Japan's Bizarre Twin-Steer Railway Bus: Designed by Ultraman?

In the early 1960's, Japan's railway bus companies needed a high-capacity vehicle that could cope with the harsh Hokkaido winters. In 1963, they had their new bus - The Mitsubishi MR430. It was a transit bus like no other.

Measuring almost 40 ft. in length with twin steer axles up front and an engine in the rear, it was a unique sight to behold. In fact, it looked like it could have come from an Ultraman movie!

It may have been Japan's only twin-steer bus, and the only twin-steer with a rear engine anywhere in the world, at that time.

Only 14 were built, for three railway companies. There were two main body styles that appeared to borrow heavily from US bus designs of the time, such as the GM new look and old look buses.

The buses remained in service until 1978. While good vehicles, their large size limited them to only a few routes in Japan.

In 2022, an existing MR430 was fully restored for the 100th anniversary of the Asikaway Electric Railway.

See and hear the story of Japan's unique twin-steer bus!

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