Tobu Railway SL Revival Operation Project

[Project Overview]
A grand project called "Reviving Steam Locomotive Operation" has been launched, and for the first time in about half a century, a steam locomotive will run on the Kinugawa Line for Tobu Railway.
As part of the project, our company was involved in everything from the basic plan to concept design and supervision of the station building, platforms, and headmarks, as well as creating a lively atmosphere at Kinugawa Onsen Station, and the planning, design, and construction of the SL displays hall at Shimo-Imaichi Station.

[Customer's Challenges]
In order to achieve the project's three main themes—"preservation and utilization of railway industrial cultural heritage," "revitalization of the Nikko and Kinugawa area," and ultimately "contributing to Tohoku's reconstruction"—we aimed to create a lively atmosphere to enhance regional branding and recognition, as well as displays convey the appeal of railway industrial cultural heritage and expand the number of railway enthusiasts.

[Solution]
Based on a Showa-era retro concept design reminiscent of the time when steam locomotives were in operation, we created a lively atmosphere in the station building and displays that showcase the charm of steam locomotives, so that it can be enjoyed not only by hardcore railway fans but also by a wide range of generations.
At both stations where the steam locomotive stops, we created an environment that evokes the station buildings of the time, including concept design and large, eye-catching lanterns. The steam locomotive displays hall features life-sized photographs of steam locomotives that are awe-inspiring in their size, flip-book displays that children can enjoy, and information about the history of steam locomotives at Tobu Railway that will appeal to local residents and steam locomotive fans.

<Our project members>
[Development] Motohiro Kawada
[Sales & Project Management] Motoo Kawada, Masahiro Takamori
[Research, Planning, and Consulting] Yoko Furuta, Tetsuro Yasuda, Toko Takeuchi
[design, layout] Naoko Ishii, Takayuki Sato
[Production and construction] Koichiro Matsukawa, Masato Soeno