Study Buddy (Explorer): Railway fans catch a blast from the past on the MTR’s retro train
- Step back in time on a vintage train and relive the city’s transport history with a replica of the first-generation carriages from 1979
- Each week, this page presents an interesting story that we have adjusted to be more accessible for all English learners
The 45th anniversary themed MTR train at Kowloon Bay Station. Photo: Edmond So
[1] Hong Kong’s railway lovers and enthusiasts were in for a treat last month. Around 1,400 residents visited a train done up in retro fashion, similar to the city’s first-generation carriages from 1979.
[2] Once the clock struck 10.45am on August 24, a horde of railway fans armed with cameras rushed onto the train at Choi Hung station. The carriages sported a signature red stripe across their white fronts and were done up in vintage interiors.
[3] Visitors moved around the carriages, snapping pictures of fixtures while many took along their prized train souvenirs. Parents brought their children for an educational outing to learn about the railway operator’s history.
[4] For younger fans, the visit marked the first time they stepped into a train whose vintage design replicates the original carriages. The first coaches were built by British train manufacturer Metro-Cammell, which closed in 2005. The design faded into history after the MTR Corporation modernised its trains between 1997 and 2001.
[5] Felix Cheng, 20, was one of the first to enter the train. He said he was not yet born when the first-generation carriages retired and was thrilled to experience what commuting was like back then.
[6] “We are so excited!” he shouted at the top of his lungs. “It has been 45 years since the first ‘white front’ train was commissioned in 1979. There is finally a ‘white front’ train displayed for railway fans to visit.”
[7] After about an hour, the train departed the station to Tiu Keng Leng. The train will run until the end of the year on some urban lines – the Kwun Tong, Island, Tseung Kwan O and Tsuen Wan lines – as part of a celebration drive for the MTR Corp’s 45th anniversary.
[8] Oxygen Chan, 40, who works in the education sector, was spotted sketching the visitors. “I am not a railway lover, but I would like to document the happiest moments experienced by the fans,” he said. “I feel that I have returned to the golden age of Hong Kong when the atmosphere used to be very lively. Such scenes are a rarity, with everyone boarding and looking tired.”
[9] Alan Cheung Siu-man, a 55-year-old artist, brought an old newspaper clipping of the launch of the MTR’s service in 1979. He said he and his dad took the first train that day and were captured in one of the photos of the news coverage.
[10] Meanwhile, memorabilia collector Juston Tam showcased a display panel of an old MTR entry gate and signage from a first-generation carriage. “I am very happy that the MTR Corp made an effort to refurbish the train,” he said.
Source: South China Morning Post, August 24
Questions
1. According to paragraph 1, the style of the redecorated train was similar to ...
A. a steam train from the 19th century.
B. a traditional Chinese-style train.
C. a futuristic train with a space-age design.
D. an old-fashioned train Hong Kong had in the past.
2. In paragraph 2, which station did the train depart from?
___________________________________________________
3. Why did some parents bring their children on the train ride, according to paragraph 3?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Decide whether the following statements based on paragraphs 3 and 4 are True, False or the Information is Not Given. Fill in ONE circle only for each statement. (4 marks)
(i) Metro-Cammell has designed two different types of carriages for the MTR
(ii) The train’s ceilings are painted amber.
(iii) Visitors could move around the train easily because it was empty.
(iv) The train’s design was similar to the original carriages built by Metro-Cammell.
5. In paragraph 5, the first-generation carriages were retired ...
A. before Felix was born.
B. after Felix was born.
C. in the 1960s.
D. in the 1970s.
6. Find a word in paragraph 5 that means “very excited and pleased”. ______________________________
7. On which lines will the train operate, according to paragraph 7? (3 marks)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. In paragraph 7, what is the purpose of the train’s operation?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Which person mentioned in paragraphs 8 to 10 rode in the first-generation carriage when it first launched?
A. Juston Tam
B. Oxygen Chan
C. Alan Cheung Siu-man
D. none of the above
Answers
1. D
2. Choi Hung station
3. to learn about the railway operator’s history
4. (i) NG; (ii) F; (iii) F; (iv) T
5. A
6. thrilled
7. Kwun Tong, Island, Tseung Kwan O, and Tsuen Wan lines
8. to celebrate MTR Corp’s 45th anniversary (accept all similar answers)
9. C