Steam Locomotive EX Vol. 64 Released: Featuring 'The Battle Against the Gradients of the Tsuruga Engine Depot on the Old Hokuriku Main Line'

Ikaros Publications Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Akihiro Yamate), part of the Impress Group which manages media businesses in the aviation and railway sectors, released the quarterly railway hobby magazine 'Steam Locomotive EX' Vol. 64 on March 27, 2026.

■ Special Feature: The Battle Against the Gradients of the Tsuruga Engine Depot on the Old Hokuriku Main Line (Part I)

The special feature is titled 'The Battle Against the Gradients of the Tsuruga Engine Depot (Part I).' The old Hokuriku Main Line was a challenging route characterized by steep gradients and narrow tunnels. Through documents, photographs, and firsthand accounts, author Isao Nishimura examines the struggles of steam locomotive crews on sections like the Yanagase and Yamanaka passes. This first installment covers the era from the B6 locomotives to the introduction of the D51.

■ Iron Horses and Warriors: Crossing the Nemuro Main Line's Karikatsu Pass

The old Nemuro Main Line's Karikatsu Pass was once counted among the 'Three Great Train Views of Japan,' alongside the old Hokuriku Main Line and the Hisatsu Line's Yatate Pass. Despite the spectacular scenery, the line featured long gradients and sharp curves with the Karikatsu Tunnel as its summit, posing a significant challenge to crews. Toshiyuki Shiihashi documents the history of the Karikatsu crossing based on interviews with former staff from the Shintoku Engine Depot.

■ Retiring 'SL Yamaguchi' Veteran Engineer & The Revival of C57 1

We look back at the railway career and experiences of a veteran engineer who retired last summer after years of operating the C57 and D51 locomotives on the 'SL Yamaguchi' service. Additionally, the issue continues its report on the comprehensive inspection of the C57 1, which is scheduled to resume commercial operation in October 2026 (Reiwa 8).

■ This magazine is recommended for:

• Steam locomotive fans
• Japanese National Railways (JNR) fans
• Railway history enthusiasts
• Model railway fans