Kyushu Railway Company was founded April 1st, 1987. Based in Fukuoka, Japan it employs over 12,000 people. The Hisatsu line starts from Yastushiro and ends in Hayato and the distance is 124.2 km. It is non-elecrified mono track line. Microsoft Train Simulator will simulate the section between Yatsushiro and Yoshimatsu, which covers a distance of 86.8km, and is comprised of two sections.
The section between Yastushiro and Hitoyoshi is called "River Line" and runs along
Kuma river, which is one of the three most rapid rivers in Japan. The trains go
through 24 tunnels in this section. The restored steam locomotive, "SL Hitoyoshi
go", runs this section a few times a year.
The second section, between Hitoyoshi and Yoshimatsu, is called "Mountain Line" and goes up a steep hill, with an extremely steep grade, and reaches a mountain pass with an altitude of 540 meters. This section has two switch backs and one loop with a diameter of 600m due to steep hills. "Isaburo/Shinpei", the sightseeing train, runs on this section, which stops at view points where the passengers can enjoy the view. In addition stops at the stations for longer time, which allows the passengers get off the train and explore.
Historical Notes:
- The construction on the Hisatsu line started in 1901, the railroad between Yatsushiro and Yoshimatsu was opened in 1908, the railroad between Yoshimatsu and Hitoyoshi was opened in 1909.
- The Yatake tunnel (2096m) was near a mountain pass which was a difficult place to build -- it took three years and two months to complete.
- Hisatsu line was the main route on Kyusyu Island until another line along the coast was opened.
