MARK'S NORTHERN ADVENTURE PART 2

Again, our roving reporter, Mark Chua, has headed out searching out some of the Philippines rich railway history.

This time, he set off north for an overnight journey to San Fernando (La Union), where an early morning arrival saw them following the long closed railway line back towards Manila.

As always, we thank Mark both for his passion for the railways of the Philippines, but for his generosity in sharing it with us.

This is the second part of a multi-part series looking at what he saw.

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 Calumbaya station

1912: Opened  as Bauang Sur and was a temporary terminus.

1923: Renamed Calumbaya

Converted to a chapel after closure.

ARINGAY STATION

1912: Opened.

Was to be the junction of the proposed Baguio branchline.

Baguio branch article.

AGOO STATION

1908: Station opened.

USATC "MacArthur/Mikado" Vulcan Engine No. 889 at Agoo, La Union.

https://railroadhistory.shutterfly.com/pictures/362#362

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Additional to part 1 of this article.

Dirk Paul Celoso sent in the following:

The construction of the Bacnotan Branch was meant to serve the Cebu Portland Cement (CEPOC) factory at the end of the line.

80% of the branch line followed the original alignment that the Japanese forces used to extend the Northern Line to Sudipen, La Union in the 1940s

Sudipen Extension started at San Fernando, La Union station (Km. 265) itself, while the Bacnotan branches off from the Main Line North at Km. 262, known as the Sevilla Junction.

Bacnotan branch uses the original original Sudipen alignment starting at Biday, San Fernando.

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Hope this has been of interest. 

The third part is coming soon.

Photos/Report: Mark Chua

Website Compiling: Brad Peadon

Part 1 Can Be Found Here!

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With thanks to Dirk Paul Celoso.