ISSUE #6 OVEMBER 2010

ISIDE THIS ISSUE

MOJACKO’S MAILA AFTEROO OPERATIO ADOBO PART 2

LATEST PR/LRT/MRT EWS AD ROLLIGSTOCK UPDATES

Official publication of the ‘Philippine Railways Historical Society’ PO Box 181, Matraville 2036, SW Australia

Editor: Brad Peadon Philippine Railway Historical Society

PO Box 181, Matraville 2036, SW Australia Society Email: [email protected] Website: http://PhilippineRailways.blogspot.com ewsletter Only: Same as society email address.

THIS ISSUE PRHS President’s Report 1 Cover 2 Index, Presidents Report 3 Mojacko’s Afternoon LOG TIME BETWEE DRIKS! 4 Operation Adobo #5, Pt2 5 Fast Track ews It certainly has been a long time since our last issue earlier this year, with 6 PR Fleet Survey nobody more surprised than me. 7 – Traction ews and The time between has certainly been busy, both with the society and in Fleet Survey. personal life, all the while the future of the magazine was under the spotlight. 8 Rail Heritage (ew Section) Doing ‘Along Da Riles’ is a fun pleasure, it is something I enjoy doing and the feedback I have received has been very encouraging. However the pur- chasing of a Filipino shop business meant that keeping it to a strict timetable was going to be almost impossible, while I didn’t expect anyone who had ‘ALOG DA RILES’ paid a subscription to receive anything less than exactly what they paid for.

Then, on the other hand, you had the disastrous find in February of mass EDITOR: scrapping across the ‘Philippine National Railways’ fleet. Something that Brad Peadon sort of ruled out any realistic idea of preservation, at least in any meaningful

way. REGULAR COTRIBUTERS: Initially I was considering a yearly publication, mostly for archives and Bill Sullivan, Rodney Orca and Eric other interest groups worldwide, but soon I began to miss putting the Rozales publication together, it having become quite a big part of my life. This

gradually lead on to a discussion with my dear friend Bill Sullivan who not THAKS TO: only convinced me to find another way, but also generously offered to help. Alexis Almasan (Absinthe_888), Alan Thus, thanks to him, ‘Along Da Riles’ sees its 6th issue and all future ones. Hicks, Rodney Orca, makinista, Mo- So what now? jacko. Well the magazine is not a money maker, it never has been and that isn’t Philippine National Railways the reason I started it. It comes at great cost to myself and that of a few

generous people. We will now move to an idea of a friend in America where subscribers can ADR COST purchase a subscriptions issue by issue at $4 (a little more for outside Austra- We do not charge a subscription for lia). Donation help to continue to get it to people in the are also the cost of this newsletter , but would much appreciated. Issues ahead can be purchased under the understanding appreciate $4 per issue to help that the magazine will not be quarterly. towards covering the cost of The magazine will continue to act as a conveyor of information, both cur- producing. rent and historical, while its frequency will continue to rely on contributions Free issues are sent to Philippine from people. These contributions can be in the form of almost anything Phil- railway managers and regular ippine railway related, past and present. Trip reports, photos, copies of docu- contributors, as well as anyone writ- ments, historical trivia and so much more is required. If it is of interest to ing an article. you, then it will likely interest others. We look forward to hearing from you. COVER SHOT

917 had the honour of hauling the Opinions made in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the second train, first public passenger ‘Philippine Railway Historical Society’ or any of its board and service, to Naga since the lines members. rebuild. The cover shot shows the All items appearing in this newsletter are subject to copyrite. The train on arrival at Lucena station. contents should not be scanned, photocopied, shared, placed on the Close observers of locomotives will internet, without the prior permission of the editor and, where relevant, notice differences between the work the author of the original work. done on this overhaul Permission to use anything appearing in this publication can be gained and those in Naga. by emailing [email protected]. Photo: Alexis Almasan Used items should be credited to this newsletter and, where relevant, RIHSPI 2010 Peñafrancia Train Team the author of the original piece. MOJACKO’S MANILA AFTERNOON MOJACKO

[Mojacko is a local railfan I met in Manila (Note: Eric Valdivia was second driver on my ride last earlier this year during one of his occasional week, in the cab of Locomotive 919.)

afternoons spent riding the rails. One of his As we nicely puffed and chugged along down the line, recent afternoons is covered below] Englehart and I had a wonderful time sharing with each other our pleasant PNR experiences, as well as more 29910 PNR/RIHSPI/SSC happenings, until all to soon we reached San Andres Station, where we said our good- Mojacko rides off into the sunset with 2 fellow byes as he left the train. Skyscrapercity!!! Later on, BPNR922 and I said our goodbyes as he got Hooowdy-ho, PNR riders and fans of SkyscraperCity off at Road Station, and then, at EDSA Station, it Philippines, y'all! was time for me to end my journey as well. Here I said thank you, goodbye to the crew, then bid I know Christmas is still a little over 2 months away, them both a Merry Christmas but it already is in the minds of many Filipinos - including me every time the -ber months come around! Have a safe trip to Binan, Blue Whale 201! (Kinda sounds like a song!) Anyway, yesterday (Wednesday, September 29th) I took my last Blue Whale 201 rail ride for the year 2010, WOW!!! Now that's what I call a true PNR/SSC with my railfan year about to end, and I am very happy adventure! Not only did I enjoy going on these to have made the most of it. adventures over the past 2 years - but over the whole Upon arriving at Tutuban, just a little after 5 PM, I experience, I have made some close social friendships was told by some of my PNR friends there, verified with the PNR people and fellow forumers here in later on by BPNR922 and Englehart, that the new SkyscraperCity! sleeper carriages have arrived in Manila and were due to be taken to Tutuban later on in the week. But unfortunately, the time has come for me to power (Unfortunately, that's all the info on it I got and can down my adventurer side server - so now I have got to share from my end; I can't give any more beyond that prioritise my time and energy concentrating on until I even see them in person - which sadly I'll be fulfilling the heavy Christmas time demand with my unable to until after the New Year.) commitments at work.

Also, after much delay, the additional Hyundai Rotem But don't worry, though: I will still be around to com- DMU trainsets were also reported to have arrived, ment and write-up on the SkyscraperCity forums, so I which means additional Grey Shark trips soon for both definitely won't forget you guys over the Christmas the Manila and Bicol commuter divisions. season.

[It was later revealed that the Phase 2 ROTEM sets had not turned up at this time - Ed]

Plus, there's the plan to extend the current Blue Whale MERRY trip just a bit further down to Calamba, likely effective around October or November (definitely before Christmas time). CHRISTMAS Before boarding Blue Whale 201, BPNR922 and I chatted some more about goings-on with the PNR and RIHSPI and our fellow forumer buddies, but it was The ‘Philippine Railways SIG)’ is currently later on when I actually boarded that the fun part of my cataloguing all the groups archives and listing them. ride really began. At various railway stations BPNR922, Englehart came along with myself for the These archives will be available to members of the ride. PRHS and others for research purposes. BPNR922 rode up in the cab of old reliable locomotive 902 with drivers Eric Valdivia (driver) and We are always seeking articles, old documents Christian Pacis (2nd driver), while Englehart sat with (even copies), photos, technical details and anything me on the first forward-facing seat of the first carriage. else for inclusion in the archive. OPERATION ADOBO #5 - Part 2 BRAD PEADON

COTIUED FROM ISSUE #5 at 13.39.

Amongst all the devastation it was a relief to see that Freight the last remaining intact semaphore signal still stood op- 4wBC (Earmarked for preservation) posite the signalbox with a rather intoxicated lean. BC-522, 526, 529, 558, 572, 583, 592, 631 The future of this, and the original Caloocan station FH-52, 642 building nearby, is still not assured with the current FL-065, 351, 3022, 3054 work to link Tutuban and Caloocan stations again, as TF-71, 76 well as proposals to put the NLEX-SLEX connector Police Train—FCD-08, FL-2011, FL255 road through the location. I soon left Caloocan workshops with a very empty Tayuman Locomotive Depot 13.50 feeling inside. It was as if 11 years of work to promote 915 interest in the Philippine railways, and preserving it, had 2538 been brought to an end. 5001, 5008 While there were a few examples of things left, the idea CMC-201 of any realistic collection of a good cross section of BC 541, 564, 616 types was now gone - a real opportunity missed. After two hours around the yard, a rapidly growing Despite a desire just to head back to our thirst coupled with an asawa fast loosing patience, saw accommodation for the day, I pushed on with plans to go us heading back to the cooler confines of Tutuban check out the situation at Tutuban/Tayuman yard. station—by now the security guards becoming use to our Access here is even a hard affair now days, especially presence and friendly. if you are a foreigner. The little café in the station soon quenched the thirst, On reaching the entrance gates you are confronted by a while we had a good look over the preserved BUDA car, guard wishing to know why you are wanting to enter. currently the home of some informal settlers of the feline Well, being a train station, you could reasonably expect I kind. was after a train, but alas it is not all that easy. 422010 Eventually the security guard allowed me to pass, probably feeling rather sorry for someone who would fly A visit to Mega Mall was on the cards today. The wife 8 hours to photograph trains, and I went inside and met wishing to get a start on buying souvenirs for the guys the lovely Alene (personal secretary to former GM back home. Andal). Both MrX and myself carried the cameras, just in case [Note: Since this visit, like Mr Andal, Alene has sadly some shots of the MRT were in the offering. been replaced following recent elections]. The MRT is the harder of the two operators of light rail services to cover in Manila. Emails and letters go ig- Soon we were off for the familiar hot walk from nored, while I’ve received reports that two day personal Tutuban through to Tayuman in search of what survived visits also go without success. the earlier scrappings in this location. Whatever the great secret, fans of this operation are forced to take sly snappies at stations or look for lineside : locations in which to stalk their rail bound prey. NR-01 (Sta Rose prototype rebuild) For us, this location was a car park. With thousands of Binan Passenger set cars in and out, who is to question where you are going 7A-2029, 2019, 2006, 2014, 2015, 2007 in that lift. ROTEM Phase 1 Sets Thankfully, once in the carpark most security guards DMR-07 ITR-04 DMR-08 take quite an interest in your interest and the high level makes for some beautiful aerial shots of operations in Tayuman Yard: both directions. Passenger Spending around 90 minutes there, we must have 7A-2008, 2025 recorded a good half the MRT fleet in action, before we 7B-41 decided to set forth to EDSA in search of the 7BP-7 rapidly dwindling Auto Line (MALTC) elderly 7C-114, 115 Hino buses, with which we were again quite successful. CMC-382 CTC-174 To Be Continued NR-05, 08, 09 All 6 Phase 1 ROTEM sets were noted in carriage shed FAST TRACK News Briefs from around the Philippine Islands.

PHILIPPIE ATIOAL RAILWAYS lead by DMR-08. The gap between issues of the magazine has seen a Sadly, while there was a flagman on duty, the driver large amount of developments occur in the country. continued into the path of the train. Firstly a Phase 1 ROTEM set made a trial run to Calamba station , becoming the first passenger train As it usual after a change of government, things at the across the rebuilt San Cristobal bridge. top of PNR start to change. There were also two trains to Naga City, the first being General Manager Andal has sadly now left his position an inspection run to check out the line and clear as after what has been a great revival period for PNR. The needed. This proved to be a very slow run, but was also ‘Philippine Railway Historical Society’ wishes him well used to transfer a Phase 1 ROTEM set for local services and welcomes new GM Junio Ragragio to the reins of out of Naga. the national railway operator. A second train has made the run from the capital We look forward to further developments during his through to Naga, the this time being for the Penafrancia term. Festival in this city. This second run was conducted at better times than the Metrotren—Manila original that suffered more delays from structures built by informal settlers. From Tutuban to A recently refurbished 917 along with a consist of NR- 05.05, 05.35, 06.05, 06.35, 07.05, 07.35, 08.05, 09.05, 01, 7A 2028, CAR1, CAR2, CAR3 and 7C-115 (not in 10.05, 11.05, 12.05, 13.35, 15.05, 16.05, 16.35, 17.05, this order) were utilised for the run. The three CAR class 17.35, 18.05 being formerly used on the isolated Naga shuttles. Tutuban to Binan: This second run was very well covered by local railfans 18.20 from the Skyscrapercity chat forum. Alabang to Tutuban: 06.05, 06.35, 07.05, 07.35, 08.05, 09.05, 10.05, 11.05, September saw the arrival of the first 10 sleeping 12.05, 13.05, 14.35, 16.05, 17.05, 17.30. 18.05, 18.35, carriages, with another selection of 10 reported to be 19.05 following. Binan to Tutuban: These sat on the wharves in Manila for a few days be- 05.00 fore being road hauled to Tayuman yard, where they were shunted to the carriage shed. Bicol Commuter aga According to media in the Philippines, the other 180 carriages that were expected are still not confirmed. aga to Sipocot: While the first twenty were signed for, the newly elected 05.30, 15.00 President Aquino has not finalised this proceedure for Sipocot to aga: the rest. 06.45 (Continues to Ligao), 16.30 Also, Japan Rail are believed to have given a deadline aga to Ligao: of October 2010 before scrapping is to proceed. 08.00 Ligao to aga: Rumours of a second shipment of ROTEM cars 12.30 (Continues to Sipocot) arriving in Manila had still not been confirmed by Octo- ber 5th and is not believed to have happened. ORTHRAIL Not all news has been good though, the Carmona line was officially closed with the removal of much of the A recent visit to Caloocan yard revealed the first line and subsequent takeover by informal settlers. standard gauge tracks have been laid for the Northrail It is reported that much of the decision was due to legal project. reasons. When President Marcos originally built the line The whole project has been revisited by the new he used some private land which was never paid for. The President and the future is starting to look bright for this owner of the land subsequently took it to court and won. important project again.

There has been a number of changes in timetables for the two separate systems on Luzon. The times as of early MAILA SUSET COVEIECE STORE October are believed to be. 3/43 Broadarrow Road, Narwee, Sydney For all you Filipino grocery, drinks and In yet another level crossing accident to befall the new health care needs. ROTEM cars, an airport worker was killed on Tuesday October 5th when his car was cut in half by DMU set 4, Remittences - Balikbayan Boxes - Phone Cards FLEET SURVEY A Roundup Of The Philippine ational Railway Fleet ovember 2010

Philippine ational Railways Philippine ational Railways DMU Locomotives In Service Manila: In Service Manila: DMR-01 ITR-01 DMR-02 917 and 919 (Commex Service) DMR-05 ITR-03 DMR-06 5001, 5009 (Works train service) DMR-07 ITR-04 DMR-08 DMR-09 ITR-05 DMR-10 In Service Lucena: DMR-11 ITR-06 DMR-12 916 ( Local works train usage) In Service aga: DMR-03 ITR-02 DMR-04 In Service aga: Loco Hauled: 918*, 922*, 2540 (Bicol commuter/works CMC-201 Service Tayuman (Works duties) service) IC-888 Stored Caloocan (Inspection Car)

Caloocan Shop Under Repair: Future Deliveries: 906, 911, 913^, 914, 2510, 2515, 2539, 5007^ Donation of Phase 2 ROTEM DMUs expected.

Caloocan Shop Await Repair: Philippine ational Railways Rollingstock 919, 921 (Requires Battery), 2535 , 2538, 5003, 5004, Please note that not all rollingstock is listed! 5008 7A/R/CAR Class Caloocan Shop Beyond Economical Repair: Currently the frontline passenger hauled stock within the 920 - Severely damaged following Padre Burgos Philippines. (Quezon) derailment. Unrefurbished Binan Set In Service: 5010~ - Major engine damage. 7A-2029, 7A-2006, 7A-2009, 7A-2015 and 7A-2007 Refurbished Vehicles In Service Tayuman Shed For Repair NR-01 (Sta Rosa rebuild) 902 (Engine Issues), 5009 (Wheel flats) 7A-2028 (PNR Refurbishment) CAR1,2,3,4,5 (PNR Naga Refurbishment) Tayuman Shed—Await Transfer To Caloocan: Unrefurbished Spares 5002, 5005, 5006, 915 7A-2014, 7A-2018 and a number of NR class.

Liveries: 7C Class Underlined Locomotives painted in the Caloocan version 7C-115 recently refurbished and utilized on run to Naga. of the Filtrack Livery. Few other remaining examples across system. * - Locomotives painted in Naga version of Filtrack livery. Japanese 14 Class Sleepers ot In Service ^ - Overhauled, Repainted and expected to be released. Suhanefu 14 30, 14 29, 14 28 , 14 32 ~ - Last locomotive in 90s red livery with yellow lining. Ohane 14 91, 14 63 , 14 82 , 14 89 Suhane 14 752, 14 755 (Deluxe Twin Level) Donations: * Nothing of the rumoured second hand locomotives has Other Passenger Rollingstock Believed Extant: yet been confirmed. 7E Believed all scrapped in 2010 CMC/CTC Very few examples left. A couple in vari- Philippine ational Railways ous conditions around Manila, with one each used in Preservation works service at Lucena and Naga. TA5 - Last example stored at Caloocan (2-2010). BUDA 21 - Static Display at Tutuban Station PC286 - Presidential (Marcos) car - Stored at Caloocan BUDA 22 - Under Restoration (No Advice) Freight Rollingstock Static Display at Tutuban: There is no regular freight service, however much re- Manila RR 0-6-0T CABANATUAN (Kerr Stuart mains stored or used for track work duties. 777/1905) BC (Boxcars), FL (Flatcars), GC (Gondola cars), TF/ Manila RR 0-6-0ST TC (Fuel Tankers), WT (Water Tanker)

Static Display at Dagupan: Future Deliveries: MRR 0-6-2T B class no. 17 URDANETA (Dübs * More carriages expected from Japan in coming 2577/1890) months. Numbers not confirmed, but said to be up to 200. TRACTIO EWS

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), in 9:00pm collaboration with the Technological University of the Last northbound Baclaran - Balintawak. Philippines (TUP) plans to put up a research and training 9:30pm laboratory that aims to keep abreast with the Last southbound Balintawak - Baclaran. advancement in the railway industry. Their vision is to introduce modern technology in the LRT Line 2 System railway industry. Weekdays: The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) will be 5:00am Start of operation. implementing its new operating hours for Lines 1 and 2 9:30pm Last train Santolan - systems effective September 15, 2010, to give way for a 10:00pm Last train Recto - Santolan Station much-needed maintenance time for both revenue lines. LRTA Administrator Rafael S. Rodriguez announced Saturdays,Sundays and Holidays: that the last commercial trip schedule will be cut by an 5:00am Start of operation. hour and an hour and a half for the Yellow Line (Line 1) 9:30pm Last train Santolan - Recto Station and Purple Line (Line 2), respectively. 10:00pm Last train Recto - Santolan Station

A plan to increase fares across all light rail systems has been in the news for most of September. Operators stat- FLEET SURVEY ing that the increase is urgently needed, with commuters, A Roundup Of The Light Railway Operator Fleets not surprisingly, crying out for costs to remain the same. ovember 2010 Early in October the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) said that the fare hike of the LRT Line 1 mass based Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Servicing Baclaran to Balintawak Transit (MRT) systems in will be imple- mented in November. Operational Members of militant youth group ANAKBAYAN 1G 1000-1036, 1038-1069 threw paint bombs at the Department of Transportation 2G 1100-1128 and Communications (DOTC) on Thursday October 6th 3G 1200-1248 as part of a lightning rally in their campaign against the Unoperational looming Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Tran- 1037 (Bomb Damage) sit (LRT) fare hikes. Ordered 7 sets planned after line refurbishment. Lawyer Rafael S. Rodriguez, former Managing Partner System of the Rodriguez De los Santos and Naidas Law Offices Currently being extended from Balintawak to North Ave assumed position of Administrator of the Light Rail to connect with MRT. Transit Authority on Monday, August 16, 2010. To be extended south to area. Outgoing Administrator Melquiades A. Robles turned over the post and management of the Authority to LRT Line 2 Rodriguez during the flag ceremony at the LRT Line 1 Servicing Recto to Santolan depot in Pasay City.

Operational Timetables of the LRT systems were recently curtailed to 2000-2072 allow time for maintenance purposes. As of October the following timetable was in operation. MRT Line 3 LRT Line 1 Servicing orth Ave to EDSA

Weekdays: Operational 5:00am 001-073 First train Baclaran - Balintawak Station. 9:30pm MRT Line 7 Last northbound - Balintawak. T Service orth Ave to San Jose del Monte 10:00pm Last southbound Balintawak Station - Baclaran . Ordered Unknown Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays 5:00am System First train Baclaran Station - Balintawak Station. Currently being built. RAIL HERITAGE A look at rail heritage news, along with items from the internet and PRHS collection!

HISTORICAL EWS < The restoration of Abad Even the smallest Santos commenced and was little bits of finished since the last issue, information can be of while Solis signalbox was great interest to those due to be started at time of of us who are reporting. researching into It is believed Rodney Philippine Orca, a regular reporter to Locomotives. this newsletter, has been Recently a made project manager of contributer was this latest exciting project. discussing the long No further advice has been gone, and rarely received on the earlier an- photographed, nounced fundraiser for the Alstom diesels with dormitory car.. and older PNR employee and discovered their < reliability was actually not all that would be EWSPAPER CLIPPIGS hoped for, especially when it came to stopping. Clippings from magazines and According to the old employee, a train would newspapers are often collected be coming to a halt somewhere, when it would and are welcomed here. Please seemingly just take off and give trouble stop- acknowledge source and date ping. when contributing. This, along with lesser jobs available, would no New York Times doubt have lead to their demise. December 1901

MARCH 19, 1901 Media of the time reported that money was appropriated on this date for improvements to Manila Harbour including a lift-span bridge over the River. This bridge exists today, although it has been many a year since its lifting ability was used.

< Builders of the old dormatory car, the sole surviving PLEASE SHARE Metropolitan Got something of historical carriage in the interest? Please share it with Philippines. other readers. You will be credited for the contribution.

CHAT GROUPS FOR WE EED YOUR HELP PRHS MEMBERS! Join one of our PRHS chat forums today. ‘Along Da Riles’ is always looking for the following for inclu- They are fun and they are free! sion. * Photographs - Trip Reports - Historic Articles PhilippineRailways –Serious news and historical chat. * Rollingstock updates and information. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PhilippineRailways * Railway industry news. * MRT/LRT news. PhilRail -For a more lighthearted and friendly chat about * Sugar railway news. railways and transport in the Philippines. * Old documents and tickets (these can be scanned if you wish http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PhilRailSIG to Modelling -Those interested in modelling the Philippines. retain the original). http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Philippine_Modelling