Despite the impacts of global pandemic, Alishan Forest Railways set off her first ambassador to Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway after 3 years of communication. DL34 has been chosen to the UK because of its historical background. Manufactured in 1972, DL34 is the fourth generation of diesel locomotive with Alishan Forest Railways. Giving thanks to its high reliability, it has been working on the rail until today. DL34 Setting off to Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway Press Conference took place in Chiayi Forest Railway Garage Park in 23 Nov 2022. Distinguished guests were invited to witness
International cooperation resumes after pandemic. The locomotive borrowing program was proposed by Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (W&LLR) in 2019, after the sister railway relationship has been consolidated. On 23 Nov 2022, the press conference celebrated the dispatch of DL34. Implemented by GIS.FCU, it was witnessed by Michael Reilly, Secretary of W&LLR, KUO,SHENG-MING, Deputy Director-General of European Affair, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HUANG,CHIN-CHENG, Deputy Minister, Council of Agriculture Executive Yuan, Wong Chung-chun, Member of the Legislative Yuan, and many more distinguished guests.
The press conference was themed with ‘From 762mm to 9971km’. Alishan Forest Railways shares the same gauge width (762mm) with Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway. This similarity is one of the fundamental elements of this 3 years overseas lending program. Chaiyi children choir performed the famous rhyme ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ as the opening performance, it was followed by the local rhyme ‘happiness to Chaiyi’, welcoming all guests to Chaiyi.
GIS.FCU arranged a professional film production team to record the DL-34 lending program documentary. The Twin Gauge was first released in the press conference with voice over featured by Michael Reilly. He introduced his memories to Taiwan Alishan Forest Railways and the professionalisms of AFRCHO’s employees.
Ceremony reached the climax when the plate which represented bilateral cooperation was hanged onto DL-34. Sand boxes were also filled to represent the blessings of the locomotive in UK. DL-34 whistled and started the journey as the ambassador from Taiwan.
GIS.FCU coordinated the agenda when Mr. Michael Reilly visited Taiwan. We assisted the arrangement of DL-34 live running test, Shay 21 restoration sharing session and many more. DL-34 is expected to leave Taiwan for Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway on 10 Dec 2022 . It will arrive the Port of Liverpool in January 2023. We wish the best to her journey as an ambassador to the international stage, strengthening the bondings between two countries and increase the exposure of Taiwan to the world.
