D51200 on Yamaguchi Line

In December 2025, I traveled to Kitakyushu and Yamaguchi using the Seishun 18 Ticket. The D51200, pulling the SL Yamaguchi on the Yamaguchi Line, spewed smoke and blew its whistle as it sped through the barren fields.
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Leaving Miyano Station, the gradient continues at 25‰. The SL Yamaguchi, hauled by D51200, climbs the steep gradient.(Dec.2025)

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D51200 ascends the slope, billowing black smoke.(Dec.2025)

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Leaving Tokusa Station, the SL Yamaguchi train passes through a beautiful embankment lined with Japanese pampas grass.(Dec.2025)

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The SL Yamaguchi, pulled by D51200, gradually accelerates.(Dec.2025)

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D51200 is covered in steam and undergoes inspection by the crew at Tsuwano Station(Dec.2025)

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For the outbound journey, the crew members' faces are stained red by the boiler flames as they prepare the hearth.(Dec.2025)

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D51200 takes on the 16.7‰ gradient between Tsuwano and Funahirayama(Dec.2025)

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The Shirai Tunnel on the mountain pass is just around the corner.(Dec.2025)

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The steam locomotive Yamaguchi departs Nabekura Station as the sun sets, shrouded in steam.(Dec.2025)

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The SL Yamaguchi train travels through the darkened dry fields, heading for its final destination, Shin-Yamaguchi Station.(Dec.2025)

Yonesaka Line closed due to heavy rain disaster--Clear day in snowy season