There are more than a few steam locomotives sitting in parks across Japan, enjoying their retirement.

I wanted to acknowledge the ones I happen across for all their hard work, so I started the Static Life Steam Locomotives Project, SLSL for short.

^{_{A map of the Static Life Steam Locomotives & more about the project is here.}}

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Atami is a seaside resort town with some wonderful onsen that went out of fashion for a while, but then began making something of a comeback in the 21st century. (At least it was until a little thing called covid chanced our way…)

It’s a station that anyone travelling east to west – or vice versa – will be very familiar with, as it marks the point where JR East switches service over to JR West. And vice versa.

Once upon a time, however, there were not so many trains to choose from. Locals wanting to get to Odawara, 25 km (16 miles) up the road, would need to take SL no.7, which would complete this marathon journey in a jaw-droppingly speedy … erm… 2 and a half hours?!

Well, technology progresses ever forward. Nobody said it had to be fast.

I’d add in more information from the board above but this one actually has English for you.

SL no.7 is also commemorated in a little tile set into the paving along the promenade by the ocean. Doesn’t look like the most comfortable of rides, to be honest.

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You can visit SL no.7 here.