At the risk of inflicting yet another dose of rollingstock-induced tedium upon the unsuspecting reader, we now move into our coverage of 2011.
By this stage, the veteran 7A-type coaches were rapidly approaching the end of their working lives, with yet another sizeable donation of second-hand Japanese EMU stock arriving to take their place. Naturally, these electric multiple units could not actually operate as intended, given that the Philippine National Railways network has never possessed overhead electrification. Instead, they were reduced to being hauled around by diesel locomotives—a rather fitting example of trying to force a square peg into a round hole.
Almost everything featured in this collection has now become part of history. The Metro Manila commuter railway has since been closed, supposedly on a temporary basis, to make way for the construction of an elevated replacement. We continue to hear assurances that the original ground-level alignment will eventually reopen for freight services, and perhaps even passenger trains. Whether that actually eventuates remains another matter entirely. After watching decades of promises, delays and changing priorities, I find it difficult to share the same level of optimism. Experience has taught me that grand announcements are considerably easier to produce than functioning railways.
Nevertheless, this collection forms another chapter in documenting over twenty-five years of Philippine rollingstock—an era that has now largely disappeared into history. What was once an everyday sight has become an archival record of a railway that, in many respects, no longer exists in the form it once did. It is also a reminder of why I eventually abandoned any attempt to promote railway heritage preservation in the Philippines. There comes a point where repeated disappointment outweighs enthusiasm.
So, with expectations firmly kept in check, welcome to Philippine Rollingstock in 2011.
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There is an unidentified gondola car (GC-xxx) under all that Caloocan grass. I promise..
Photo: Brad Peadon
These former Japanese EMU cars were still quite new to the Philippines when I arrived in 2011.
They would go on to be a major part of the Manila rail scene up till the regretful 'temporary' closure of the heavy rail system for building of an elevated line.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Former Japanese spark 203-107 sitting at Tutuban's non-passenger platforms.
Photos: Brad Peadon
203-113 also sitting in Tutuban yard.
A few years ago I was told this building, and the others down the west side of the yard, were to be soon demolished.
As far as I am aware, it is still there.
As far as I am aware, it is still there.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Former sleeping carriages 14-752 and 14-755.
Both were donations from Japan, and while still existing, they are in a rather bad condition at San Pablo and Hondagua. I doubt they will ever be required again.
Photos: Brad Peadon
The next pile of photos show the former Japanese 12 & 14 class rollingstock, the majority of which is now either scrapped or is a condition close to collapse.
Again, it is unlikely any survivors will see use again.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Poor old 7A-2015 and 7A-2007 were actually still in service on the daily run to Binan.
Tutuban station.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Dining car at Tutuban station.
Photo: Brad Peadon
CAR-2 was one of these cars that were refurnished by the team at Naga during a period of typhoon caused isolation from the line to Manila.
Photo: Brad Peadon
14.82 on the once important Bicol Express while stopping at Pasay Road station in Metro Manila.
This service operated between Manila and the southern most terminus (at the time) of Legaspi.
Photo: Brad Peadon
14.29 also on the once important Bicol Express while stopping at Pasay Road station in Metro Manila.
Photo: Brad Peadon
NR-01 at Tutuban station.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
CAR-1 at the south end of our Bicol Commuter run at Sipocot station.
We spent the day riding this train from Naga to Sipocot, back south to Ligao, and then back to Naga.
Was a great day. Met some great railway people.
They were far better days than what it has now become.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Poor ol 7A-2007 trailing up the rear of a Binan passenger train. A very moist evening.
Photo: Brad Peadon
14.30 at Tutuban station for the Bicol Express.
These three were in somewhat better condition than the earlier delivered 7A type of the same Japanese class.
Photo: Brad Peadon
14.91 at Tutuban station for the Bicol Express.
Photo: Brad Peadon
14.28 at Tutuban station for the Bicol Express.
Photo: Brad Peadon
KIHA 59 Kogane to the right, Bicol Express on the left..
Photo: Brad Peadon
CAR-1 during the 2011 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' Railfan Day.
Photo: Brad Peadon
7A-2006 has seen better days, but was still in use on one service a day..
Photo: Brad Peadon
NR-07 in the Caloocan Workshops .
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Inspection car IC-888 in Caloocan Workshops where it has slept for over two decades.
Only time I have seen it elsewhere was Tutuban yard in 1999. Sometime after it was painted in this livery, which it can't have carried for long before being placed in storage.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Presidential Car PC-2.86 sitting in the main workshop building at Caloocan.
It would later become an office in the smaller workshop, while today it sits in the open at Tutuban station during the seemingly never ending period till being transferred south.
Tragic to see such an important carriage out in the elements, when it could have just as easily been kept back undercover at the workshop.
Photo: Brad Peadon
5009 passes the former Espana station hauling caboose FCD-8.
Today, the tracks are gone, the station is gone, and a horrid elevated road passes overhead.
Photo: Brad Peadon
MrX and Nhing.
Plus a couple of strangely normal security guards.
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