Howdee readers,
This trip was very last minute, originally not expected until early in 2020.
However, a trip to Manila is never knocked back and, despite all efforts to make it a quiet one, my second home has thrown up many important things to do.
Most readers would be well aware of President Duterte's massive efforts to 'Build Build Build' and how this is greatly benefiting the railways of the country. There is so much going on that it is proving quite hard to keep up with it all.
However, the train hobby is also seeing some major developments, something I have been pushing for over 20 years through the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society'.
These developments are varied and in their early stages, so while I am unable to say a huge amount now, when I can all members will soon know. I am just honoured that my 20 years of efforts is finally seeing some change for the better in our hobby, change that will benefit Filipino railfans now and in the future.
MABUHAY.
This will be the first of a small series showing images from this trip, mostly they will be transport, and transport hobby, related.
A visit to the office of my friend, and PNR GM Junn Magno is always much enjoyed.
Mr Magno has a passion for rebuilding the nations railways that would inspire anyone. He also has a love of railway history here and that shows
in the work he does.
More than just the railway industry, a talk with him motivates me to work harder in the hobby. Something I used to get from our late PRHS VP Bill Sullivan.
One building that stands in the way of the upcoming progress is the rollingstock shed at Tutuban.
New standard gauge tracks will soon come barreling through here and this building will be one of a number of casualties, another large shed and a elevated control tower also to go.
Mark Chua.
I have been coming to the Philippines for just over two decades and this guy has been part of that for at least half that long. Always there to help this foreigner experiencing the railways he grew up with and loves, there is no words to thank him enough.
Mark achieved his dream of working on the PNR and, as such, now earns a living doing his hobby. Something most of us only dream about.
All rail operators, worldwide, would benefit form staff as passionate as he.
Combining both my loves, trains and jeepneys.
Like the narrow gauge PNR behind it, the future of the jeepney also looks quite grim, with governmental moves to gradually wipe this icon from the street of the Philippines.
While I know a huge part of the population will be sad to see them go, I personally feel their demise will be ripping the soul out of Manila.
Still, I am a foreigner and not entitled to my opinion on government decisions, no matter how correct said opinions actually are.
Oh yes, arguably PNR's most historic surviving vehicle.
The very last, PNR owned, four-wheeled boxcar.
I am personally pushing for this one to be removed from here, restored and placed on display somewhere safe. This would, by far, be the oldest vehicle in ownership of the national operator and desperately needs a safe home.
Stay tuned.
CTC-174 has managed to hide from me on recent visits. I had actually thought she was gone until the other day.
The CMC/CTC railcar sets were built in Japan, but are now very close to extinct. Despite mass scrapping, there is still enough to make up a set should a museum proposal gain legs and occur. This, despite the debacle of 2007-2010, is still a possibility.
My mate Mark doing what he was born to do, protecting 921, and it's load of passengers, as it passes Yuseco crossing on it's way to Alabang.
Philippine National Railways - 127 years of serving the nation.
I am proud to have the PRHS associated with them.
-----------------------------------------------------
Next part will cover the 'Philippine Model Railroaders' Dinner.
Stay tuned.
