The MTR Corporation welcomes the Kowloon-Canton Railway Through Train (Ktt) and related exhibits to the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition at Hung Hom Station starting from 23 January 2025 (Thursday). “Ktt” was the first double-deck train in Hong Kong. The reappearance of the “Ktt” train at its original through train platform at Hung Hom Station is expected to be warmly welcomed by the public.
The “Ktt” commenced its service between Hung Hom, Dongguan and Guangzhou in 1998, providing comfortable and convenient journeys for cross-boundary passengers. It also provided an efficient connection between the Mainland and Hong Kong, whether for tourism, visiting relatives, or business. It carried the affection and memories of countless passengers travelling between Hong Kong and the Mainland. As the intercity railway service continued to develop, the High Speed Rail (Hong Kong Section) has taken over the baton to fulfill its mission and covered more direct access destinations. Starting from next Thursday, apart from boarding the “Ktt” at the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition, visitors can also appreciate various exhibits from the past such as the staff uniform accessories to immerse themselves into railway culture and deepen their understanding of intercity railway development. (Please refer to the appendix for further information.)
MTR Corporation is honoured to have invited Ms Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics, to officiate at the ceremony. Ms Chan was joined by Legislative Council members, representative from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and MTR executives to visit the “Ktt” and have a preview of the new exhibits. “The railway infrastructure has always been an important impetus for the development of Hong Kong. The ‘Ktt’ holds valuable historical significance and I am delighted to witness its inclusion in the ‘Station Rail Voyage’ exhibition, allowing the public to immerse themselves more comprehensively in the history of Hong Kong’s railway development. The HKSAR Government will continue to work hand in hand with the MTR Corporation to promote railways as the backbone of Hong Kong's public transport system, and facilitate efficient travel for the public, and at the same time, drive the development of the community and new development areas to create economic value through facilitating the flow of people and goods,” she said.
“Our railway development has evolved over time, with MTR continuously enhancing railway services including cross-boundary services and fostering better connections between Hong Kong and various Mainland cities. Through showcasing the ‘Ktt’ compartments at the ‘Station Rail Voyage’ exhibition, we bring everyone back to the days of the through train platform at Hung Hom Station. These journeys bring back memories of visiting family, meeting friends, or doing business. We hope the public will visit the ‘Station Rail Voyage’ exhibition to appreciate railway treasures from different eras and pass on even more inspiring railway stories,” said Dr Jacob Kam, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation.
Launched in April 2024, the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition has garnered significant community interest, attracting over 70,000 visitors by the end of last year. Apart from the new exhibit “Ktt”, the exhibition also displays three retired trains including the first-generation electric train “Yellow Head” and the Mid-life Refurbishment train “MLR” of the East Rail Line, and the Diesel Electric Locomotive No. 56 “I.B. Trevor” alongside a diverse collection of over 100 railway artifacts.
The “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition will re-open from 23 January 2025 till the end of this year. The public can make reservations for free visits through the website: https://stationrailvoyage.mtr.com.hk
New exhibits
· Kowloon-Canton Railway Through Train (Ktt) (including a locomotive, a Premium Class Coach and a First Class Coach)
· “Ktt” related exhibits, for example, staff uniform accessories, train models, and souvenirs of the takeover ceremony in 1997
Ktt information
· On 24 January 1998, the “Ktt”, the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation’s (KCRC) first double-deck electric through train, made its inaugural journey running non-stop from Hung Hom to Lo Wu
· On 28 August 1998, the “Ktt” officially began its service between Hong Kong and Guangzhou with an intermediate stop at Dongguan Station
· Following the merger of the operations of the railway systems of MTR and KCRC on 2 December 2007, the train was leased to MTR for operation
· Double-deck train with green, blue, and white body
· After the rail merger, the name “Ktt” was retained with the addition of the MTR logo
· Compartments were inspired by aircraft cabin design
· Two Premium Class Coaches (each with 72 seats) and eight First Class Coaches (each with 82 to 110 seats)
Reservation
The public can make reservations for free visits https://stationrailvoyage.mtr.com.hk
Introduction of “Station Rail Voyage” Exhibition Zones
Zone 1: “Decoding Rail”
Delve into lesser-known railway trivia through three thematic areas, namely “1, 2, 3 Signal Lights”, “Peek and Seek the Mechanics”, and “Signage-pedia”. The signals, train structures, as well as various signs offer you a close-up and behind- the-scenes look into the fascinating world of railway operations.
· “1, 2, 3 Signal Lights”
Embark on a journey into the signalling system, the central nervous system of railway operations. Through a captivating display of different types of signal lights, visitors can gain insights into how this system maintains the reliable operation of railways and ensures the smooth transportation of passengers to every “station” in their journey of life.
· “Peek and Seek the Mechanics” Unveil the secrets behind the Phase 2 Light Rail Vehicle and the Modernisation Train (M-Train). The 1:1 intricate train diagram on the wall showcases real train components, enabling visitors to explore the composition of trains and understand the function of different parts.
· “Signage-pedia”
In this zone, visitors will once again encounter familiar sights such as the classic “Swiss Railway Clock” and the “RADO Clock” that graced the stations. Installed at stations in the early days of the Mass Transit Railway service, the RADO clock reported the time to passengers. The “Cesium Frequency Standard Clock” of RADO was at the heart of the railway’s time system to provide uniform time reporting. The thematic wall displays various types of signs and tools, including the name plate of Diesel Electric Locomotive No.59, targets, and the split-flap display that was once installed on platforms. These classic elements come together to add touches of nostalgia.
Zone 2: “Years on the Rail”
Step into a world of railway exploration as you venture through “Then and Now”, “New Milestone”, “Our Family”, “The Broadcast Cloister”, “Railway Staff’s Magic Pockets”, and “I Could Be Driving MTR”. Immerse yourself into a collection of meticulously curated exhibits and captivating photographs, each offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of railway stories.
· “Then and Now”
Delve into the past as you explore a treasure trove of accessories worn by former staff of MTR Corporation and the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation before the rail merger. Revisit commemorative artifacts celebrating the Mass Transit Railway service commencement in 1979 and rail merger in 2007.
· “New Milestone”
Embark on a journey through significant milestones as you marvel at a selection of items that mark anniversaries, ground- breaking for new railway lines and the opening of new railway lines.
· “Our Family”
Admire a unique set of personal items collected from generations of “Railway- ers” including rare artifacts like staff identification in the 1950s and salary advice in the 1980s. Let’s explore short stories about the staff’s contributions to railway development.
· “The Broadcast Cloister”
Step into a realm of auditory nostalgia as you listen to familiar yet now discontinued MTR announcements. Allow the echoes of station announcements from around the world transport you, providing a journey to the expansive world of MTR.
· “Railway Staff’s Magic Pockets”
Engage your senses in an interactive experience that invites you to explore the enchanting world hidden within the magic pockets of train captains and station staff. With a simple flip of small boxes attached to the train handrails, discover the essential tools they carry for the diverse needs of their daily duties.
· “I Could Be Driving MTR”
Meet our MTR Modernisation Train head, popularly known as “M-Train”, as it comes to life in a three-dimensional visual display. Get a close-up look and capture memorable moments with the train.
· “First-generation Simulation System for Train Operations”
Display of the Operations Control Panel which was in use at the Central Control Room located in Kowloon Bay from 1979 to 2000.
Zone 3: “Next Station... Memories”
Step onto the platform of Hung Hom Station and witness a remarkable sight – a union of four retired trains, the first-generation electric train “Yellow Head” and the Mid-life Refurbishment train “MLR” of the East Rail Line, the Diesel Electric Locomotive No. 56 “I. B. Trevor” as well as the new exhibit – the Kowloon-Canton Railway Through Train (Ktt). This extraordinary showpiece allows visitors to relive familiar and unforgettable journeys from bygone years.
As you explore around the platform, you will encounter a collection of historically significant exhibits that evoke memories of unforgettable moments during past train rides. The departure bell, time clock, and original wooden bench from “KCRC”, transport visitors back in time for nostalgic recollections of train travel experiences.
· “Instant Photo Booth” Zone
Immerse yourself in the railway world and become part of the team. Choose from a selection of staff uniforms representing different eras and themes, and capture a moment frozen in time.
· Video Zone
Through the diverse perspective of videos, delve deeper into the curation of the exhibition and uncover stories of the dedicated “Railway-ers”.
