The Fei-kwai-che

▲ The Fei-kwai-che 　(DR2500.)

"Fei-kwai-che" in Chinese literally means "fast flying train." The name was given to the new express trains operated by 8 rail diesel cars（DR2500 series）manufactured by Tokyu Car in Japan. The "Fei-kwai-che" officially began service between Taipei and Kaohsiung on February 1st, 1956 and reduced the travelling time nearly in half with its five and one-half hour schedule. This train was also the first time that TRA introduced stewardesses to serve passengers. They were soon nicknamed "Ladies of Fei-kwai-che." Because of the immediate success of the new train, TRA purchased an additional 10 powered cars（DR2600 series）and 4 trailer cars（DR2650 series）in 1957 which enabled 8-9 cars to be operated.These cars were the highest speed trains TRA operated until 1966 when more advanced rail diesel cars（DR2700 series）were introduced.

▲The Fei-kwai-che.　collected by CWH

◣The Fei-kwai-che just before being scrapped.　Photo by MCC

　

　

　

　

　

　

　　　◎The early painting scheme of DR2500 Fei-Kwai-che.　by CWH

　　　　　◎The last painting scheme of Fei-Kwai-che.　by CWH

--From One Century of Railwaysin Taiwan--Main Lines ,
by Hung, Chih-wen. (c) December 2000, China Times Publishing used by permission.