourists. The line boasts beautiful natural scenery and historical buildings along its route, attracting the attention of railway enthusiasts and tourists. The decision to close the line is a great loss for the local residents, and a sense of sadness is spreading.
The history of the Rumoi Main Line is that of an important railway line that has developed alongside the region, and its closure affects many people.

A4 size photo, framed
Height: 23.0 cm, Width: 31.5 cm, Wall-mounted / Stand type
Self-taken work

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