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When you exit the Hibiya Entrance of Shimbashi Station, a black, gleaming steam locomotive stands quietly at the center of the plaza that spreads out before you. This is C11 model No. 292, a locomotive born at Nippon Sharyo in 1945, shortly after the war, assigned to the Himeji engine depot, and active on the Bantan and Kishin Lines. Later, it was decommissioned in 1972 and preserved at this location to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the railway. (news.mynavi.jp)
This locomotive was manufactured as a "wartime model," with angular steam domes and sandboxes on top of the boiler, reflecting the material shortages during the war. Its rugged appearance tells the story of the era in which it was built. (news.mynavi.jp)
In the plaza, the whistle sounds three times a day, at 12:00, 15:00, and 18:00. The sound evokes memories of the glory days of the railway and causes passersby to stop in their tracks. In winter, the locomotive is decorated with illuminations, creating a fantastical scene in the nighttime city. (4travel.jp)
This plaza in front of Shimbashi Station is also a popular meeting spot for office workers and often appears in the background of street interviews on television. This locomotive has become a symbolic presence connecting the past and present in the heart of Tokyo's business district. (news.mynavi.jp)
Although C11 model No. 292 never ran in Tokyo during its active years, it is now beloved by many as a Shimbashi landmark. Its presence quietly continues to tell the story of the history of railways and Japan's path to recovery. (news.mynavi.jp)