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Welcome one and all to the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' blogsite. This site was set up to share photos, historical pieces, comment and virtually anything else pertaining to transportation in the Philippines, with a special emphasis on rail. Occasional we vary from topic, but this is the less serious side of the hobby shining through - cause sometimes, in this miserable and uptight world, we just take ourselves a little too seriously.
Since 1999, the Philippine Railway Historical Society has regularly published items, FOR FREE, of railway interest on our PRHS Website. These include locomotive, rollingstock and transit updates, as well as our occasional magazine, 'Along Da Riles'.
Our interest base has grown over the years with our main Facebook railway group expanding to include groups interested in other Philippine Transport, modelling of Philippine transport and even a group for Philippine railfans interested in overseas railways.
If it sounds interesting, come join in the fun of the oldest, and most diverse, group dedicated to Philippine railways and other transport.
We look forward to meeting you.

If you have a question Philippine railway related, just drop us a line, maybe we can help.
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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Locomotive Preservation - Will It Be Overseas!

Yesterday, for the first time in weeks, I got to checking the email address for the SIG.
Amongst the various correspondence was an email making, VERY brief, reference to plans to ship a MRR diesel locomotive overseas for preservation. The locomotive itself was not identified, though I suspect this is for secrecy reasons, neither was the country.
The choices nowdays are really limited to only five existing models, of only three distinct designs.
Of these, the biggest concern would have to be #114 currently semi-preserved at Lapaz (Panay). Given she is the last surviver of her class and the only surviving Panay Railway locomotive left in the country, her being retained in the country should be considered vital for a preservation group there.


The other remaining classes still retain a number of examples and the loss of one will not be a huge blow, unless it was the one in the best condition. However 902 remains the only large radiator grilled version of the original Philippine U15C still in service and the oldest operational loco in the PNR fleet.

While I am more supportive of railway preservation of Philippine items in the Philippines (obviously), if the only way to get something saved is to send it overseas, then even I would have to admit that it would be better than nothing.
I am seeking more details at the current time, most especially in regards to their set up and if they are accepting financial donations should anyone wish to help them with their endeavour.

MRR/PNR diesel preservation over the years has been pathetic at best. So many wonderful examples of locomotive types, carriages, safeworking and structures have been lost or beyond much chance of repair.
The previously mentioned Panay #114 sits outside rusting alongside the former Lapaz station, although its windows and doors have been covered to prevent entrance. Little work appears to ever be done to prevent its deteriorating even more.
Apart from this locomotive and a few token examples of the steam era in various states of disrepair, the history of the railways there have been sold to scrappers.

So do we accept overseas purchases of Philippine railway history? Do we allow it to be removed from its home?
Sugar cane steamers have faired a bit better, especially when it comes to overseas preservation. It is quite possible more will end up going offshore as well.
Indeed their fate on Negros is either scrap or to rot in some display, where overseas they will likely steam again on one tourist or another.

I have said it in the past, however time is fast running out at the moment and there has been little reported by the newly formed IRHS other than a wish to use Paco station as a base. Rollingstock enquiries sadly go unanswered, although the earlier featured observation car is expected to be visited this month.
Another preservation group up north in San Fernando who are preserving the station have ignored enquiries regarding possibly preserving a locomotive and carriages there.
A few enquiries to PNR regarding preservation of a diesel in the spot vacated by a steam loco (Tutuban) some years ago have also been made, these, yep you guessed it, have gone ignored.

There are many people out in this wide world who would like to donate of time and money to help save some important parts of Philippine railway history before the opportunity is missed.
If some of this is done overseas, while disappointing, I hope people will still give it their full support. I will!

I'll pass on any details recieved on the proposed project, including that of the group (assuming it ain't a private venture) and where any donations of help can be directed.
For more up to date news, on any aspect of the Philippine railways, check out the SIG!

Cheers
Brad
** Supporter Of Philippine Preservation In The Philippines **

4 comments:

jafiti said...

Send us some money Brad and we will start the project you like.

alcogoodwin said...

Its that easy?
I wish PNR would be that generous to allow open slather to choosing what we want :-)
Does this mean there has been approaches made regarding items of rollingstock and possible acquisition?

As for some money, I fully intend to once I am confident of the stability of the group.
This is certainly not a reflection on you, your the best person for the job, just want to make sure you remain at the head of it.
But yes, I fully intended to dump money into it. Well, if I could stop bleedin injuring myself :-)

Best wishes
Brad

alcogoodwin said...

Kumusta Jafiti,
Sent ye an offlist email to explain myself a little better in private.

Cheers
Brad

amazingmusings.com said...

This week's theme on Photo Hunt (www.tnchick.com) is about Metals. I think this is a good entry!