Philippine Railway Historical Society News and History!

2012-01-19T14:59:00.001-08:00

Creek Bridges - Sucat To Alabang

Howdee all, as part of my plans to build a model railway based on Manila, I asked members of the various forums for photos of the creek crossings.

Thanks to Gat Gontok of the Philippine Railways Railfans Group who actually got up pre-dawn to help me (maraming salamat Gat) I ahve got some great ideas for the proposed canal on the layout.

The following is a few examples of the shots he sent.
More will be on our new PRHS Modelling Group website, which is currently available through our similar Aussie groups site.

http://smutgroup.wordpress.com

I hope these are of interest to people - they were for me.

2011-09-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

~~ PRHS Video ~~

Transportation Videos of the Philippines.

PNR - South To Libmanan - 2010

902 'Pride Of The Fleet' Departs Tutuban

2011-09-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

~~ MALACANANG GARDENS LINE ~~

Klarence Pitoc has brought up the Malacanang Gardens line today which set me Googling again.

At first wondering how it could have got there from Pandacan, but then decided to revisit the fuel branch again.

Continuing on from the terminal it does seem there is an obviously likely route for the balance of this line.

See green line below for what I assume to be the case - Corrections welcome.

2011-09-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

~~ THE BRANCH LINES OF PANDACAN ~~

While not a huge amount is currently known about them, we are aware that there were a number of lines in the Pandacan area, the only one that's ROW is confirmed being the one to the fuel terminal.
Some recent discussions on the PRHS Yahoogroup lead me to have a bit of an initial look at the area via Google Earth (sadly the Philippines do not have something comparable to our local NearMap) which gives a reasonably good look at the area.
Below are a selection of images found so far, both original and marked.
Of greatest interest is what appears to be intact sidings still in the fuel terminal which, if looks don't deceive, would be well worth an official visit to try and cover photographically.
Has any local ever walked this line in its entirety and given it a full photographic survey?

The final two photos show what looks very much like another ROW on the opposite side of the PNR mainline and working its way to a large warehouse on the river bank.
Does anyone know what this warehouse is now, or what it was previously?

The junction from the PNR mainline (red) just north of Pandacan station.

There appears to have been at least one siding opposite Pandacan station which survived, covered in squatters, until the recent rebuild.

Second part of the Pandacan branch, showing the terminal sidings and a possible extra bit on the end with an opposed facing siding.
Below is a clear view of the sidings area, outlined in yellow.

The Mystery Branchline?

Actually we are unsure if it (below) even was a branchline, but is certainly looks to be the case.
Branching off a little closer to the river than the fuel branch, it heads in the other direction for some distance, before a clearly defined curve and another straight toward a large factory on the river bank.

Again, has anyone done a photographic survey of this section?

Does anyone know who the current and/or previous owners of the large factory are?

Any information on both of these lines would be greatly appreciated

If your interested in the railways of Pandacan, or any other historical railway discussion about the Philippines came join our FREE PRHS Yahoogroup. Our group also contains the latest news, information and photography from the Philippine railways.

2011-07-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

~~ RIP GRAHAM HOLT ~~

It is with much regret I have to announce the passing of another important member of the Philippine railway hobby.
Late June saw the passing away of Graham Holt (United Kingdom) from a heart attack. Graham was the foremost researcher of Philippine railway topics, both mainline and also the less known industrial railways that once covered a lot of the country.
Graham first joined the PRHS (then Philippine Railways SIG) Yahoogroup on November 4th 2000 (only a few months after we made the move from Egroups).
His first posting to the group coming on December 7th.

“Greetings to all fellow members of the "World Railways" eGroup.
I thought I was joining the Philippine Railways eGroup when my membership was accepted about four weeks ago.
I have been trying to work my way through all the posted messages before taking part.
I accepted that there would be diversions getting to know each other,
such as Naval and Army references which all contribute to the picture
and even accept all the talk of adobo and balut. Many more food and
drink items could be included.
I was amazed by the naiveté of some of the messages. Obviously
many members have not visited the Philippines or only been to Manila. The
thought of trying to follow abandoned branch lines fighting off deadly snakes in the malaria carrying mosquito infested jungle of Pampanga Province is surely a joke.
This part of Luzon, before Pinatubo, was almost totally cultivated and any abandoned branch lines would have either been incorporated into rights of way or returned to agriculture. I don't know what it is like now.
The group is in its infancy and as membership grows it will become totally unmanageable if it does not have some restriction on its
scope and content.
This brings me to the point. Why has it been deemed necessary to encompass Australasia and beyond.
This group should be exclusively for Philippine Railways and associated subjects.
Those who want an Australasian (or World) eGroup should form another
group and then at least one member can take his group membership to over thirty groups.
I will introduce myself properly in my next message.
Regards
Graham”

Following an initial debate over group content, Graham went on to be a valued and regular contributor of news and information to the group.
Graham spent over 30 years intensively researching the various railways of the Philippines, amassing a large amount of information and photos on the topic, with a plan to one day write a book.
Although I don’t believe the book started, he did make a start on a website. http://www.philippinerailways.com

A few years ago I had the pleasure of a visit from Graham and his lovely wife Terry while they were in Sydney. Along with my dear departed friend Bill Sullivan, we spent the night eating and discussion all manner of Philippine railway topics.
The one thing I noticed during the visit was that the Graham in real life was far different to the one I knew online.
Graham was certainly a man who took the hobby seriously. He did not tolerate much fooling around and, as such, we occasionally locked horns when my unusual style of Aussie humour came to the fore.
But despite these times, he was always there to help with a question or a photo when the need arises and it was always great when I could return the favour, not that there was that many occasions in which I had information he needed.
He was an avid collector of Philippine railway items on Ebay, beating me on a number of occasions to a prized item J

Sadly Graham made his last posting to the group on June 21st this year, passing away two days later.

“Re: [PhilippineRailways] Re: 'Bicol Express' soon to regain supremacy in Bicol-Manila public transport services
John
Surely it is part of the fun of rail travel in places like the Philippines to travel with the local population, not in a sterile box, sorry "executive sleeper".
You can say you have covered the track but not had the "experience".
Graham”

Indeed Graham had many great railway experiences in his life, these leading to information that has benefited us all.
His experience and knowledge will leave yet another huge hole in the Philippine railway hobby, especially where historical research is concerned.
It is hoped that his collection will enter the archive of a suitable international railway society based in the United Kingdom.

Graham leaves behind his beloved wife Teresita and family Valentina, Maria, Chris, Hollie and Ryan.

RIP Graham Holt
2-4-1943 – 23-6-2011

Brad Peadon (Philippine Railway Historical Society)

Thanks to Graham the PRHS has built a huge database of Philippine railway news, photos and information. Membership is free and available to anyone HERE!

2011-07-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

During a huge clean up and dumping of unwanted railway stuff, I came across some photos I have been hunting down for some. The title photo above was actually the one I was most after, Karel (RIHSPI President)

had asked about it some months prior.

The week was in the early half of 2007 and marked a significant

milestone in Philippine railway hobby history.

A request was made on the PRHS (then Philippine Railways SIG) Forum for people who would like to meet up at Tayuman for a day of watching trains, travelling on same and just to get to know each other.

A week later, a visit to the PNR workshop at Caloocan courtesy of Edward Manapol (one of PNRs nicest people - sadly since gone) saw the decision made that something must be done to preserve this importantly.

Subsequent months saw us go about setting up what is today known as RIHSPI, with the BUDA car that was the basis for our decision now

restored as a static exhibit at Tutuban station.

While, for now, I am unable to be involved in what we started, one day it is hoped that attitudes change enough, the hobby put first, and I shall again be able to make a contribution to that which a handful of railfans and myself started just over four years ago.

Heres to Philippine railway preservation.

2011-07-07T18:36:00.001-07:00

The Adventures of Pureza Queen of the Rails

Mark Chua is on hand at Tutuban to witness filming of

the latest ABS-CBN project.
A large amount of the filming is done beside the Philippine National Railways system in Manila.

2011-07-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

~~ NEW SLEEPING CAR ~~

The photos below by Mark Chua (Philippine Railway Advocacy Group) show the new dining car destined for use on the new Bicol Express.

The carriage itself was part of an earlier delivery of rollingstock from Japan and had been sitting unused at Caloocan Workshops for many years. The recently revitalised service has seen it given a job.

2011-06-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

~~ THE REPAINTINGS CONTINUE ~~

Railfan Mark proudly shows off 922's new livery of blue and gold.

Her painting now renders the Naga version of the Filtrak livery extinct, while the livery itself is almost extinct on locomotives.

It is quite possibly the shortest livery to have ever existed on MRR/PNR locomotives.

2011-06-09T00:26:00.000-07:00

Seems the facts change with each different editor.

EMUs now DMUs

Gone from departing three weeks ago to due in July.

We are still awaiting the Phase 2 ROTEMs that reportedly left Korea two years ago.

Is Manila Bay the new Bermuda Triangle?

PNR’s ‘Bicol Express’ to resume running July 1

Quote:
NAGA CITY—More than four years since Super typhoon “Reming” derailed its commercial run from Manila to Bicol, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is set to run again on July 1.

The PNR will run a six-coach train from Naga City to the Tutuban Station in Manila, and another from Manila to Naga City, said Constancio Toledano, manager of the South Railways’ Area 3 covering routes from Tagkawayan, Quezon to Legazpi City, Albay.

He said the trip would last less than 10 hours. Diesel-fed engines would pull the coaches.

A fare rate of P700-P800 would be charged for air-con sleeper coaches and at least P300 for the reclining seat coaches.

Toledano said there would be two air-con sleeper coaches: a 28-person capacity coach with a double-deck bed in one room and a 38-person capacity coach with two double-deck beds in one room.

He said there will also be two reclining seat coaches with a carrying capacity of 68 and 72 persons.

Another coach will serve as dining car for passengers, he said.

Toledano said the PNR would conduct two test runs on June 22 and June 28 before the July 1 commercial run.

He said it took the train nine hours and 50 minutes to reach Naga City from Manila during a test run on May 22 that carried top PNR officials, several journalists and guest passengers.

A return trip on May 23 took nine hours and 35 minutes, said Toledano.

Toledano said the PNR would expand its Bicol commercial run as soon as 10 motorized train cars and 40 trailer cars donated by the Japanese government arrive in July.

He described the motorized train cars as akin to buses with one coach attached to an engine and with accommodations for passengers. It pulls several other passenger trailer cars.

The current PNR train has a separate coach to house the engine which consumes more fuel than motorized train cars that are similar to buses in terms of fuel efficiency.

The arrival of the train cars from Japan would allow the PNR to service short distance routes, said Toledano.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/

2011-04-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

~~ SAN PABLO 2009 ~~

Philippine National Railways 'San Pablo' station along the Southrail line.

2011-02-02T23:22:00.000-08:00

~~ TUTUBAN ~~

A lovely old shot from 'The Colonel Collection' showing a train at, what was, a lovely Tutuban.

The signal gantry has long gone, with only one lonely semaphore survivor believed to still exist at Caloocan.
The loco, carriages and even the signalbox have also gone to god.
Quite possibly though, they may still be the original rails and sleepers.

Sadly these are days long gone, days of a very proud rail system.

Thanks to everyone who contributes to our society so we can share with others.

2011-01-26T15:13:00.000-08:00

~~ HISTORY REDISCOVERED ~~

G'day one and all.

Last weekend I started a extensive cleanup/downsizing of the railway collection in preparation for a pending move of residence. Have also collated all the records of the RIHSPI(ANZ) for disposal as parted of a long drawn out process to wind up everything officially.

In one box I found a number of long misplaced shots that I have been looking for. Their disappearance leaving a big gap in my early photography of the Philippine railways.

Below are a few shots from this collection that may interest.

Ooooh so much has changed.

2532 had the distinction of being the very last in the reverse version of green and yellow.

Her days are certainly numbered in this shot at Caloocan Workshops.

2509 also had seen better days by the time I came across her. Wearing the more standard green/yellow scheme, this bunch of scrapping wiped out all but one wearing these colours, the survivor still exists to this day.

921 (919 at other end) is seen at Tayuman station. They were being used on the shorted Caloocan and Espana shuttle services. The early 2000s would see both the livery and these services end.

Argueably one of the better liveries worn by PNR diesels, the red with yellow lining was not a long survivor. Introduced around the time of the new 5000s, it was worn also by a few 2500 class and all surviving 900s.

At this time, only 5010 survives in the livery, but is stripped at Caloocan workshops and the first of her class considered beyond economical repair.

When I took this shot I had no idea it would lead to many years of trying to find out the history behind 916. No builders lists include her, no record of her having actually been delivered actually exists.

2007 finally revealed the answer we had been looking for. She was originally U14C 908 and had been renumbered after the killing of an army persons son. This sad occurance leading to revenge attacks on the locomotive whenever seen.

Interestingly enough this discover lead us to another, as yet unsolved, mystery of why there was still a 908. While we know the second one was 904, we are not sure how she came to be renumbered. Yet....

The second 908 (originally 904) during her final moments of life. She would soon go to Caloocan, where she would sit of many years, slowly being robbed of parts, until her rotten carcus was finally scrapped in 2009.

Another photo I have clearly shows here U15C Phase One origin, with the large radiator grill at the end of the long hood. The original 908 had the smaller grills associated with the U14C and Phase 2 U15C of Philippine National Railways.

These were indeed great times to be a fan of the Philippine National Railways.

Employees were friendly and the system so open to those with an interest. Sadly it is not so today and visitors to the main railway yard can be expected to be treated with suspicion by security guards - railfanning still appearing to be considered a highly unusual past time.

However much opportunity still exists to shoot modern railcars around Manila at the local stations, or a more friendly atmosphere down south in Naga. That alone makes the trip still worthwhile.

2011-01-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

Howdee,

The recent news about the local governments interest (again) in reopening the Pagsanjan line had me rustling through the archive searching for the photograph here.

Twas taken during my one and only visit to Pagsanjan back in 2007.

While it as supposed to be a family affair, the canoe ride to the falls and lunch with Bill's Filipino family being the basis of it all, what sort of railfan would I be not to squeeze in a little railway time :-)

After a visit to an old picture theater, he took me to the last known substantial remains of the railway in Pagsajan.

Of course the instant visions of 900s crossing this bridge nowdays (although it would never have happened in real life) started flowing through my mind. Then the modeller side took over with ideas of a layout from the station to the bridge starting to knaw their way past the earlier prototype dreams.

But look at that house on the hill.

Imagine, A/C cranked up, Tanduay and snacks, a few mates around to operate a big layout in that front room, then all running to the window at the sound of 902 on the 15.32 arrival in Pagsanjan.

Dreams?

Perhaps, but certainly not in scale form. Hmmmmmmm

2010-12-19T22:18:00.000-08:00

~~ BILL SULLIVAN - 1949-2010 ~~

Farewell To A Dear Friend.

Every now and then life deals us a real, to be frank, shitty blow. So it was that recently I recieved a phone call about the death of one of my dearest friends, Bill Sullivan.
Apart from a brief mention on my websites at the time, I have thus far been unable to get the strength to do a full tribute.
The below is a eulogy I wrote for Bill the day after the funeral. Not being a public speaker, I have sent this out to his friends after the event.
I would like to truly thank the following people, who were either part of our 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' or our extended family, who attended Bill's funeral on the day.
Pare Bernie Biz, Pare Nathan Chapple, Pare David Phillips, Milan Stenek and his dear long time friend Anne..
Also thank you to Nick Buenafe (Phils), Alan Hicks (Phils), Graham Holt (UK), Paul Hornby (Phils), Harvey Smoller (Phils), David Williams (NZ) and David Xuereb (NSW) for pasing on their messages.

--------------------------------------

EULOGY - BILL SULLIVAN

By: Brad Peadon (Part of his Sydney Family)

It is with much regret that I have only known Bill since around the start of this century, coming together through the mutual love we had for the railways of the Philippines, and that of the country itself.

My involvement in the country came through my marriage to Ana, a Filipina who I met in Australia. Having been interested in railways all my life, it was not surprising that my first trip to the Philippines in 1999 would lead to a long held interest in their, then, slowly decaying operations.
I returned to Australia, set up a small internet webpage and forum based on the subject and it was not all that long after that I received a membership application from Bill, telling me of his great interest and that he was from nearby Newtown.
Not really unusual, over the years there have been many members come and go, some I have met, many who I have not. However Bill soon suggested we could meet and have a chat, as always I invited him to dinner at our house.

While it is far to long ago to remember the night that he came, it was to be the instant start of a friendship that went on to make an incredibly huge mark on the life of, not only me, but also my entire family.
Bill would, over the following years, become an almost weekly visitor to our house. His visits were always looked forward to greatly; after all, you never quite knew where discussions would lead. Of course they started with the railways of the Philippines, but they would then stray off to such obscure topics as paint colours, Workcover (of which is was fiercely proud) and even his amazing escapades around asia.
Bill soon became an extended part of our family, loved by all, and always a huge part of our life.

Bill had an amazing way of getting what he wanted, or getting the very best deal he could.
Nobody who was lucky enough to be considered a friend of Bill would ever need an ALDI catalogue. Bill was almost religiously dedicated to his weekly check of electrical specials and would ring me up to tell me of the great printer/set top box/scanner prices.
“Do you want me to pick any up for you” he would ask. Typical Bill, it was never too much trouble to help those he cared about. He would be waiting at the door of Aldi before it opened, because he knew the to wait would see him miss out.
I am sure ALDI will wonder where he is; certainly their electrical sales will now have plummeted.

Bill would tell me how he made friends at Philippine Airlines, his preferred carrier, and how he managed to get moved up to higher classes than his booked economy seat. His love of PAL, his pride in their service and his mileage status, was constantly mentioned and led my family to start flying them, it even influenced my newest hobby of collecting models of PAL planes.

Collecting

On the subject of collecting, I learnt at Bill’s funeral that he rivalled my attempts at collecting and hording stuff. This, probably, going a long way to explaining his constant desire to help me with my collections.
Tanduay Rhum, the national rum of the Philippines, being a case in point.
I can’t recall who started the tradition, but somehow Bill and I would always come together for a chat over a Tanduay. Hundreds are the times I would open the door and Bill would say “Are you ready to crack open a new one”.
His well-known little white car was famous for having at least two bottles at the ready inside, and perhaps for its virtual invisibility to police breath tests J
This led me on to yet another Philippine related collection, that of Tanduay items. Not just every type of bottle produced, but also posters, banners, signs and other related items, most of which would come from Bill’s endless hunt for such things on his trips.
Pride of place in my collection is a small celebratory wooden barrel marked Tanduay that was full of 18-year-old rum. Although they were hard to get, he tracked one down at Pasay Road after much hunting, and they were incredibly expensive at $75 American.
However Bill was not a friend to give up. He wanted to give me a huge surprise and travelled as much as it would take to find that barrel and then refused any sort of repayment for it.
These barrels always had one weakness, that being in the tap which always developed a leak, mine being no exception. Of course, as always, Bill had a solution for it and was going to fix both of ours – this sadly never reaching fruition, like so many other plans we had.
Indeed Tanduay Rhum, along with Bill and my association with it, even come up during the funeral service.
Ironically Tanduay, while forming a huge part of our time together, also ironically becomes a very sad part of his leaving us. Bill had purchased a brand new product, Tanduay T5, on his recent trip and we were to share this at Christmas. A few of us are now planning to get together in Newcastle to share it in his memory.

His infectious love of the Philippines was my motivator. I began enjoying learning of Philippine history, Philippine traditions/beliefs and, besides the above, would collect virtually anything Filipino. Jeepney destinations, number plates, shop signs, jeepney models and even the few rare bus models.
On his second last trip he just happened to be in a Pagsanjan sari sari store and noticed on a back shelf two bottles. These were very old bottles of rum of lesser manufacture than Tanduay. ‘Anejo Oro’ and ‘San Miguel Bravo Rum’ were the names, both bottles being very old and dusty, one with a very rusty lid.
Bill knew instantly that Brad would love these in his collection and took them to the counter to buy them, only to be surprised when the girl said they were so old she didn’t know the price.
Of course he then went on to offer an amount probably five times what they would be worth, but still the girl said no and that she would have to wait for the owner.
A few days later Bill returned, he wasn’t going to give up on a friend, and the owner told him a price a fraction of the amount he offered. Bill happily grabbed them.

Bill always had some great stories of his 30+ visits to the Philippines, one of the more interesting ones coming to me while driving to Goulburn on Thursday.
He was visiting a museum around Manila and happened to flick a cigarette butt in the gutter when entering. I mean, while littering is frowned upon here, anyone who knows Manila realises it is a way of life there. The amount of garbage lying in the streets is probably what makes this story most amusing.
Anyway, Bill goes into the museum and is busy looking around for a couple of hours, when a lady comes up to him and tells him a policeman has been waiting for him outside for all this time.
Bill, obviously wondering why, went downstairs to see the policeman who informed him that he was being fined for littering. Something Bill found quite amusing.
Of course Bill refused to pay there and then and demanded to be taken to the police station to be officially charged and issued with an infringement notice. This was not just because he didn’t want the guy to pocket the money, but because that $2 infringement notice was “the cheapest souvenir I have ever got”.
We had a huge laugh over this, as well as so many other stories. I believe he framed the notice and I am hoping that one of us can save it for him.

2007

2007 turned out to be the only time that Bill and I ended up in the Philippines at the same time. I am eternally thankful this opportunity was possible and many a memory is retained forever from this trip.
It was this visit that we met up in Tayuman railway yards, along with his dear friend Ceasar and our mutual friends Harvey and Nick. After spending a few weeks around people I didn’t know that well, the sight of Bill’s beaming happy face was a welcome sight from back home.
Together we rode the rear carriage of the train to Alabang for our only time.
On arrival at Alabang I suggested to Bill that we approach the driver for a ride in the cab back to Tutuban station, and we headed up front to find the driver, who was not in the locomotive cab.
Caesar of course followed us soon after, then Harvey and Nick – but still no crew were in the cab.
About 5 minutes later the driver opens the door and is shocked to find all these people, including foreigners, crowding the cab. The look of shock, probably comparable to that during the watching of a horror movie, soon disappeared as we explained our interest and desire to travel up front.
Bill and I stood outside on the footplate, waving to the locals and having many a laugh; it is one of my most treasured memories of time spent with a truly great person.

This visit was also historic in that a visit to Caloocan workshops, again with Harvey, saw us start what was to become the ‘Railways and Industrial Heritage Society’ to preserve items of railway interest. Sadly the society, was not successful in this goal, however they still exist as a group of local railfans who organise outings and the occasional restoration of the few things that are left.

Finally 2007 saw us meet his Philippine family in the famous location of Pagsanjan, his second home when away from Australia.
Here we met those who were his Philippine family for a truly memorable day.
Bill was his typical fun loving self, tricking us with firecrackers he through out our feet and scaring two years off our own existence. It took a few episodes of this prank before we realised Bill was the culprit behind it.
He had also arranged for our own afternoon trip up the rapids to visit the famous Pagsanjan Falls, our boatman for the day being part of his local family and giving us an experience of a lifetime in this most beautiful of places.
Following lunch with the family we started heading back to Manila, having declined, much to my current regret, the offer to stay there a few days.

Sadly we never went back to the Philippines at the same time again, however we would always share stories, obviously over a Tanduay, following each of our trips.
We also continued our endless railway research, Bill had a knack for finding links to unknown sites (many of which I have yet to follow), and continued on with our railway newsletter and forums.

Part Of Our family.

While by now a very important part of our family, it was made more official with his being asked to be a godfather to my beloved new daughter Christine (Tin Tin) Charice Peadon. In Filipino tradition this made Bill my pare, and as good as an official member of the family.
I still remember Bill’s immense happiness and pride in taking on such a roll and we were so honoured to receive his acceptance. I now learn of how he shared this pride with others.
We both wore the traditional Filipino barong for the occasion and laughed about how only the Aussies ever did do, while the Filos went with more normal attire.

Bill kept his 60th birthday a secret from us all, not wanting any fuss, but slipped up and mentioned his approaching 61st birthday, just this year, about a month prior to the actual date.
We set about organising a surprise party to repay him for his endless friendship and generosity over the years, but knew he would not want the fuss. We thus disguised it as a very important meeting of our railway society and begged him to return from Newcastle for it – which he agreed to.
Many of his friends from earlier parties hid in the kitchen when he arrived, of course with the customary Tanduay Dark under his arm, and walked down the hallway.
Not really certain of his reaction, I was worried until he walked around the corner to the awaiting crowd and beamed into his biggest smile ever. While not liking a fuss, he was certainly so happy to see this many friends gathered to share is special day.
What a wonderful day, with so many photos taken to remember it.

Final Weeks

Bill had only been back from the Philippines for a couple of weeks before he started receiving pains in the chest and went to hospital.
Not wanting to worry us, he had not told us of what happened, or the subsequent operation. Sadly a week later a massive heart attack took him away from us forever.

The last I saw him was a visit to our shop the day after his return from Manila, happy to be able to give me another new Tanduay product for the collection and to show me a second that we were to share at Christmas – a Christmas we would never have dreamed would not come.
The last I heard from him was a phone call from a major hobby shop in Newcastle City. In typical Bill style he overheard talk of my eldest son of wanting to build a model of a Spitfire and he went to the shop to get him a surprise for Christmas –again a Christmas we never expected wouldn’t would not be able to spend together.

I was beginning to wonder why I had not heard from him for a week, a very unusual amo

unt of time between word from Bill, and was about to text him when I got a call from his mobile.
Happiness to hear from him was soon replaced by horrific devastation to find his friend Milan on the phone with the terrible duty of having to inform all his friends and acquaintances of Bill’s passing.
Milan, I had heard so very much about from Bill, although I had only met him once or twice. I can’t even imagine how hard it was for him to have to ring and tell everyone the terrible news and I am so appreciative of him doing so. It’s far more than I could ever do.
I think we owe it to Bill to remain in regular contact, along with his dear friend Anne, and look after each other, as he would have done for each of us individually. We should never let him down in this important duty.

The future

The death of a friend often changes life immeasurably, the loss of one of the closer ones even more so.
Bill was always my driving force with the ‘Philippine Railway Historical Society’. When troublemakers brought me down, it was always Bill there to help and push me onwards. This enthusiasm for the Philippines has gone with Bill, although I will keep some sort of limited interest going as he will have always wanted that.
I will be forever tied to the Philippines through some wonderful family and friends who live there – but things will never quite be the same ever again.
Any problems, especially technical/computer related, were fast fixed by Bill (often with help from a computer expert friend in Wollongong), any other hassles in life, or Philippine historical questions, usually found an email a couple of days later with a list of internet links to help solve the problem.
I shall also miss the regular supplies of coconut vinegar, the latest FHM Philippines magazines, the laughs, the hi-fives, the stories, the inspiration boosts, the endless support of my writing projects and, most of all, our afternoons siting around and chatting about, well, just about anything.

Bill did not have a huge circle of friends, he obviously chose them carefully and literally devoted his life to each and every one. Those who were among those chosen should never underestimate how amazingly lucky they were.

Goodbye Bill – I know the last thing you would have ever wanted to do was make us sad – but that’s the side affect of making us so happy.
You will be constantly remembered, everywhere I look in our house is something related to you, and your remaining friends will always try to help those who you valued so much.

Brad Peadon
Proud member of your Sydney family.

2010-12-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

VALE: BILL SULLIVAN

It is with immense sadness I advise of the passing away of my dear family friend Bill Sullivan.

Bill was always my driving force in the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society', he was always a very supportive friend and no more generous and kind hearted man has ever graced the planet.

A proper memorial will soon be written - for the moment I am just to upset to even think.

RIP - Bill, our great loss is heavens great gain.

Brad

2010-12-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

Every now and then a historical transport gem turns up on the internet.

No doubt there are many out there who, like myself, collect bus tickets. Only recently came across a few Sydney ones that I horded way back when a fare could be got for as low as 15c, and on a ticket hand ripped from a pad.Thats so long ago I can't actually remember when it was.

Here be an old save one from a Philippine bus. Not sure who the owner is though, it isn't in my collection.

2010-11-21T23:41:00.000-08:00

~~ NEW Philippine Airlines A380 ~~

ENTERS SERVICE

2010-11-21T20:53:00.000-08:00

~~ AHMMMM OK ~~

Every now and then someone makes a comment that is so stupid that it is beyond belief.

Nope, it's not preservation in which I talk of today, it is the comment of Senator Ralph Recto that more roads need to be built to solve traffic problems.

What the heck?

Unless Manila is unique in the world, chances are it will just transfer chaos elsewhere, especially with all the new traffic it encourages.

At least he does have some thought for rail, it just ain't in tune with the majority of the world thinks nowdays.

The article HERE!

2010-11-15T20:48:00.001-08:00

~~ SOCIETY ATTACK TIMELINE ~~

' November Update '

* Fiddling with my Skyscrapercity account and the photo sharing feature of it.

* Attack on PhilippineRailways Yahoogroup

* Regular censorship of my postings on Facebook group 'PNR,LRT,MRT in the Philippines' by a select member now removed. Corrected by a very kind group owner and appreciated.

* Attack on PhilippineRailways Yahoogroup

* Changing of my settings on Facebook group 'PNR.LRT,MRT in the Philippines' to prohibit posting to the board. Corrected again by a very kind group owner and appreciated.

The Filipino is a very god fearing people, I wonder what god thinks about these continual actions?

The PRHS is a research, help and publishing group. It costs money to run, but it is done voluntarily to help others. Sadly other people seek to destroy our efforts to help you, even though we do not benefit personally from it..

Remember: Always stop and consider all points of view, before

rushing head first into a ill-informed conclusion! To not do so makes you look like a fool in front of the conveyor of false information.

2010-10-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

~~ ALONG DA RILES MAGAZINE ¬¬

Free E-Zine

I have often been asked to do an electronic version of 'Along Da Riles' for easier and distribution to interested people worldwide.

Being still a lil old fashioned I have been reluctant to take this step with the magazine in the past.
However time marches on and the steady growth in interest and demand has made the publication a more expensive and time consuming project. Also the postage cost/size limitations has made it hard to do the occasional larger issues.

The 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' (Originally Philippine Railways SIG) was set up in 1999 to be a non-profit group, mostly internet based, and mean't for exploring and promoting the Philippine railways. 'Along Da Riles' magazine was borne as part of a ill-concieved attempt to help a society we started in Manila.

Despite the failure of that project, the magazine continued to be of much interest to readers and continued on under our PRHS banner.

Now we are trialing an e-zine version of the publication which will allow us more flexibility with colour, photography and size. It is even planned to expand into other transportation modes on a limited basis.

To get every FREE issue there are two ways to put your name down on the mailing list.

Visit the ALONG DA RILES mailing list website.

Or simply send a blank email to Along_Da_Riles-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

There is no catch - There are no fees - There is no SPAM - You can unsubscribe any time

2010-10-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Attacks/Rumours - The Society.

One of the weirder side effects of voluntary work in the railway hobby is the amount of trouble and hate one attracts along the way.
Sadly, it does seem a national past-time of many railfans, Australian, Filipino or elsewhere, to deride the efforts of all who give of their free time and money to share back with the railfan community.
Indeed some railfans do go out of their way to encourage it, building empires of imaginary power, trying to benefit financially from others, making ludicrous claims and the like.

But overall, many a railfan gives of their free time out of pure generosity and a desire to help. It does not matter the cost, or the efforts gone to, they are the true volunteers.
At least until all the backstabbing, lies and attacks finally make them wonder why.

Sadly the society has been target for many problems in recent times, all seemingly coming from the Philippines, presumably coming from somewhere that is railfan related and seeking to cause problems, or at best, our demise.

It sounds like the script of a James Bond action thriller, but spies, informants, betrayal and deceit has been the order of the day in recent months. People posing as friends to both societies, but at the same time working against them and trying to cause mayhem.
Followed recently by removal from Wikipedia any traces of the society and its websites, as well as general censorship on the Facebook group 'PNR LRT MRT in the Philippines'.
Indeed, despite our group policy of any member being able to join any other group he/she feels like joining, involvement in our group has reportedly been banned by at least one group.

People are asked to do themselves a favour. Find out both sides of any story. Listening to, and believing, one side of any story not only leaves a person ignorant, it also makes you look like a fool in front of the person you believe.

The PRHS will always remain as a voluntary society open to helping and sharing information, it will never dictate which other organisations others can join and it WILL ALWAYS treat all members as equals.

I'm frightfully sorry if this is not what people wish.

2010-07-17T21:22:00.001-07:00

~~ TANKS A LOT ~~

Hi all, some discussions on the Philippine National Railway tank cars have been occuring on the PRHS 'Philippine Modelling Yahoogroup'.

As a result I have been going through some of my more recent shots of the prototype and prowling the internet for possible items in which to base a reasonable model.

Walthers model.

No idea who makes this tanker.

This tanker by Model Power looks like it may have much potential.

The difference that stands out most between them is the dome height, which always seems somewhat taller than the PNR version.

This could always be fixed by chopping a bit out of the dome should you be truly fussed.

For more ideas, a Google search for HO Tank cars gives a lot of different types.

And

If you are interested in modelling anything Philippines, whether it be trains, buses, planes, buildings, ferries or just scenery, we would welcome your ideas on the Philippine Modelling Yahoogroup. Discussion without the bitterness that has invaded our main PhilippineRailways Forum.

2010-07-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

~~ YOU NOW HAVE A CHOICE ~~

The PRHS now has a second main Yahoo chat forum for people to join.

The new group is set up as a companion to our original, 11 year old, Yahoogroup and will return us back to the societies roots and what the forum was really mean't to be.

It is not a replacement group, it has a far different outlook and approach to that of the original group nowdays.

It will not be a group for everyone - its based more on making friends and having fun within the hobby, rather than pure train discussion all the time. Please, if fun is important, please check us out at PhilRail-SIG.

PhilRail-SIG Yahoogroup

The fun and friendship side of the Philippine transportation hobby.

PhilippineRailways Yahoogroup

The serious side of the Philippine Railway hobby.

2010-07-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Some more Panay historical guff.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Quirino-Lopez Bridge
By Dr. Vic Pido

A view from the Quirino Bridge.Well folks, we’re just a few days before December. The weather is fast changing. Traveling around will be good because we’re going to have a cool weather while we’re in traveling togs and shoes.

This time, we tackle the Iloilo River from the Quirino-Lopez Bridge.

Last issue, we learned that the Arroyo Fountain lady faces due east, which is where we get our sunshine. But nowadays, the sun rises from the east-south direction, which is exactly the area where we look at the Iloilo River, exactly on top of the Quirino Bridge. As you can see in the photo, the sun is at our back.

Nicolas Loney the man responsible for the construction of the Muelle Loney in 1926.As for the river, we are standing on the deeper part of it, which explains why the sea-going vessels are parked along its banks.

It would be crazy for seafarers to go down northward towards the rest of what we call the Iloilo River. Puzzling, isn’t it?

The story’s like this. In 1926, a guy named Loney, a sugar planter from Iloilo, built a canal from the south harbor of Panay, going due north. The canal ended just right under the Quirino Lopez Bridge. This canal served as a port for sea-going vessels, to ferry out the sugar cane of Loney. The sugar cane was brought in by Loney’s railway, which we used to call the Panay Railways. Remember that? Thus the birth of the Iloilo port and railway systems.

21200

2010-07-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

From: THE NEWS TODAY - Iloilo City

BRIDGING THE GAP
Henry F. Funtecha, Ph.D. 2009

The railroad network in the Visayas (II)
In the previous column, it was stated that the construction of a system of railroads in the Visayas was one that was given emphasis by the government authorities in the early days of the American occupation of the Philippines. These railway lines were to be constructed in Panay, Cebu and Negros.

The preparation for the construction of the Visayan railway system began in June 1906. After location surveys were completed, orders were placed for large quantities of construction materials, tools and machinery, 4 locomotives, 50 construction flat cars of 40 tons capacity and 50 ballast cars from the United States (Manila Daily Bulletin, November 3, 1907).

In order to be able to unload and care for the shipments upon their arrival and for all future orders, surveys were made for terminal grounds. These were found in Lapuz, La Paz across the City of Iloilo and along the pier in the City of Cebu. Temporary wharves and bodegas were constructed, and temporary tracks of light rails were laid to help in the storage and movements of the materials and tools.

By the early part of November 1906, the task of locating the lines where the railway will pass were partially done. The relevant maps and profiles of the final location of a 36-km. line from Iloilo City to Pototan and another 36-km. line from Cebu City to Danao had been filed with the Insular Government. On November 14, 1906, the American governor-general formally opened the construction of the Panay line in Iloilo, followed by that in Cebu on November 17 (Report of the Philippine Commission 1907).

In both Panay and Cebu, construction works involved not only the laying of the railroad tracks but also grading of the land and construction of the terminal building, bridges and culverts. The steel spans for bridges were fabricated in the U.S.

To provide for the operation of the lines whose construction was in full swing in mid-1907, orders were placed in the U.S. for 6 additional locomotives, 23 passenger coaches, and 80 freight cars. At this point, there were already in Panay and Cebu 7 locomotives and 100 freight cars (Manila Daily Bulletin November 3, 1907).

The locomotives were American in make and consisted of 50-ton for heavy construction work and ballasting, 30-ton and 35-ton for mixed train service. Generally, 70-pound steel rails, hardwood of the highest grade for ties and 6 inches of ballast were used. The passenger coaches had steel underframe and were equipped with complete air brakes and signals. The first-class and parlor coaches were finished in teak and the second class in sheated yellow pine (Report of the Philippine Commission 1909).

The railroad project in Negros, on the other hand, was postponed by the Americans to a later date because of the pre-occupation on Panay and Cebu. Unfortunately, the work on the Negros line never materialized.

On September 16, 1907, the Philippine Railway Co. opened the 36-km. line between Talisay and Danao in Cebu. In Panay, the first 36-km. line from Iloilo City to Pototan was opened some time in December 1907. The complete line to Capiz was not completed until June 1910 (Manila Daily Bulletin November 3, 1907).

2010-07-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

PHIL-TRANS

~~ New Philippine Transportation News Site ~~

Check ot the PRHS Homepage for the new Phil-Trans page.

This will occasionally cover news and views on Philippine railway (and other) transportation and preservation in the Philippines.

Content mostly coming from what I used to place on the Yahoogroups - but now more widely available.

Phil-Trans News

Photo: Rodney Orca, showing SSC members restoring the Abad Santos signalbox.

21082

2010-07-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

IS IT TIME TO SINK OR SWIM?

Everyone has their darkest days, a day they regret, a day they wish had never occured.

For me it was during February this year when a visit to Manila brought me to the immense reality that railway preservation in the Philippines, by the society I personally had started the ball rolling with (along with friends Bill ad Harvey), had greatly failed the people of the Philippines.

The endless need for ego massaging, to take hold control of all railfan societies based on the Philippines and to be alongside managers and other dignatories at railway events, mean't that the wholesale scrapping of important items went unnoticed.

Indeed, the soon to be proclaimed new president of the 'Railways and Industrial Heritage Society Phils. Inc.' was horrified to learn of what I had found, not least due to the destruction of a couple of his personal favourites.

The soon to be out-going president (officially, but not in reality), too busy massaging his own importance, has since brushed it off saying that they decided to keep whatever "THEY" could hope to restore in their lifetime, without thought to other peoples lifetimes.

You see, socities are mean't to be full of OTHER people. A society works together to achieve a common goal.

Socities, including railway socities, require the usual heirachy at the top, but when these people fail to treat their members and others with respect, they soon find people leaving for other goals. Not even the appointing of a puppet president will curb this downturn - people seeing straight through the bulldust into the reality of what is still going on.

Railway preservation in the Philippines has been failed - Totally Failed.

No amount of ego, smoke screens, mud slinging, lies, lies or other carrying on will ever change this.

The question being put to a meeting of the PRHS this Friday is:

"Is there any reason to continue reservation in the Philippines, should there be a new more considerate society and how can things be done differently?"

Three questions, but three very important questions needing a lot of discussions.

It all comes down to whether or not what little is left needs to be preserved and is there a new team out there who has the capability of doing it?

A answer of 'NO' would be regretable, but fully understandable, given the total disgrace that has spewed forth since 2007.

Philippine Railway Preservation

Time To Sink Or Swim!

20563

2010-07-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

~~ Indonesian Railway Preservation ~~

A true example of what 'could have been' had things in the Philippines been a different way.

A 'massive' group of 'friends' sharing a similar passion to preserve the history of their railways.

No bickering, no ladder climbing, no hatred, just a whole lot of good hearted and kind people sharing their passion together.

Onya guys - you have done amazing things already.

2010-06-30T00:54:00.000-07:00

~~~ 2010 - A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENTS ~~~

2010 has proven many a PNR sceptic wrong. Even I, just a few years ago, thought I was witnessing the end of a once grand system, a system that has deteriorated continually over a number of decades.

However the railway back then is a vastly different one to that which exists today as new projects and restoration work continues at a rapid pace.

The above shot was taken on both the first day of restoration of normal service to Sucat, as well as the reopening of the former down track allowing for a two track service again.
I was lucky enough (missed my plane back to Sydney) to ride in the cab of one of these first runs. Cab riding is often a fun experience, no matter what country yor in, but the stark difference around the Sucat area in less than 8 months had me more entertained than what the train was doing.

Only four months later we have these services extended to Alabang, a whole brand new station no less, we have trial runs to the rebuilt San Cristobal bridge, Calamba and, just a couple of days ago, the first train to run from Manila to Naga in nearly four years.
Truly cause for celebration - Great work PNR.

But it won't stop there.

New president depending, there is the full rebuild of the south to look forward to, along with its extension to Sorsogon. Then there is the occasionally talked about reopening of the Batangas, Sta Cruz and Panay railways.
This along with the Northrail project actually now quite a possibility, will make the next few years a very interesting period indeed.

We will be following it all here on the blog, the good and the bad.

MABUHAY

2010-06-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

~~ PRHS SHOPFRONT ~~

In Sydney's lovely downtown Narwee.

During June 2010 the PRHS will be setting up in a small section of the 'Manila Sunset Convenience Store' in Sydney (Australia).

MEMBERSHIPS - ALONG DA RILES - FUTURE PUBLICATIONS - SOUVENIERS

Donations are also expected to be taken for a brand new railway preservation society in the Philippines - a more progressive and friendly society to benefit all local and overseas railfans.

People interested in Philippine railways or transportation in general are welcome to drop by for a chat, but it is best to contact me first to make sure I will be there.

Hope to meet you there one day.

Manila Sunset Convenience Store Website

2010-04-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

~~ ESPANA STATION ~~

A couple of shots showing Espana station in 2010 following all the squatter clearing and Hanjin's railway restoration work.

2010-04-09T00:21:00.000-07:00

~~ ALONG DA RILES #5 ~~

iNSIDE ISSUE #5:

Operation Adobo - Part 1 of my trip report + Photos.
Northern Work Takes Off - Photography by Happosai
Sucat Reawakening - Arnold Feather
Fast Track News - PNR, LRT, Panay, Historical and Other
Report on PRHS planned changes for donations and support.
Report on possible expansion of magazine.

2010-04-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

~~ PHILIPPINE RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ~~

* SKYSCRAPERCITY *

COMBINED RAILFAN DAY!

It has become quite the custom nowdays to have a big railfan gathering when I visit the beautiful Philippines. Not only does it give a chance to spend a day 'Along Da Riles', but even better, it allows me to again catch up with some of the best friends you could ever hope to know.
This day was no exception, while I again got to catch up with old friends, I made some terrific new ones, all of whom I look forward to seeing again the next time I return.

Below is a number of photos from the 'Combined Railfan Day', a full report on which (as well as the whole trip) starts in this months 'Along Da Riles' magazine.

The day starts early at Espana station. Jun Sanchez is the first to arrive and he is seen here talking to David Xuereb from Sydney.

One of the new DMUs stop at Espana on a service to Bicutan.

David has a good inspection of railfan favourite 902 at Tayuman shed.

5009 and 919 awaited outside the shed, the later having arrived from Binan in the morning.

A rare survivor during the recent scrappings is CMC-382, a carriage that is in surprisingly good condition for its class type. The yellow 'H' is just a Photoshop dream of mine that I hope comes true.

David has a look through 7A-2014.

A local shopper outside the former Tutuban station, now converted into a mall.

Railfans enjoying a ride to Blumentritt with the regular travellers.

A rather sad looking Abad Santos signalbox awaiting some TLC.
This has since become covered in election posters for the many different presidential hopefuls later in the year.

Inside Abad Santos and a lovely old frame is found to still exist.

Rodney catches me photographing the group :-)

Sollis Signalbox

Natural enemies meet at Triangulo.

A long wait before the first afternoon train would take us from Blumentritt to Paco to inspect the old Paco railway station. Probably worthwhile with a renewed push to sell the land and airspace around the failed Paco Mall project.

More photos from this and other days during February will be coming soon.

18795

2010-03-28T01:09:00.000-07:00

~~ MARCH PRHS DISPLAY ~~~

Had another display at a recent party, mostly to promote our upcoming change in charter from helping the local Manila railway society, to a charity solely for helping poor children in Manila.

Sadly, as we were unable to take donations on the night as we are mid way through the work needed to officially make the change, however the support from people, for what we propose, was very heartwarming and it looks very promising.

18475

2010-03-18T23:44:00.000-07:00

~~ ANGELES CITY 1999 ~~

I wondered where this photograph got to.

Amazingly it tuned up while looking in a box of Australian railway

shots from around 15 years ago.

18245

2010-03-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

~~ FROM THE SIDELINE ~~

A NEW SECTION OF PERSONAL VIEWS!

------------------------------------------

By - The Colonel

RIHSPI taking control of Skyscraper city forums...
As part of the RIHSPI plan to control the railfan movement in the Philippines, it would seem many posts on SSC that are critical of them, or PNR demolishing, and destroying potential heritage assets, are now being delated.
This group supposedly for preservation, seems to heading more towards a type of railfan dictatorship, something rarely seen in preservation circles, and if it does, such schemes, or the people involved, are doomed to failure.

Well meaning individuals have tried to make a difference, however these efforts seem in vain.
If one is to go to the Philippines to research their railways and infrastructure, it would be best to keep a low profile, as quite a few rumours circulate at present about blackbans, unwelcome railfan individuals etc.
How much is genuine PNR, or RIHSPI is a point in question.As it was pointed out, the recent destruction in Caloocan, and elsewhere, under RIHSPI's nose has left even less historical items to perhaps preserve, and enjoyfor future generations.
The end result for this power grabbing, and enforcement, is assets being obliterated, while the struggles to police peoples ideas, and enthusiasm are being consolidated.

---------------------------------

ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS SECTION ARE SOLELY THAT OF THE PERSON WHO WROTE AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESERNT THOSE OF THE 'PHILIPPINE RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY'

18155

2010-03-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

~~ RAILFAN DAY IN MANILA ~~

As has become quite a tradition with Philippine trips, our visit last month saw another railfan gathering organised.

This gathering saw us meet at Espana to photograph the DMUs and then travel the old Commex into Tutuban. Here we inspected the few remaining items in Tayuman yard, before catching a train to Blumentritt to inspect Abad Santo and Sollis signalboxes.

Then it was off to Paco to look at the derelict remains of the original station, Pasay Road for the sake of it and then back to Espana where we all farewelled each other.

I have some photos to share, but thought I would show these by my good friends Rodney Orca and Ben Exconde who have been quicker to get them on to Facebook than I have.

APOLOGIES - Rodney just notified me that all the photos are actual Ben's. I have rectified this in the credits below. Thanks Rodney and sorry Ben.

Brad and David walking back to Abad Santos and Sollis station.

Grrrrrrrr train stoppages!

Photo: Ben Exconde

BUDA (aka PUSA) Car #22 recieves an inspection much to the disgust of its informal settler who high tailed it outside the door.

Photo: Ben Exconde

Some of the remaining group at Paco.

Photographer: Unknown - - Camera: Benm Exconde

Taking a look at the newest additipons to the PNR fleet.

Photo: Ben Exconde

Morning service heads back to the cover of the carriage shed.
Photo: Ben Exconde

2010-03-10T18:17:00.000-08:00

Just when you think they have all been removed from Manila
they go and sneak back in!

Does this make is a PUSA car now?

2010-03-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

"We decided to mark that which we could hope to

preserve in our lifetime"

Quote: Jaime Tiongson!

An interesting quote recieved yesterday during upset following

the showing of these shots.

So all that can be preserved in this persons lifetime is a few freight wagons and the dormatory car? Perhaps the observation car after a panic trip south.

Not even just three historic Madras cars could be done on

the very cheap labour available there?

Perhaps the last MCBP which was still in good condition and stored inside could have been easily kept?

Then there was the favourite of some local members, 7A-129 and 130.

Nobody seems to even know the status of the last two sleeping car survivors, perhaps even parts of them show in ther photos below.

Seems also an interesting quote as this reason was not an important concern when the 'H' program commenced on its very small scale. Plans were even mentioned of going to Caloocan to mark these cars, my being asked to come along and identify which should be kept.

Now we are left with the dormatory car, the observation car, the very important Marcos car (I hope), a number of 7As (many in far worse condition than the 7Es at scrapping and some modern day NR types.

The first three are indeed historically important, some very much so, but what about the every day items? The ones that Mr and Mrs

Filipino once travelled on and can relate to?

Suppose the next time we see them will be at the big roundhouse in the sky.

What about the people in the 'next lifetime' who would have had more time to restore these important items. Won't they be rightly pissed?

A PERSONAL VIEW!

This is my personal view and does not reflect that of the PRHS, or any of its members, whether or not they already agree with what I say.

This is not aimed at any society, more so the comments of an individual who tried to explain his inaction that lead to this event.

18063

2010-03-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

RIVERBANKS STEAM LOCOMOTIVE

Taken during February 2010 and remaining in a rather good condition.
Contrary to earlier reports, security guards were not a problem.
The building behind s the Gordon/Fernando campain office.

2010-01-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

2009-11-17T21:56:00.000-08:00

Howdee all,

For want of anything else to post, here is an insiode shot of a 7A in June 2009.

The carriage was still in use on the lkimited Alabang and Binan services being run by these sets at the time.

2009-11-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

2009-11-11T17:59:00.000-08:00

~~ PRHS - Naga Chapter ~~

Our Philippine Railway Historical Society 'Membership and Promotion Officer' and part-time Bicol resident, Paul Hornby, is proposing the setting up of a Naga Chapter of the PRHS for the Bicol region.

While the ideas and goals of this chapter are still being drawn up, they wish to promote railway preservation/restoration in the Bicol area, historical research and perhaps investgate the 'Friends Of PNR' type operation in the local area.

Membership to the group would be free, with any restoration work funded by the community, the members and through the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society'.

News and updates would be available to members by way of a internet forum, overseas (outside Philippines) membership would still be done through the current PRHS, including 'Along Da Riles' newsletter.

If you are interested in a Bicol region chapter, have some ideas, or would like more information, please feel free to contact Paul.

alco600 @ yahoo. com (remove spaces)

------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on joining the Philippine Railway Historical Society and helping us with the big task of preserving Philippine railway

history, please check out our

WEBSITE

14220

2009-10-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

~~ PRHS Update ~~

Howdee all,

From our end I am happy to say we have located 288 back issues of 'Railway Gazette International' from the 60-early 2000s and I am currently in the process of going through all of them to record any Philippine railway history that exists.
Sadly the railways of the Philippines don't figure heavily in there, but there has been a number of small pieces on the LRT, as well as PNR and Panay Railways.
One extended article covers the previous south line rebuild.

Our Vice-President is currently in the Philippines and is to make another $60 donation to the RIHSPI, this one being directed to the restoration of the second BUDA car.

I am hopeful of launching another fund drive early in January to assist Karel's efforts with this historic vehicle. Just got to motivate the rest of our board first :-)

Another donation, in the form of a ticket, has been made privately to a project in Naga who is doing a display of local history for the railway station.

Publications:

Issue #3 of 'Along Da Riles' is now out and has been sent to members, PNR managers, other publications and industry people.
Feedback has been great as we slowly improve it, while we are now getting the occasional contributions.

Books: We are currently looking at a couple of these and trying to source costs for printing in the Philippines (to again help the economy there). A few ideas, one of which I hope to put out a help request for shortly. If anyone is interested in helping on the locomotive and railcar front,
I would be happy to hear from you.

Proceeds from these will go into RIHSPI preservation work.

-----------------------------------------------------

Thats it for this month guys.

The research work continues endlessly, as does the more boring duties of running a society of this type

Remember: Together we can achieve anything.

Regards
Brad Peadon
Philippine Railway Historical Society
http://philippine-railways.blogspot.com

2009-10-28T04:04:00.000-07:00

Issue #3 of 'Along Da Riles is being distributed now.

Inside is a special inaugeration issue!

2009-10-12T01:16:00.000-07:00

~~~ RANDOM PICCIES ~~~

A random selection of shots found on the asawa's camera following the numerous camera hassles I experienced there.

View of Tayuman yard from Tutuban station.

New DMU pauses at Buendia station!

Speedo during test runs aimed at trying to reach 80kph.

Typhoon Tiongson taking some shots of a discovered MRR logo on the old 4w boxcar at Tayuman.
The logo appears on a bracket, or similar, near the top on the sides.

12965

2009-10-06T02:12:00.000-07:00

~~ FRATESCHI U5B ARRIVES AT PAYATAS ~~

Like so many other promises I have made in recent weeks, this one to put photos of the U5B model are well behind.

However finally today I got around to doing a few shots and resizing them to show here.

It is part of the PRHS Modelling Group's idea to build a small layout based on a fictional station in Payatas.

This model is a fair bit longer than the real thing (model size), but when compared to the Frateschi model usually used for the 900s, which is also longer, they may well look acceptable enough.

Anyway, its arrival isn't marked with an immediate model, it still requires much work to get it going. This will be covered in more detail on the PRHS Philippine Modelling Yahoogroup forum.

Below are three photos.

QUIZ: Bonus points for anyone who can identify the famous series

showing on the television.

12720

2009-10-06T01:22:00.000-07:00

PRHS MEETING - October 5th 2009

Attending: Brad Peadon, Bill Sullivan

Apologies: Paul Hornby

PHOTO: Showing recent floods around Blumentritt - Thanks to Happosai.

Hi all,

Tonight we had the monthly meeting of the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' in Sydney.

The largest hurdle brought up during the night was that of board attendance and interest, something that has been affected following the negativity recieved from the Philippines when we decided to change our name to assit in the need to show the separate nature of the two societies.

There seems to have been a boycott of sorts over our (well some of our) desire to still mostly assist the RIHSPI under current conditions. #

With the reduced amount of people here for the meeting there were only a few items discussed.

** Advertising in the United States has commenced with an advertisment seen in one major publication and word that it has also appeared in another.

Prior to the recent problem we were investigating some paid advertising which was to come out of our own pockets and not that of the society. This advertising would be in primary USA magazines where the most people will be found.

** We have had some contact with a major Philippine broadcaster, through and Australian agent, and this has been positive in nature.

** The research project continues apace. I have been mostly concentrating on the diesel era, with Bill Sullivan more the steam era. Paul has been busy getting married and attending to other projects in the Philippines.
When he returns he plans to help greatly with things. This will certainly take off a huge amount of the pressure that is on me.
The plan is to include research findings in the group magazine, along with anything else that is donated, for all to enjoy. To this end we are always on the lookout for copies of photos, sightings, trip reports and anything else of Philippine railway interest.

** Along Da Riles #3 is approaching completion. Having to compile this one mostly myself, plus a new baby, has put it behind a little.

** The possibility of another preservation project in the Philippines has come forth. This is still in its early days and we hope to be able to outline this more when, and if, things become a little more concrete.

Finally I thank everyone who have given their continued support.
The Philippine railway hobby is a small one, but together we can work to enjoy it more.

Regards
Brad Peadon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

# - On a personal note, I am still of the belief we should continue to offer continued support to the RIHSPI as well as any other official rail preservation/restoration project being completed in the Philippines.
There is a large non confidence feeling in certain parts of that societies board, but we should not use this as a reason to not support them, thus hurting other members and the people of the country themselves.
We MUST put the Philippines first!!! This is why we entered into this project in the first place.

2009-10-04T00:52:00.000-07:00

*** FLOOD VICTIM DONATIONS ***

Thank you to Ferlie Am-Is, Ning Peadon, Honey Padregalan, Pam Vose and Tom Vose for you donations to our money raising efforts for the Philippine flood victims.

We continue the project!

2009-10-01T05:42:00.000-07:00

2009-09-27T23:29:00.000-07:00

**** AUSSIES - PLEASE HELP ****

Seeking Donations To Help People Affected By Philippine Floods!

I am helping to raise donations for the poor people affected by the huge floods in Manila.
Can you help with a donation, of any size?

Donations will be sent through the Pasalubong Food Store at 1073 Botany Road Mascot 2020 NSW Australia.

They can either be made direct to Pasalubong.

Please help those back in the Philippines when they need it most.

Railway related photos of the floods are few.

This one, taken by Mr Bicol, shows the area at Buendia on the 26th.

No doubt extensive damage has been done to new trackwork and that still awaiting attention.

12543

2009-09-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

~~ FROM THE PERSONAL FILES ~~

Howdee all,

Am gradually going through all the old boxes and boxes of railway guff to find what is in there.
Here be one of my first shots of the PNR and of a locomotive that is impossible to photograph in this condition anymore.

Ol 908 was awaiting repairs back here in 1999, but by 2004 was beyond economical repair at Caloocan workshops and severely stripped.
As of June 2009 she was still sitting out the back of the shops, with cab and short hood gone, severely stripped of anything salvageable. Given she was like this in 2007 it is a wonder she hasn't become a Korean car by now.

Maybe she could become a good testbed for a trial rebuild.

It should be noted that 908 was originally 904, with 916 the original locomotive to carry this number.

2009-08-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

~~ TAYUMAN TOWER ~~

This posting is mostly the result of a request on the PRHS PHILIPPINE_MODELLING group for a look at the rather historical panel in the tower at Tayuman.
One of the members has an awesome plan to model the yard at Tutuban/Tayuman and I remembered the track diagrams that appear in these photos from May. I am hoping these will be of use to his project.
Thanks to Karel Brouwers for his assistance in being able to visit this interesting tower, which has recently been reported as a contender for demolition.

Starting at the north end of the yard at Tayuman street you can see the loco shop at the far right, along with a connecting line that ran behind it to sidings where, until recently, squatters ruled supreme.

Today there is no sign of this connecting line, or the tracks

of the sidings it once served.

To the far left is the junction for the north and south lines.

Much visible is the mount of signalling that once existed and was

controlled by the tower.

Further on we can still see the loco shed and then the fans

of tracks that once existed here.

To the bottom is the carriage sheds, while in the centre is the former turntable.

The end of the sidings pretty much show where the current Tutuban station is nowdays, while at the bottom, to the right of the strange pink gadget, is presumably the line to the port, assuming it has since changed its location.

Tutuban station, now converted into Tutuban mall.
All this trackage is long gone, the yard area now carpark at the station now used by the population to relieve themselves of money.

A bonus shot of a caboose taken from up in the tower. This vehicle is currently used on clearing train duties as part of the Linkage Project.

Philippine Modelling

If you are interested in modelling any area of the Philippines, regardless of whether or not it is railway related, then you are welcome to join the PRHS Philippine Modelling group.

Members model in a variety of scales, in a variety of ways

and even a variety of topics.

No matter what you may model, many of the principles are the same and we invite you to join us, discuss what your modelling, give hints, ask

questions and make friends along the way.

2009-08-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

~~ CARMONA YESTERDAY AND TODAY ~~

Lindsay Bridge got a photo of this three car CMC/CTC/CMC set standing at Carmona station back in the earlier days of the branch.

Sadly the station had developed into a jungle by the time of my visit in 2009. It had been closed since Typhoon Reming in 2006 and to date there has been no word on when it will reopen, and no actual clarification to what damage the typhoon did.

Next week we plan to do a more instensive photographic survey of Carmona in 2009.

2009-08-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

~~ PRHS UPDATE ~~

Good morning everyone,

Been a while since I did one of these, actually I am not even sure I ever have. :-)

The society continues to slowly grow. It was never expected to be a fast thing and as such we are just happy to see growing interest.
We recently recieved our first member from outside Australia - thanks Jeffrey.
Thank you to everyone for their continued, and much appreciated, support.

The newsletter has changed from its small size to A4, while lessons are being learn't, and improvements made, with each issue.
Sometimes I have trouble fitting in everything.
The one thing we are very short of is small historical articles, or scans of historical items etc. We would like to eventually have a histrorical section regularly, but the editors main interest is 80s until today.

The society has ben recieving good coverage in the railfan and other press. This is slowly also proving to show dividends in membership. This sort of promotion shall continue, while I am hoping one of our local Sydney members will take on the important role of approaching local Filipino businesses here for possible support.

Possibly the biggest cause for confusion of late is the recent change of name from the RIHSPI-ANZ.
I shall try to rectify some of this below:

We are, as with the ANZ, basically a support group.
We have a slowly growing (but it is growing) membership and our primary goal is to raise money to donate to railway preservation groups in the Philippines.
The only change is that we can now donate to any railway preservation project in the Philippines that is an official project, this includes Mr Tiongson's RIHSPI.
I have made a number of approaches to the RIHSPI about their interest in continued financial support, but to date only the Vice-President has replied.

So why bother with the name change?

There seemed to be significant confusion over our use of the RIHSPI name.
PNR especially seemed to continually link our group, which was autonomous, and the Philippine based one.
Due to cultural differences, this caused a bit of trouble for the Manila group.

At a board meeting here it was voted to enforce the idea that we were seperate by utilizing a new name. We would still support Philippine preservation as before, but we would technically call them grants so as to appear a different society.

At the current time we are investigating a number of proposals, but to date we have no plans to preserve our own rollingstock. As this would be difficult from Australia, I am unsure where the idea has risen from.
This is not to say we wont in the future.
Indeed the idea of RIHSPIs proposal of preserving Abad Santos signalbox still appeals to many within the PRHS, as does the restoration of all rollingstock the society recently earmarked for preservation.

First and foremost, my love of Philippine railways means that I will do whatever it takes to help the preservation of it along, preservation of items the 'CORRECT' way.
The PRHS will ALWAYS support ANY railway society in the Philippines and look forward to one day being allowed to support the RIHSPI financially, historically and technically again.

Clearing up some of the strange myths going around:

1) We have dumped the RIHSPI to fend for themselves.

Absolutely not. The RIHSPI would always remain our main priority should they request help in restoring items.
They are a very important society with a big job ahead, they should always be supported 100%. The PRHS, regardless of name, will always be here to support them.

2) Changes were made due to disagreement in the Philippines.

Again, absolutely not. The RIHSPI people are great people in person and I have nothing but fond memories of my time there with them.
The work done on the first BUDA car was fantastic, virtually beyond belief for those of us who saw her at Caloocan.
We may have some concerns about their ideas, but this does not prevent us from donating to those projects considered right.

3) We wish to set up a rival museum.

Yeah right, that would be feasable from Australia :-)
No, Manila does not need two museums, it needs one museum and that is the RIHSPI one. Locals should aim to support this one and help where possible.

If anyone else has questions, or have heard some myths surrounding the recent changes, please feel free to email me and I shall answer here, in public, on the website. These can be sent to PRHS.Soci ety @ gmail . com (remove spaces)

2009-08-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

~~ PRHS LURKING IN LIGAO ~~

Membership officer Paul Hornby is caught enjoying the sight of 922 at Ligao, the first train at this station in nearly three years.

The CMC would be 366, the sole one south of Lucena and probably in the best condition of all her remaining sisters.

The date was the 4th of August and the photographer 'WheelOnSteel'.

2009-08-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

I think the Inquirer journalist summed it all up last night when he closed with

"A DAMN GOOD PERSON"

We all know of her historical importance, its just sad that we only find out the greater person she was inside after her passing!

Farewell President Cory!

2009-08-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

~~ 918 UNDERGOING A TRANSFORMATION ~~

PRHS Board Member Paul Hornby is currently holidaying down in Naga.

While down there his lovely new asawa has been quite generous with the railway time allowing him to bring us this interesting shot of 918.

He has been told that it will be repainted into its original blue and red scheme.

Meanwhile the trapped 7A/NR class carriages are also getting a good going over in preparation for resumption of services.

Exciting times ahead, both for the PNR and the PRHS!

2009-07-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

~~ WHOOPSE ~~

2009-07-28T19:35:00.001-07:00

~~ NATIONAL LUCENA WEEK ~~

A second selection of shots from our 2009 photo survey of the railway yard in this lovely town.
If a regular railway service is again instituted in this busy place, one could think of no better a way than to spend a week around here photographing.

Hopefully PNR can see the need for, at the VERY least, an hourly service to replace some of the endless bus journeys that clog Philippine roads and make them more dangerous.

The need is obvious, but then again, obvious isn't always that obvious to those it should be obvious too.

Note: Views expressed here are solely those of the blog author and do not reflect the thoughts of the PRHS, the PNR (who the author loves), the local Lucena government, the Cub Scouts of Argentina or any railway interested prudes.

2009-07-28T03:55:00.000-07:00

~~ CH - CH - CH - CHANGES ~~

Can't remember who it was that sung that song - grrrrrrr old age and mental blanks are a terrible thing.

DON'T you laugh, you will all know soon enough :-)

Still while many things change, I am glad to have recently remade aquaintences with a few of my earliest Philippine based railfan friends. They have cheered me up during what has been a very dark period.

Anyway there has been numerous changes to things the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' does, so by way of an update:

1) The http://anz.rihspi.org website has been replaced. The new link viewable via our normal website of http://philippine-railways.blogspot.com.

2) The RIHSPI-ANZ Facebook site has been closed.

3) For those people on Facebook who would like to chat about the Philippine National Railways and share photos, there is a group called, not surprisingly really, Philippine National Railways.

4) Both the PhilippineRailways and Philippine_Transportation Yahoogroups can now be used to share photos. LocoShed_Photography_Philippines is thus rendered useless and is due to be shut down.

5) The RIHSPI-ANZ Yahoogroup is due to close shortly, to be replaced by a new PRHS one.

6) I personally officially step down from RIHSPI-ANZ duties in just over two weeks time.

To date a replacement here in NSW has been found.

I shall return to research and sharing stuff on the internet, while I will also be continuing the 'Along Da Riles' magazine for the Australian group and hope to improve it.

7) A revival of Lubricated Flange magazine?????

Hmmm despite rumours to the contrary, this was a very successful publication and may return in a vastly different format.

So thats where we are at - hope this helps to alleviate any confusion.

Perhaps you wouldn't have even noticed :-)

Take care all.

Brad

2009-07-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

~~ NATIONAL LUCENA WEEK ~~

Part 1

A selection of photos showing Lucena in 2009

2009-07-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

Photo by Happosai taken in July!

THE SEARCH FOR BLUE OCTOBER

As a rollingstock researcher I was very interested in Happ's piccies the other day of PNR rollingstock being violated by scrappers torches, missing their chances at preservation.

The question now arises as to which they were.As of June, when I was there, the following 7A types still existed.

It is believed that 7A members were the basis of this violation, which is surprising as the CMC/CTC were next in line (unless of course all these have already been done).

In coming days I shall be narrowing the list of suspects - if anyone else can help, please email me.

UPDATED 27-07-2009 (11.53, 12.25, 12.36, 13.49)

2001 - Believed to be one of the current scrappings!

2002 - Likely being scrapped.

2004 - AR Caloocan.

2005 - Believed to be one of the current scrappings!

2006 - In service

2007 - In service

2008 - In service

2009 - In service

2010 - SCRAPPED

2012 - AR Caloocan

2013 - AR Caloocan

2014 - In service

2015 - In service

2016 - In service

2017 - Believed slated for repair at Manila.

2018 - AR Caloocan

2019 - In service

2020 - Likely being scrapped.

2022 - AR Caloocan

2023 - AR Caloocan

2024 - AR Caloocan

2025 - In service

2026 - Likely being scrapped.

2027 - Believed scrapped in July before inaugeration.

2028 - AR Caloocan

2029 - In service

2030 - Believed slated for repair at Tayuman.

2009-07-24T01:26:00.000-07:00

~~ NEXT WEEK ~~

Stay tuned for a week full of excitment, a week jam packed with rail action, a week you will tell your grandchildren about.

Thats right - its

* NATIONAL LUCENA WEEK *

We take a final look at Lucena in 2009 in a multi part special all week long!

Look forward to your company then.

In the meantime 'Guard Pusa' will keep you company!

RAILFANNING - A HOBBY MEAN'T TO BE ENJOYED!

A HOBBY CREATED FOR FUN!

2009-07-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

~~ LUCENA INSPECTION CAR ~~

This little vehicle, the number of which could not be identified, is closed in behind a fence on Lucena station.
It seems to now be used for storage by a person living in the residence next to it.
Slowly rusting away, it would certainly make a great addition to the RIHSPI IC collection.

2009-07-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

~~ FAREWELL MICK~~

A great friend and supporter of the

railway hobby cause.

Sadly missed by hundreds.

2009-07-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

~~ ANNOUNCEMENT ~~

In an effort to make it more obvious to PNR (and others it seems) that we are seperate groups, many of you would already know that the RIHSPI-ANZ has recently changed names back to what we were originally, 'Philippine Railway Historical Society'.

We have applied for a domain name, but in the interim we can now be found at:

http://PRHSociety.blogspot.com

and our email

PRHS.Society @ gmail. com (Remove spaces)

Sadly it has caused significant bad blood, but our whole board felt it best, in order to protect the RIHSPI in the Philippines from the endless misunderstandings through cultural differences.

This really does not change much other than the name.

The PRHS still aims to operate the way we have and, despite only limited advertising to last month (have launched a huge campain this month), have been experiencing a gradual increase in interest and membership.

Donations would be in the form of grants, so as to alleviate any risk of us being still confused as a single group, even though, in effect we would be helping.

So needless to say, the name has changed, but we remain firmly commited to railway preservation in the Philippines, now and in the future.
We also remain firmly commited to supporting the RIHSPI in the future - indeed another donation heads its way to the Vice-President tomorrow.

An official letter will go out to members, readers and PNR shortly as soon as time presents itself anyway. However we thought it best to clarify the situation for all.

Best wishes

Brad

2009-07-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

~~ MY BABY ~~

In recent weeks I have become very aware of cultural differences between Aussies and the Philippines.

Our different understanding of how things have been worded is a sad but regular thing we have to get used to.

One thing Aussies, well gunzel railfans anyway, seem to occasionally do is to become associated with a certain locomotive.

Over the years I have been associated, and it has even been mentioned in magazines, with 'Queensland Rail' 2142A and 'Freightcorp' 8216, the later of which is still constantly linked to me. It is quite a fun thing really and usually ends up leading to a special fondness for that locomotive from the railfan in question.

In the Philippines I have appeared to have semi-adopted 902, although I always thought it may end up being the mysterious 916.
She is a lovely locomotive, indeed the oldest operational (well possibly operational) locomotive in the PNR fleet.

Indeed it become the logo of the old 'RIHSPI-ANZ' and has gone on to be the same logo for the 'PRHS' who have the same goals.

Born in 1973 to parents General Electric, 902 was later adopted to the Manila Railroad Company. Its birth certificate listing it as number 39238 of model U15C. The locomotive went on to be part of the 'Philippine National Railway' fleet and has become the last operational 1st series U15C still operational with them.

What of the rest?
901 - Scrapped
902 - Available for operation - Stored Caloocan
903 - Beyond Economical Repair, to PNR thinking anyway.
904 - Half scrapped as 908.
905 - Scrapped

Heres hoping that 902 has a long future ahead of her, if not with the PNR in much needed freight traffic, then perhaps with the 'Railways and Industrial Heritage Society' of the Philippines if they realise her value.

Thankfully she is listed as in 'good condition' officially by PNR, which bodes well for the future.

See you again one day old girl.

Regards Brad Peadon
** Personal Views **

2009-07-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

~~ 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY ~~

Hard to believe really, but it is just over ten years since I first went to the Philippines and started a life time commitment of interest to that countries railways.
Back then Philippine railways were a different hobby.
A search of the internet revealed very little at all, while subject specific sites, other than a very outdated PNR one, were really unheard of.
Heading over for the first time in early 1999, I found myself armed with a couple of issues of magazines, a phone number for a driver called Jojo and very little real knowledge.
This trip saw me visit Caloocan and Tayuman, both far more friendlier places back then, as well as Espana, Buendia and Paco.
Many shots were taken, but as it was just a new interest, I didn't get quite the amount I should have.
Returning to Sydney I soon found myself missing the Philippines and wanting to go back. The return happened, but not for five years.
In the meantime I set up the 'Philippine Railways SIG' (later Philippine Railway Historical Society or PRHS) on the internet.
This initially consisted of a small Tripod website and a egroup (later Yahoogroups), the later of which continues to grow.
Over the years I have met so many people, some have become long term friends.
Through these people I have learnt so much about the Philippine railways, yet, there is still so much more to know - indeed I will never know half of the interesting history that exists there.

About a week before the decision to start it all was reached.
The four founding members who were at Caloocan to look at the BUDA cars are seen here with current RIHSPI board member Karel.
L to R: Karel, Harvey, Nick, Bill and Brad

Its great to take a look back at what has changed over the years.
We moved the website from Tripod to Geocities, then later converted to the use of Blogger. While the Geocities site still exists, it is not updated and will soon become history itself with Yahoo closing down their free website service in October.
We have extended our forums to include other types of Philippine transport, photography, modelling and even friendship based forums.

Things began to really change in 2007 when Bill, Harvey, Nick and myself visited the Caloocan workshops, saw the rusting hulks of the BUDA cars and decided then and there to start a preservation society in the Philippines, which later went on to be what we know as the 'Railways and Industrial Heritage Society Phils. Inc'.
This naturally progressed to include an Australian chapter of this group (RIHSPI-ANZ), which basically consisted of PRHS members. We instantly set about raising the worldwide profile of the society and start taking memberships and publishing a society magazine covering all manner of Philippine railway topics.

Today we are on the eve of some more big changes in the society and, while forced upon us, we feel we will become even bigger in the future.
We look forward to meeting people, sharing information, supporting Philippine societies and generally enjoying the wonderful hobby that is the Philippine Railways.

Come join us!

2009-07-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

~~ LONE SURVIVOR ~~

What is believed to be the last semaphore signal on the Philippine National Railways is seen here at Caloocan during May.
It stands guard across the other side of the former main north line opposite the remains of the signalbox that once controlled it.
Both are crying out for someone to restore these incredibly important artifacts to their former glory.

2009-07-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

~~ PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS ~~

APOLOGY!

SEVERELY EDITED

Guys,
I have removed the offending photos and a few other things from the forum/website by request.
It was NEVER my intention to upset anyone with the photos, indeed, to my way of thinking I was happy with the situation to some, preserved from elements extent.

This has given me pause to think about what I place up in the future, make me stop to consider if whatever I have may cause some offence.
Perhaps things will lighten up when the current situation is but a memory far in the past.

Anyway I am deeply sorry to those I have offended - I am aware of the situation now.
If anyone would like to discuss matters related to this, on official basis, please feel free to do it through my publishing Yahoo address because my future is currently a tad shakey with the society.
Something else I don't wish to be drawn into because it is asociety matter.

I don't wish to be drawn into any more discussion on this matter while ever I am involved with the society and I do hope that, should I step outside these boundaries ever again, that someone will contact me quickly and direct.

Sometimes, well quite often, it is hard for us to know what is culturally incorrect over there. Every day I learn somethig new about Filipino culture, thats what makes them so interesting.

Regards to all - Stay safe always - You are all my friends
Brad

Lets get back to the fun.

2009-06-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

~~ LUCENA STATION AND YARD ~~

A PHOTOGRAPHIC THROSBY

PT1

Hello one, hello all, and welcome to part one in a series looking at Lucena station and yard in June 2009.
Yes I recently had the pleasure of visiting this lovely Luzon city and while there shot off around 300 photos of the local rail, scenery and hornbag related stuff.
One hopes you enjoy the selections spurted forth in coming days.

The platform of this remarkable looking little station!

Lucena Locoshed!

Yet another beautiful Pinay passes Lucena station!

Residents of the Lucena locoshed are bewildered by the railway interested Aussie.

More Lucena fun and excitment shortly.

2009-06-24T02:25:00.000-07:00

'ALONG DA RILES Issue #2'

Philippines only magazine on transportation topics.

Will be out and about at the start of next week.

All the latest news briefs from the Philippines, the ABB-1 mystery, latest ANZ reports, second and third DMU sets arrive, PowerTalk, Rollingstock Roundup and more.

Now in a new A4 format and much enlarged.

Check out the ANZ Website for details.

2009-06-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

~~ MORE NEW ARCHIVE ARRIVALS ~~

Calamba and San Pablo

2009-06-20T02:19:00.000-07:00

~~ NEWLY ARRIVED IN THE PRHS ARCHIVES ~~

A selection of tickets.

2009-05-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

~~ RIHSPI-ANZ NOW HAS PAYPAL ~~

Hi there,

We have finally got PayPal up and going for memberships and donations to the ANZ (Australian/ New Zealand) chapter of the RIHSPI.
As a result we can take memberships from people outside Australia via this method (this does not include the Philippines) .

I plan to get more of our first newsletter reprinted in four weeks time, so any memberships recieved between now and then will obtain a copy, thus allowing them to get the inaugeral issue and so they have joined at the start of the membership year in April.

Membership to the RIHSPI-ANZ entitles you to:
1) 4 issues of 'Along Da Riles' each year.
2) Membership to the RIHSPI-ANZ Yahoogroup for group news and chat. You must quote your name and membership number when applying.
3) Attend any meetings of both the Philippine and Australian groups should you be in town.
4) Join in any RIHSPI sponsored tours to railway locations and instalations.
5) Help preserve whats left of the Philippines rich railway history, both actual railway vehicles and in archive form.

Cost of membership for the year April - April.
Australia - $30
NZ/Fiji/SE Asia - A$34
Rest of world - A$36
** Note again: Interested people in the Philippines can contact the local group.

Your membership and donations help us with the important task of starting the museum and keeping us going.
Please consider joining us and help save Philippine railway history.

People interested in joining can contact our Vice-President and Treasurer Bill Sullivan.

bsullivan at rihspi.org (replace the 'at' with @)

Bill will be able to help you with the process. We are still on our 'Learners' with this :-)

Thank you for your time and support.

Brad Peadon
President: Railways and Industrial Heritage Society Phils. Inc (ANZ Chapter)

2009-05-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

~~ NAGA CITY CHANGES ~~

Paul Hornby's earlier photograph of Naga City station has turned out to be quite historic.
Reports are coming in that this station has recently been demolished as part of its rebuild into a more modern facitity as part of the south line rebuild.
Hopefully the interesting Legaspi station does not experience a similar fate.

2009-05-09T05:35:00.000-07:00

March 11, 1904, Friday

William H. Taft, Secretary of War, held a conference in this city yesterday at the offices of his predecessor, Elihu Root, at which were present at various times during the day a dozen or so of prominent financiers. The object of the conference was to ascertain how far the capitalists of Wall Street could be induced to assist in the development of a railroad and street railway system in the Philippine Islands.

Full Story

TAFT here to push Philippine railways!

2009-04-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

~~ HAPPY 62nd BIRTHDAY MADAM PRESIDENT ~~

2009-04-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

~~ THE DEMOLITION CONTINUES ~~

Almost looks like peak hour on an MRT station, however this is demolition work taking place along the PNR in Manila.

Photo taken by: Rupert Tanduc

2009-04-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

~~ MORE NEW DMU SHOTS ~~

A selection more of Mithril Cloud's lovely shots.
Both are taken at Tayuman.

2009-03-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

"ALONG DA RILES"

The first issue of the Philippines first all-railway newsletter is now available via membership to the RIHSPI-ANZ.
Chock full of railway guff related to the Philippines.
It is just the start, so it will gradually get better and possibly bigger.
That is not to say this one is the dogs bollocks :-)

Sections include: Powertalk, Rollingstock-Rollcall, Society News Australia and Philippines, Coverage of the new railcars being unloaded, Rail-Mail and news briefs from around the Phils.

For people in the Philippines, please contact the local chapter of RIHSPI!

2009-03-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

UGLY

OR

NOT?

The fact is PNR is entering a new era with the arrival of their first new railcar from Korea (the south one - now the rather psychotic northern version).
The RIHSPI group visited there on Sunday March 29th and MithrilCloud snapped this piccie of it.
President Arroyo will soon be braving a ride on the new beast.

2009-03-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

~~ NAGA 2009 - A VISUAL THROSBY ~~

PART 1

Recently my good friend Paul Hornby had the good fortune to spend a couple of weeks around Manila and Naga, the later place being where his lovely fiancee lives.
During this drip he partook in much time foaming around railway locations and has shared his many, MANY shots with me.
Over the next few weeks we shall take a look around Caloocan and Tayuman, but first we are going to have a peepsie around Naga, a railway yard that has stood still since the passing of Typhoon Reming in 2006, a storm which closed the line.
Paul also catalogued all identifiable rollingstock at Naga and this will soon be updated on our PHILIPPINE FLEETLIST website.

I thank Paul for sharing all these awesome shots with us.
Paul is the marketing officer of the 'Railways and Industrial Heritage Society Phils. Inc (Australia and New Zealand Division)'.

Sadly we are unable to identify this tankers coding, it having long since worn off.

If anyone is back in the area and can take a look, they often weld the numbers into the underframe on one end of each side.

We think this is the only PNR tanker south of Tayuman.

Don't entirely know to much about this thing. It shows all the trains that were running to Naga years ago and the dots all appear to be lights. Did they light up to show which stations the next trains stopped at, or could it have shown exactly where trains were?

A very interesting item - I have never seen one like it.

Naga station and the train that has sat there since late 2006.

TOOL CAR BC557 sitting amongst the trees at Naga.
The blue with yellow banding seems to be a Naga thing, it is also applied to the unidentified carriage in the previous post, which now appears to be a 7C (no actual number has yet been forthcoming).

922 patiently awaits the reopening of the Bicol line, now expected to be by September this year, at least as far as Naga.

922 posing again!

Finally we have 922s partner in crime.

918 is also awaiting her chance to do another run back the the nations capital.

2009-03-06T03:52:00.000-08:00

~~ ANOTHER MYSTERY CARRIAGE ~~

Can anyone identify this carriage currently captive at Naga?

Seems to be part of a local departmental train, a BC (557) wearing the same livery and labeled TOOL CAR.

Paul Hornby recently visited this interesting location down in Bicol and took a listing of all wagons present.
These will appear on the 'Philippine Fleetlist' website shortly.

2009-03-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

* THE BOSS GIVES AN ORDER *

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has given orders for train service between the Bicol region and Metro Manila is restored before her term ends in 2010, an official of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) said Wednesday.

Work has already commenced on this important project,but it is unclear whether or not this includes the Sorsogon extension or the Batangas branch.

2009-02-23T15:13:00.000-08:00

~~~ YouTube PNR ~~~

A selection of recent YouTube videos covering restoration of the PNR.

The second one includes a 5000 class passing with four 7As.

2009-02-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON

The 'Philippine Railways SIG' has grown over the years into many different websites and forums.

The problem is there is no easy one stop website for accessing all that there is to offer, so many people know of some part, but not of the rest.

While our primary interest is still prototype railways, we have extended in some areas to cover other transport topics and even modelling things in the Philippines.

To solve this problem it is planned to have one primary site that is advertised everwhere, this will give railway information formerly contained on the old Geocities website and will be a portal to ALL the Philippine related websites and forums that are run by the 'Philippine Railways SIG'.

This blog will remain unchanged for those who are mainly interested in me bollocking on endlessly.

ENJOY

2009-02-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

~~ CARMONA LINE ~~

Sometimes it seems almost impossible to find photographs of trains on the Carmona branch. Not surprising really with only two trains a day that do not lend themselves to a easy return trip to Manila in he same day.

This absolutely awesome shot appeared on Skyscraper City and was apparently taken by Lindsay Bridge (an Australian I imagine as his Flickr site has some great old shots from here).

Today the line has had its service suspended (reportedly due to typhoon damage), the yard has become very overgrown and the station deteriorated, while CMC-375 has faired the worst, having since been scrapped.

I would certainly be interested in any other Carmona line shots people may be able to contribute.

2009-01-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

RIHSPI Gets Its First Items.

2009-01-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

Howdee,
In an exciting move, new society RIHSPI has taken delivery of their first two items for restoration, these being BUDA cars 21 and 22.
Both have been moved from Caloocan workshops to another location for restoration, one to operation and the other as a static exhibit.

Further items of interest.

RIHSPI

RIHSPI-ANZ

BUDA CARS - On The Philippine Fleetlist website.

2008-12-23T15:20:00.001-08:00

~~ MERRY CHRISTMAS ~~

I wish a big Merry Christmas and an awesome new year to all readers of my blog sites and members/contributers to my numerous Yahoogroups.
Thank you for your contributions, comments and friendship during 2008 and I look forward to another great year.

Sadly this website has suffered from a lack of attention in recent times due to many competeing interests. However I suspect this will soon be rectified and many more posts placed upon here.
Keep checking back!

To keep up with all the Xmas mayhem - check out MANILA DOWNUNDER

Stay Safe - Have Fun

But not to much fun :-)

RIHSPI -ANZ 'Australian Media Coverage'

2008-09-04T05:02:00.000-07:00

Howdee,
While we are still in the initial stages of setting up the Australian chapter, I have wasted little time promoting who we are and what we are trying to do.

This appears in the September issue of the 'Bayanihan News', a Aussie based magazine for the Filipino community.

5002 Comes A Croppa!

2008-09-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

G'day,
Seems poor trackwork and rubble from recent demo work proved a little to much for Baby-Boat 5002 on September 3rd.
Around Espana she decided to take a detour from the rails.

PHOTOS

Damaged Bridge - Binan to Calamba

2008-08-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

G'day,
Been a few weeks since the last update here.
Things have been hectic with my real life and also the setting up of an Australian chapter of the RIHSPI, more on which will appear shortly.
A travelling Japanese railfan recently obtained photographs of the damaged bridge preventing trains from proceeding beyond Binan at the moment.

To see more shots of the damaged bridge and othr recent Philippine railway and ferry shots head to his WEBSITE!

In other news, 'Wheel On Steel' has mentioned a P1.55b limited reconstruction allocation aimed at restoring some services to Legaspi.

Brad

Pandacan Sojourn

2008-07-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

*** PANDACAN SOJOURN ***

As is so often the case with this blog, the following selection of photos are a result of a request for, well, photos.
This time it was for photographs showing the area around Pandacan.
These are what I have located in the catalogued selection thus far, although I know I have quite a few taken looking down on the bridge from the nearby road. I hope to locate those ones shortly.

Anyway I hope these are of interest.

Opposite Pandacan station in Feb 2007 - Brad Peadon
Demolition work had already commenced as part of the linkage project.

Pandacan station building in Feb 2007

The approach to the bridge from Pandacan station with just a couple of the friendly locals we encountered.

The bridge itself is an interesting old structure which once
opened to allow the passage of boats.
We are unsure when this operation ceased.

Hopefully these photographs were of interest.
If you require photos and information on other areas of the Philippine Railways please feel free to check out

ADOBO DOWNUNDER

OR

PHILIPPINE RAILWAYS SIG YAHOOGROUP

SONA 2008 - The Railfan Parts.

2008-07-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

Full SONA report can be found at http://www.gov.ph/sona/sona2008.pdf

Northrail Project
P61.91 Billion
Caloocan, Bulacan,
Pampanga
DOTC, NLRC
2011 • Phase 1 Section 1 (Caloocan-Malolos) is 9.67% accomplished with ongoing relocation of project-affected families
• Phase 1 Section 2 (Malolos-Clark) - feasibility study completed

37. Northrail-Southrail
Linkage ProjectP6.79 Billion
Caloocan, Alabang,
Calamba, Laguna
DOTC, PNR
• Phase 1 is 21.43% complete
• Phase 2- Philippine National Railways (PNR) is awaiting funding confirmation from the Export-Import Bank of Korea

38. Light Rail Transit (LRT)
Line 1 North ExtensionP6.32 Billion
Monumento, Caloocan
to North Avenue, Quezon
City
DOTC, Light Rail Transit
Authority (LRTA)
April 2010 • Notice to proceed for Packages’ A and B was issued on 28 May 2008.
Site inspection and mobilization for the two packages are ongoing.
• Bidding for Package C is being undertaken.

39. Metro Rail Transit (MRT)3 Capacity Expansion
US$67.50 Million
EDSA
DOTC, LRTA
2014 DOTC is looking into the procurement of refurbished light rail vehicles for Phase 1 while proposed Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding for Phase 2 is up for NEDA-ICC
deliberation.
A- 8
Project Completion Date Status(As of end-May 2008 or as stated)

40. MRT 7
US$1.24 BillionNorth Ave. to Tala Exit,
Bulacan
DOTC, LRTA
2013
DOTC, DOF, and NEDA are discussing the project’s Business Plan. The project is targeted to be completed by 2013.

41. LRT Line 2 Phase 2 (Line
2 East Extension to
Masinag)P10.32 Billion
Santolan LRT 2-Masinag,
Antipolo
DOTC, LRTA
Timeline to be determined LRTA is updating the project’s 2001 feasibility study and drafting the terms of reference for the procurement of the consulting services for the design/build scheme.

42. LRT Line 1 South
Extension Project
P36.20 Billion
Pasay City, Manila to
Bacoor, Cavite
DOTC, LRTA
June 2012
Proposals for the project’s implementation scheme are currently being evaluated by the newly created Project Review Team composed of the DOTC, LRTA, and the Provincial Government of Cavite.

43. Southrail Project Phase
1A
P15.31 Billion
Calamba, Laguna to Lucena
City, Quezon
DOTC, PNR
February
2010
While funding for the project is still being sourced, the President approved P1.55 Billion for the limited reconstruction of the railway to enable the resumption of train services to Bicol.

Adobo Downunder - Come Join Us!

2008-07-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

*** DO YOU LOVE THE PHILIPPINES? ***

Does the sight of the flag make you swell with pride?

Does the smell of adobo make you drool uncontrollably?

Then join us at the newest web-based, Philippine specific, forum, meet friends and
discuss all things Philippines both there and in Australia.
For anyone who seriously loves the Philippines - but likes to have some fun as well!

ADOBO DOWNUNDER
its far more than just trains.

We look forward to chatting with you!