'Diesel Heating Vehicle No. 905'
Recognized for Lifestyle and Cultural Value
The diesel heating car, the only existing steam heating system, is being preserved as a cultural heritage. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 15th that, after gathering opinions from various sectors and reviewing by the Cultural Heritage Committee, the 'Diesel Heating Car No. 905' has been registered as a National Registered Cultural Heritage.
This is a railway vehicle that supplied heating to keep passengers warm during winter train rides. It was manufactured in October 1964 at the Incheon Workshop. At that time, 10 cars numbered from 901 to 910 were produced and operated until 1987.
Diesel Heating Car No. 905 directly reflects the modern and contemporary railway transportation system. It was created in the 1950s, when passenger trains transitioned from steam locomotives to diesel locomotives, to supply steam heating to the passenger compartments. The diesel engine powered a turbine to generate electricity and boil water. The steam produced was then sent to each carriage through an air compressor.
The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "As the only remaining diesel heating car with a steam heating system, it holds outstanding symbolic significance and value in daily life and cultural history." They added, "We plan to systematically preserve and manage it in cooperation with local governments and owners."
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