Mooka Line
The Mooka Line is a Japanese railway line connecting Shimodate Station, in Chikusei, Ibaraki and Motegi Station in Motegi, Tochigi. It is the only railway line operated by the Mooka Railway. The third-sector company took over the former East [Japan Railway Company|JR East] line in 1988. In addition to regular diesel local trains, the line also operates the SL Mooka steam service for tourists using a C12 class steam locomotive.
The railway and its operating company are also spelled Moka Line and Moka Railway, respectively.
History
- 1 April 1912: 16.5 km Mooka Light Railway line opens between Shimodate and Mooka.
- 15 December 1920: Entire line opened to Motegi. The proposed extension to Nagakura was not constructed.
- 2 September 1922: Line renamed Mooka Line.
- 1 November 1982: Freight services discontinued.
- 11 September 1984: Line closure approved.
- 11 April 1988: JR line closes and becomes Mooka Railway Mooka Line. Route length is reduced to 41.9 km.
- 27 March 1994: SL Mooka steam train operation starts.
- 30 July 2020: JNR Class C11 steam locomotive #325 moved to Tobu Railway.
Rolling stock
- Mooka 14 diesel railcars x9
- DE10 Class diesel locomotive #1535
- JNR Class C12 steam locomotive #66
- OHa & OHaFu coaches x3
Stations
- The SL Mooka stops at stations marked with "●" and passes stations marked "｜".
- To take the SL Mooka, passengers must purchase the SL ticket via and at least a day in advance.
- There is "SL・DL Rapid" service only on days SL Mooka is operated. And, boarding on this service costs only fares.