TORO-Q explained

TORO-Q was a sightseeing open-air train operated by JR Kyushu between Yufuin and Minami-Yufu on the Kyūdai Main Line.^[1]

History

The train started operation in October 2002.^[2]

Due to the rolling stock's increasing age, the service was suspended on November 29, 2009.^{[3] [2]} Commemorative boarding passes were distributed from November 7.^[1]

Operation

In the morning, a single Rapid service (not using the TORO-Q name) between Ōita and Yufuin was operated. The train would then make 5 round trips between Yufuin and Minami-Yufu, and then return to Ōita running as a Rapid service again.

Rolling stock

The train was formed of five vehicles, with a railcar (KiHa 65 36 and KiHa 58 569^{[2] [4]}) at both ends of the trains, and three open-air cars based on the ToRa 70000 series^[5] between.

After the suspension

Both railcars used for the TORO-Q were restored to the JNR express color scheme after the service was suspended, and they were then used in heritage and event trains^{[4] [6]}

References

This article incorporates material from the corresponding article on the Japanese wikipedia.

Notes and References

1. Web site: 久大本線トロッコ列車 TORO-Q 運行終了 . December 13, 2020.
2. Web site: JR九州の"TORO-Q"が運行終了 (JR Kyushu's "TORO-Q" has ended operation) . rail.hobidas.com . December 13, 2020.
3. Web site: 久大本線トロッコ列車 TORO-Q 運行終了 . December 13, 2020.
4. Web site: 急行 あさぎり ゆのか 運転（ツアー） . December 13, 2020.
5. Web site: 夏休み特別企画 愉快！爽快！ トロッコ列車（2ページ） . toretabi.jp . December 13, 2020.
6. Web site: February 1, 2010. 観光列車「トロＱ」、国鉄カラーで復活. December 13, 2020. Asahi.