JNR 

C62-2 

Aster’s new C62-2 features...

JNR C62-2 Niseko Hokkaido Version

The 'Swallow' (Tsubame in Japanese) was the JNR’s fastest passenger express train.   Unlike the annual return of the swallows of Capistrano, California, the return of the JNR Aster C 62/2 for a third production has been long anticipated and a welcomed surprise.    

Aster Hobby previously released models of the C62 locomitive s in 1978 and 1991.  The 2003 version of the C62/2 has been completely redesigned and engineered and truly represents the state of the art in Gauge 1 live steam locomotives.   

The last word in express passenger locomotives in Japan were forty-nine C62's with a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement, and in their task of hauling the 'Swallow' express train, they became the most famous of all JNR steam locomotives.  The C62’s were the result of a substantial rebuilding of Class D52 Mikados, a well-known  Japanese freight locomotive.   

The Mikado 2-8-2 type, suitable for freight service, was adapted to a Hudson 4-6-4 configuration more suitable for the high-speed running of express passenger trains. This occurred when the railroad shifted priority to passenger service over freight traffic. The results were very satisfactory, both from practicality and aesthetic standpoints.  The JNR C62s, long revered by rail fans, represented the summit of steam traction in Japan.    

The C62s worked express passenger trains on JNR's main lines such as the old Tokaido (Tokyo-Osaka) and Sanyo line, while the D52s worked mainly freight trains all over Japan.  The C62s, with their large 69 inch drivers, and their impressive 70 1/2 foot length, echo memories of their service on the famous 'Swallow' Express.  Aster's model of the C62/2 proudly represents the JNR's last express passenger locomotives.  

For a number of years after being taken off the rosters on the main island, these locomotives found a refuge on Japan’s north island, Hokkaido, working the express trains out of Hakodate, the ferry-port on the island’s southern tip.  A C62-2 is on display at the Umekoji Museum Depot at Kyoto, on the Japanese main island, while a C62-3, based at Otaro on Hokkaido runs on special rail-fanning occasions.