The 28-ton engine No. 26 was chosen for the project because it was the best preserved of the Alishan steam locomotives. It had undergone a major restoration 12 years ago and was not too badly rusted. Lin says, "The corrosion of the boiler was not severe.
二十八噸級的阿里山二十六號火車是保存得最好的一輛，十二年前林管處曾大修過一次，腐蝕狀況不嚴重。