ABAD SANTOS SIGNALBOX

A 2010 PRHS Inspection.

The Abad Santos signalbox is one of only two signal boxes left in the Philippines. Situated 1.992kms from the main terminal of Tutuban, the signalbox is located just east of the first south line station of Bluementritt.
Despite a very small attempt to restore and preserve it, the box is now in immanent danger of collapsing like its counterpart in Caloocan. This will leave the nearby Solis box as the last of their kind in the country.
Some years ago a new 'Manila Railroad Club', spun off from the defunct 'Railway and Industrial Heritage Society Philippines Inc', planned to restore the Solis signalbox. As of a visit in 2018, this work had still to commence, while the club's website appears to have disappeared.

Abad Santos Signalbox

A 2018 Return.

Links To Sites Of Interest.

Signalbox On Google Streetscape
Abad Santos Avenue
Incorrect Manila Preservation Report 2011

The 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' publishes items of railway interest. 

All these can be found on our main website.

All are free, and done by the PRHS to benefit those interested in the railways of the Philippines.

Philippine Railway Historical Society Website.

We currently have a number of different rollingstock and locomotive projects being worked. These will also appear on our website.

NAGA STATION / YARD / DEPOT

Video Overview

A visit was made to the Naga station and depot area back on January 6th, 2019. Attached is a two part video covering this visit and what was there on the day.

Part 1 - Station Area.

Part 2 - Locoshed.

MORE SOUTH LINE EXCITEMENT

Contributions From PRHS Members.

Wednesday, September 18th, was quite a big day for the 'Philippine National Railways. Firstly, the recently restored Kogane 59 set went for a trial run from Tutuban to San Pablo (Laguna)  and return.
Our PRHS roving reporter 'Mark Chua' arranged for some exclusive photos of this big event. From all reports, the new set went well. It certainly looks a treat.

Also, Naga based 5001 went for a run down to the southern terminus of Legaspi. This is believed to be the first train to arrive there in around two year.
Excitement is building as railfans see this as a great sign that trains may be returning to the whole of the south line.

A big thank you to Max Julius Manly, John McMarv, Jose Diego Roxas.
Special thanks to our roving reporter, PRHS moderator, and great mate, Mark Chua for keeping me updated along the way.

To keep up with all the latest news, feel free to join us on the

Philippine Railway Historical Society Forum.

Tutuban Station prior to departure. - Photo: Mark Chua

Passing Yuseco enroute to San Pablo on test. - Photo: Mark Chua

Trial passing Bicutan - Photo: Jose Diego Roxas

Kogane at Calamba - Photo: John McMarv

Los Banos Station - Photo: John McMarv

Los Banos - College Station - Photo: John McMarv

And, at the other end of the system.

Max Julius Manly went down to Legaspi station to witness the very welcome sight of Naga based 5001 arriving with CMC366 and an unidentified BC boxcar.

Does anyone know the boxcar number?

CMC-366 seen behind 5001.

EXCITING TIMES ON THE SOUTH

BICOL LINE

In recent weeks there has been an upsurge in activity on the south line, with a general belief that funding has been received to get this beautiful line up 

and running again.
Thankfully, our 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' members, those lucky to live down that part of the country, have been sharing some of the 

exciting developments with us.
Below is a selection of these photos, along with credits to the generous people who have taken time to share all this.

Hondagua Engineering Office Refurbishment - Photos: Ton Austria

This is particularly exciting for me as Hondagua is a favourite location.
It is interesting to see this, as it was all looking rather untouched during my visit earlier this year. See video here.
Hondagua Photos.

Lopez Station Rebuild - Photo: Ton Austria

Repairing Lever Crossing In Calauag (Quezon) - Photo: Ton Austria

For the first time in a good while, Naga based 5001 arrives in Gumaca with a works train. September 9th, 2019.
Photo: Joop Caparros via Albert Vincent Fontenares Baretto

Gumaca  works train. September 9th, 2019.
Photo: Gumaca Mps via Albert Vincent Fontenares Baretto

5001 on works train at Tagkawayan. September 8th, 2019.

Railway Line Clearing around Panzol (Calamba, Laguna)

September 7th, 2019
Photos: Albert Latonero Nazareno via Jan Reigner Mercado

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In other Philippine news.

PRHS News reporter Mark Chua photographs the newly restore Kogane set.
Note that it is wrapped in a special rock projecting film, thus removing the need for the wire grills, while it is in undercoat and expected to wear the new livery to be introduced with the railcar coming from Indonesia.

Philippine Railway Historical Society
Forum

The Manila American
March 6, 1907

Thanks to PRHS member Gorio Belen

Once upon a time, the Philippine National Railways had a significant amount of branchlines in the Manila area. While they are mostly all now consigned to history, there is still things to be seen if you know exactly where to look.
Our roving reporter Mark Chua went out in search of this former level crossing on the old FTI (Food Terminal Inc) branchline.

PNR - FTI Station

CARMONA LINE - AUGUST 31st 2019

Medalla Ave (Casa Del Nino, Pacita San Pedro)

Photos: Kevin Sarmiento

Crossing near 'meat shop'.
Image used for research under Google terms and conditions.

LRT1 - HISTORY BEING MADE

September 1st saw history made with the first piling works for the extension to Cavite. The work has started from Dr Santos Station in Paranague.
Updates on this exciting project are covered in the PRHS group.

LRT1/2 MRT3 Fleet Update - August 2019 - Free PRHS Publication
Available Now.

Photos: Courtesy of the 'Department of Transport - Philippines'

With thanks to: Ren Garcia.

TAGKAWAYAN - QUEZON

Video Survey

5-1-2019

A video exploration of this once busy railway location.

Philippine Railway Historical Society Group