This R20 diesel-electric locomotive was the G12 class built by and purchased from GM-EMD in 1960.
Not only did it constitute TRA’s “new workforce” in the early days of dieselization, but it was also once the most numerous type of locomotive in Taiwan, hauling the deluxe Sightseeing train introduced in 1961. Having an operation history of more than 60 years, it is still one of the main traction vehicles of the freight trains on the Western Main Line because of its standardized manufacturing process and excellent mechanical parts.
The R24 in the holding of the National Railway Museum was not only one of the first four diesel-electric locomotives to arrive in Taiwan but also an important contributor to the boom of passenger and freight transportation in Taiwan.