Hong Kong Railway Museum

Hong Kong Railway Museum
Company type	Public museum
Industry	Museum, Tourism
Predecessor	Tai Po Market railway station
Founded	December 20, 1985; 40 years ago in Tai Po, Hong Kong
Fate	Converted from former railway station into museum
Headquarters	Tai Po, Hong Kong
Area served	Hong Kong
Key people	Leisure and Cultural Service Department (manager)
Products	Railway exhibits, historical artifacts, educational displays
Owner	Leisure and Cultural Service Department

Hong Kong Railway Museum

Situated in Tai Po, Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Railway Museum is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Service Department. Established on 20 December 1985, it occupies the premises of the former Tai Po Market railway station, which was originally constructed in 1913. The museum safeguards historic railway artifacts and provides free entry, playing a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism within the area.

History

The Kowloon–Canton Railway (British Section) commenced operations in 1910, with Tai Po Market serving as one of its stops in the New Territories. Constructed in 1913, the station building became a center for administration and commerce, stimulating local economic growth by attracting merchants.

Following the electrification of the railway in 1983, the station ceased operations due to the inauguration of new stations at Tai Wo station and Tai Po Market station. In 1984, the Old Tai Po Market Railway Station was officially recognized as a monument. Subsequently, ownership of the site and buildings was transferred from the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation to the Regional Council for conversion into a museum.

The museum was inaugurated on 20 December 1985.

Architecture

The station's design showcases a distinctive indigenous Chinese architectural style, standing out among original Kowloon–Canton Railway structures. It features ornamental figures characteristic of southern Chinese temple architecture, reflecting Lingnan cultural traditions.

Inside the museum

Located in the museum’s left wing is an exhibition displaying train tickets and models from KCR trains alongside those of Japanese Shinkansen and Eurostar. The exhibit also includes a restored ticket office and signalling room.

Vehicles on the track

The museum presents three locomotives:

The EMD G12 Diesel-electric locomotive #51, nicknamed "Sir Alexander," introduced in 1955 and named after Governor Alexander Grantham. This locomotive symbolized KCR’s transition from steam to diesel power. After its retirement in 2003, it was restored by KCR personnel and donated to the museum in 2004.
The EMD G26 Diesel-electric locomotive #60, known as "Peter Quick," acquired in 1973. Following its lease to MTR after the MTR-KCR merger, it was retired in 2022 and subsequently placed on display at the museum in October 2023.
A W. G. Bagnall 0-4-4T narrow gauge steam locomotive #17BG, restored from the Philippines in 1995. Originally operated on the narrow gauge Sha Tau Kok Railway line before being utilized by sugar mills overseas. Its paired locomotive is reportedly undergoing restoration.

Seven passenger coaches are exhibited to demonstrate historical development:

Third-class coach #302 from 1911
Engineering brake coach #002 from 1921
Third-class coach #313 from 1921
Third-class coach #223 from 1955 (currently used as an educational video room)
Luggage coach #229 from 1955
First-class coach #112 from 1964
Ordinary-class coach #276 from 1976

Additional displays include a pump trolley and a diesel-powered railcar.

Previously, a full-scale model of an unrefurbished East Rail line Metro Cammell EMU was exhibited but was removed to make space for locomotive #51.

External links