鉄道院403号蒸気機関車

Journey back to 1886. Imagine the clang of machinery echoing across a bustling factory in Manchester, England. This is where the Seibu Railway 4 (formerly the Railway Ministry No. 403) steam locomotive first drew breath. This remarkable piece of engineering, now resting before you at the Taito Ward campus of Chiba Institute of Technology, began its life far from Tokyo. The Railway Ministry No. 403, a tank locomotive designed by Nasmyth, Wilson & Co., represents a significant chapter in Japan’s railway history. This locomotive, one of several imported from the UK, belonged to a class known as “A8” type. Its simple, joint-style valve gear made it efficient and reliable. The unique wheel arrangement, 1B1 (one leading wheel, two driving wheels, and one trailing wheel), helped to distribute the locomotive’s weight, allowing it to traverse various terrains. The Seibu Railway 4 isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s a testament to the technological advancements of the time. The locomotive’s leading and trailing wheels are housed in radial axle boxes, providing stability during operation. The whistle, a poignant reminder of its working days, is a recording taken from the very similar No. 9 steam locomotive preserved at the Meiji Mura Museum. Even the display stand beneath the Seibu Railway 4 holds a piece of history. The stones used are original pieces of the Takashima Embankment, a section of Japan’s first railway line built in 1872. This embankment connected Shimbashi and Yokohama, marking a pivotal moment in Japan’s modernization. The locomotive underwent a thorough restoration before being placed on display. Missing components, such as the builder’s plate and number plate, were meticulously recreated. Now, visitors can admire the Seibu Railway 4 in all its restored glory, a tangible link to a bygone era.