BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The original line was opened on September 22, 1910, connecting Ikeda and Rikubetsu. At that time it was called the Sekihoku line and was operated by Japanese government railways, latterly Japanese National railways. In 1987 Japanese National Railways was privatised and JR Hokkaido took over management of the line. Two years late JR Hokkaido closed the line, but then a new company was established by private investors and local government which took over management of the line and renamed it the Furusato Ginga Line. 17 years later, however, the company ceased operations and closed the line on April 21, 2006.
ROUTE FEATURES
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The route is based on the original Furusato Ginga Line in Hokkadio, Japan
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Total route length: approximately 135km
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Beautifully detailed and highly immersive scenery with numerous hills, tunnels, deep valleys, bridges, lakes, rivers, colourful native Japanese foliage, forests and lush scenery
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Tight curves, spiral climbs and descents, strict speed limits and challenging gradients are all part of this route
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Includes five Standard, five Career and four Free Roam scenarios
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Route is Quick Drive enabled
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Authentic basic Japanese colour light signal system
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Fantastic environmental custom sounds really add to the atmosphere.
CUSTOM BUILDINGS AND OBJECTS
1.4GB of custom objects are including - sounds, housing, commercial buildings, vegetation, temples and many other small objects.
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Route signs
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Japanese basic colour signals
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Three types of small Japanese Jinja temples
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Japanese Torii gates
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Japanese Tera (Buddhist temple)
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Japanese houses and small apartments
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Japanese town blocks
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Matsuhara town blocks
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A Japanese Yunya (hot spring house)
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Japanese water lantern
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Animated butterflies and luminescent glowworms
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Leaves blowing off trees
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nine types of 1067mm rail track
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Japanese style metal bridge design
STATIONS
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Matsuhara
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Numahara
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Kisaragi
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Matsushi
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Hirugashikawa
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Naraka Machi
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Wasusenhara
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Inyodo
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Sawakokawa
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Uenuma
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Matsubayashimae
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Namuasoko
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Innosato (disused)
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Asashikawa Moriba
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Shin-Asashikawa
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Rintenjo
POINTS OF INTEREST
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Matsuhara freight yard
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Matsuhara turntable
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Matsushi coal yard
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Sawakokawa yard
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Sawakokawa turntable
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Namusoko tree yard
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Rintenjo yard
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Rintenjo turntable
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Temple near Uenamu station
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Hot spring house and wetland area near Numahara station
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Sakura trees in Rintenjo and Sawakokawa where you can see fallen Sakuras scattered around
DRIVING VEHICLES
Kiha 750 (Kiha 07)
The Kiha 750 is based on the Kiha 07. The Kiha 07 was first built in 1934 and put into production the next year. At that time it was called Kiha 42000 and was renamed as Kiha 07 in 1952 when the final 20 units were built.
This train also has many derived models with different exterior designs, some of them even equipped with an ATS signal system. Only one unit was preserved and kept in service condition. That train (No.702) performs a demonstration run every week in Yanahara Fureai Mine Park (Okayama).
The other vehicle is a surprise!
MANUAL
Extensive colour PDF manual including signal description and cultural and local customs information
SCENARIOS
There are four types of scenario included:
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Standard scenarios - these have a story line telling players about some of the culture and customs of Japan and China along with background information about the route and other items of interest.
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Career scenarios - these are timetabled scenarios with introductory animation sequences.
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Free Roam - these have four different start locations with different seasons to show some of the most beautiful places in this route.
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Quick Drive - these have nine different start locations and more than 10 destinations to choose from.
Standard scenarios
1. Where Is That Train, Mommy?
Train: Surprise vehicle
Duration: 10 mins
Izumi Chisa has just arrived in Matsuhara town. What’s awaiting her? Well, let’s go and have a look...
2. First Time on Duty
Train: Surprise vehicle
Duration: 45 mins
Start location: Matsuhara station
It’s early in the morning, and is also the first day for Chisa working on Matsuhara railway. Will she come across something interesting? Let’s go and see...
3. Are You Kidding Me?
Train: Surprise vehicle
Duration: 30 mins
Start location: Hirugashikawa
It's a fine day and it’s the first time to run on the branch line. Chisa is praying for a smooth ride, but will it be?
4. Story about Kisaragi Station
Train: Kiha 750
Duration: 40 mins
Matsuhara Railway Ltd. has finally brought what Chisa called a real train. Are things going to be better?
5. Legend of the Last Train
Train: Kiha 750
Duration: 45 mins
The last service of the day is always full of stories, no matter if the journey is taken by bus train or metro. These stories are always about the supernatural!
Career scenarios
1. (CS) Main line full length run
Train: Kiha 750
Duration: 87 mins
Today you take the Kiha 750 from Matsuhara to Rintenjo, train No. M101. First you need to move the train to the platform.
2. (CS) Branch Line Full Length Run
Train: Kiha 750
Duration: 87 mins
Good morning driver, this is your first time on duty to drive this Kiha 750 to Sawakokawa station, the current last station of the branch line. Please stop at all stations and pick up passengers on your way to Sawakokawa. When you pass through any junctions, make sure they are set to the right direction.
3. (CS) Late Return Part A
Train: Kiha 750
Duration: 87 mins
It’s the last service on the branch line. You need to drive this train back to Matsuhara. After all the passengers get off the train, you need to drive it back to the depot.
4. (CS) Late Return Part B
Train: Kiha 750
Duration: 87 mins
It's the last service on the branch line. You need to drive this train back to Matsuhara. You need to drive this train back to Matsuhara. After all the passengers get off the train, you need to drive it back to the depot.
5. (CS) Only Rapid Service on Matsuhara Railway
Train: Kiha 750
Duration: 87 mins
It’s the last service on the Mainline and this 302M train is the only rapid service here. Now you need to take this train back to Matsuhara. After all the passengers get off the train you need to drive your train back to the depot.
Free Roam scenarios
NOTE: As these are Free Roam scenarios you must remember to ensure the route has been set correctly to avoid being directed into sidings or derailed on junctions set against the train.
Free roam scenario from Matsuhara - summer
Train: Kiha 750 or Train: surprise vehicle
Features: Time: daytime. Matsuhara town, Namuhara town, Namuhara Sunrise Jinja.
Free roam scenario from Rintenjo - summer
Train: Kiha 750 or Train: surprise vehicle
Features: Time: late evening. Rintenjo town night view, flying Glow Worms, Floating paper lanterns.
Free roam scenario from Sawakokawa - spring
Train: Kiha 750 or Train: surprise vehicle
Features: Time: daytime. Beautiful scenery along the branch line.
Free roam scenario from Uenamu
Train: Kiha 750 or Train: surprise vehicle
Features: Time: daytime. Japanese Buddhist temple