Tuesday, December 23, 2008

~~ 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 :-)

Thursday, September 4, 2008

RIHSPI -ANZ 'Australian Media Coverage'

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.


Wednesday, September 3, 2008

5002 Comes A Croppa!

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.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Damaged Bridge - Binan to Calamba

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

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Pandacan Sojourn

*** 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.

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.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Adobo Downunder - Come Join Us!

*** 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!

Tayuman/Tutuban Photo Essay 2007 (Pt3)

*** Tayuman/Tutuban Photo Essay 2007 ***

Howdee,
OK, I have yet again been slack in my duties to update this forum, especially the long promised continuing on the 'Tutuban/Tayuman Photo Essay'.
Seems now days I am getting to the age where funerals are becoming more common than time spent on my beloved Philippine railways. Indeed, that awful work thing also seems to distract me from life's more important duties as well.
Well you need not fret no more my friends, because here is yet another installment in the series, with a fourth one to come soonish.

Enjoy

SOUTH END OF YARD

1- Tutuban station building and PNR headquarters
2- Shed of unknown use. Had carriages stored and was somewhat flooded in 2006
3- Large shed of unknown use. Its on railway land so was likely once used for rail freight purposes.
4- Rakes of stored freight wagons.
5- Squatters on PNR land.
6- Former turntable, now a rather large ands green swimming pool.
7- Station platforms
8- South end of carriage sheds.



Above is two views of 917 outside the Tayuman loco shed. We plan to cover the shed in more detail during future installments.

Something different to model.
The Tayuman yard GUARD GOAT protects a bogie from would be thieves
wishing to get some scrap money.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Welcome To Sad News Day!

Oh well, it seems the inevitable has come.
When will the Philippine people be able to enjoy the transport service they deserve without all the rubbish that any major project seems to attract there.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Got Tickets On Yourself?

Yeah OK, I know I have been a little slack on the posting side of things just lately.
Haven't forgot the Tayuman/Tutban series - just a little busy totally rearranging the house and railway room.
Sadly ones asawa must be obeyed, which quite often does not leave much time for the all important hobby work to be done. Nose to the grind stone, less one wants sharp pains across ones botty caboose.

Anyway, in order to keep you enticed, below is a recent inductee into the famed halls of the 'Philippine Railways SIG' archive.

It is dated for June 16th, 1944 and appears to have been issued at Lapaz.
The traveler on the day was obviously headed for Sta Barbara. Can anyone tell me where on Panay this was?

Brad


Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Like To Chat And Make Friends?

Check out all the chat forums run by the SIG, we talk about more than trains.
Come by and join us for a chat about each groups relevant topic - we always look forwad to meeting new people and you can never really have enough friends :-)

The original group and main home of the Philippine Railways SIG members.
Chat about any aspect of railways in the Philippines, heavy and light, historic and current.

Got any photos of Philippine railway topics you would like to share. Show them here and discuss other peoples efforts.

Jeepnies - Taxis - Buses - Ferries - Aircraft
For those who have a transport interest away from trains.

Interested in modelling any aspect of the Philippins, in any scale. Trains, planes, streetscapes etc. Come swap ideas or discuss latest projects here.

A place for people in the Philippines and Australia and genrally talk about anything, make friends and have a laugh.

For all the latest updates on this blogsite.

Talking about railways in other parts of Asia. Group does not include the Philippines.

Philippine Aswang
Myths - Ghostly Encounters - Filipino Beliefs
If this is of interest yto you please join us in some discussion.
A brand new group that will be slow at first.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU!

Tayuman/Tutuban Photo Essay 2007 (Pt2)

*** Tayuman/Tutuban Photo Essay 2007 ***

Howdee,
In part two of this series we are looking at the area around the station and the west side of the locomotive facilities.
I am currently trying to locate the photos taken around the engine shed and the usual side of the facilities that the locomotives would be when making use of them. Have also to complete the aerial shot of the south end of the yard.

More soon.


The below two shots show the passenger waiting area of the now demolished Tayuman railway station.
The bottom of the two were taken during a visit by the SIG and show L-R Bill, Ceasar, Harvey, Nick (hidden) and Karel.


Not sure if it is possible to buy HO scale plastic figures of people as cute as your average Pinay.
If it is, please let us know :-)


Shot of Tayuman station from the south angle, plus a few of the locomotive facilities (west side) next to the station.



Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Tayuman/Tutuban 2007 Photo Essay!

*** TAYUMAN - TUTUBAN PHOTO ESSAY ***

A recent enquiry about structures in Tayuman and Tutuban by Jeffrey Tamani enticed me to do a photo survey on the group for the benefit of him and others.
Jeffrey is urgently looking for an actual track diagram of the entire area for a model railway he is building. This will be a mammoth undertaking and one I look greatly forward to featuring on this blogsite in the future.
If anyone is able to help him please contact this blogsite.

The essay will proceed over the next couple of weeks as I locate shots that will be of interest. Signalling, structures, trackwork etc. Most were taken during my 2007 and 2004 trips, but next to nothing has apparently changed there as of this time.
Again, if you can help with some information, photos or other details relating to this massive yard please contact us.

Finally thank you to Jeffrey for originally bringing up the topic and good luck with the layout. Hopefully it will inspire me to move my PNR layout ahead quicker.

The above Google Earth shot shows the Tayuman (north) end of the yard, Tayuman Street being the main road running top to bottom of the image.
With the exception of the demolished Tayuman station there isn't likely to have been any changes today. It is unknown if Tayuman station is to be rebuilt, or if all its functions are now carried out at Tutuban station (see south shot later.
The numbers indicated the structures and these are outlined below.

1- Offices
2- Location of Tayuman station (recently demolished) and offices above.
3- Locomotive shed
4- Turntable pit, come green swimming pool.
5- Fuel facilities & Chargemans (Chief engineer) office.
6- PNR Police
7- Carriage workshops

** Also worth noting the train arriving from Alabang, crossing Tayuman Street at the time of the photograph.

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

I must have had Jeffrey in mind when I made a last minute decision to photograph our progress through the yard in the front of a 5000 class last year..
This selection of shots taken all the way from Tayuman to the terminus approach, in conjuntion with aerial shots of the area, really help the modeler get a feel of the place.


Approaching Tayuman station on our arrival back from Alabang.
This station has since been demolished, presumably it and the offices above have not been replace. Confirmation of this would be much appreciated.
Brad Peadon - 2007


Departing Tayuman station we pass the fuel facilities and chargemans office on our left. Nowdays an extended line of stored freight wagons exist here, although previously the point served in shunting the fuel point and gave access to other tracks that lead back to the depot.
Just in view to the right is the carriage workshop.
Brad Peadon - 2007


A few metres beyond the above shot, showing a better view of the carriage workshop roof.
Brad Peadon - 2007

We are pretty much level with the turntable pit now, the location
of which is to our left.

The carriages to our right are mostly deros stored beside and
behind the carriage workshops.

The tall white tower behind them is the signalbox (tower if you prefer) and lkow and behold, a rarity in the Philippines, a colour light signal on the left hand side of the line. This is quite possibly the only coloured light signal, the only 'any' signal (other than ground type) in the Philippines today.
Brad Peadon - 2007


Not sure what the large shed is on the left hand side, it is on PNR land
but I have never investigated.

Similarly, the use of the shed on the right is also unknown. It is however rail served and, despite flooded, is still used to stable wagons.
Can't miss the PNR head quarters looming in front of us. Despite the size and modern looking buildings, the station area is in an appalling state with no facilities to shelter from the weather and rather deteriorating platforms.
The dead end tracks to the left hold most of the PNR fleet of disused boxcars, while the goat in the middle of the tracks nearly became that nights dinner.
Brad Peadon - 2007


Approaching the terminus at Tutuban we find only one platform in regular use. Former Bicol cars, still in good condition I might add, rest on the opposite side.
Beyond this is a selection of carriages in various states of disrepair, with one still in the long superseded red, white and black livery.
Brad Peadon - 2007

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

In upcoming parts of this series we will look at the locoshed and carriage shed structures, more shots of the yard and rollingstock, plus anything else I may have photographed there and since forgotten about.

Cheers
Brad

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Tayuman/Tutuban Photo Survey!

Hi everyone,
I am sorry to those who have been regularly coming back to find no new updates. Alas a rather big spurt of work has ensured I was kept away from the computer for extended amounts of time.
What little choo choo time I had to myself was filled with replies to the endlessly growing amounts of email correspondence. Even the email has been falling way behind with some still awaiting reply after many weeks.
Anyway a friend on another forum recently asked me some questions about the Tayuman and Tutuban yard. He is a modeler and wishes to know more about the layout of this yard, the structures and also the train operations.
This has inspired me to start a short photographic series based on shots taken over the last two visits.
The plan is to start these either on the weekend or early next week while things are a little more quiet.
If any readers have photographs, maps or any other general information please feel free to email me at the Philippine Railways SIG email address and I shall include this in the series, credited to you, for the benefit of all. Please help if you can.

Till next week.

If you wish to be notified when additions to this website occur, please join the mailing list!

Philippine Railways Update! (May 2008)

Philippine National Railways

NEWS:
*** SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION ***
With the Northrail project seemingly foundering, it comes with great sadness today, a report saying that work on the linkage project has been suspended indefinitely due to problems with relocation.
This is obviously tragic news for the country, but also quite strange. With so much clearing already having been done, most of it in areas the line hasn't yet been upgraded, its a wonder they don't keep upgrading these sections while the relocation works in the other areas in completed.
What was going to be President Gloria's greatest legacy to her country, is shaping up to be her biggest failure to those people she represents.
The Carmona branch may have been reopened to service, but this is also awaiting confirmation.

SOUTHRAIL REBUILD:

Phase I (Caloocan to Alabang) - Clearing Reportedly Suspended!
*** Trains operating between Tutuban-Alabang-San Pedro-Binan.
*** Media reported a train from Carmona killing a 14yo girl at Sucat during May. This would suggest the San Pedro to Caromna branch has reopened. This is subject to confirmation.
*** Services suspended Binan-Legaspi.
Phase II (Alabang to Calamba)Southrail Project - Work yet to commence.
Phase IA (Calamba-Lucena)Phase IB (Lucena-Legaspi) - Work yet to commence.
Phase II (Sorsogon Extension Matnog) - Work yet to commence.

PLANNED LINES:
Calamba to Batangas line rebuild - Work yet to commence.

Northrail

NEWS:
Despite advice that the project was to be proceeding full steam ahead, there has been little sign of work when visits were made.

NORTHRAIL REBUILD:

Caloocan to Malolos - Rebuild reportedly commenced full steam ahead January 2008.
Malolos to Clark - Rebuild reported to have commenced, no further advice.

PLANNED LINES:
Cabanatuan Line - No advice.
Cagayan Valley - No advice.

Panay Railway
Work has yet to commence on any railway building on Panay!
Iloilo City to Roxas City - No Advice
*** There has yet to be movement in regards to anyone willing to finance this project.

Mindanao Railway
Work has yet to commence on any railway building in Mindanao!
Phase 1, Ist Segment (Cagayan de Oro-Iligan City
Phase 1, 2nd Segment (Cagayan de Oro-Gingoog City)
Phase 1, 3rd Segment (Iligan-Marawi City)
Phase 1, 4th Segment (Marawi City-Cotabato City)
Phase II (Surigao-Butuan)
Phase III (Davao City-Monkayo)
Phase IV (Zamboaga City-Dipolog City)
Phase V (Gagayan de Oro-Davao City)

Railway & Industrial Heritage Society

MUSEUM:
The Malagunlong Bridge in Tayabas, Quezon has been placed on the groups watchlist. It was built in 1840.
Paco station (proposed museum): No advice.

ROLLINGSTOCK:
Inspection tour made of rollingstock at Hondagua. One track car (speeder) identified for possible preservation.

GENERAL
:
Efforts continue in order to be able to soon accept contributions and official memberships to the new society. Further details on this in future updates!

Locomotive Fleets
Remains virtually unchanged since last reported on the Philippine Railways SIG website!

Thanks
Thanks to the following people and publications for information used in this update:
Jaime Tiongson
Harvey Smoller
Bill Sullivan
Wheel On Steel
Lubricated Flange Railway E-zine ( http://www.zelmeroz.com/lf)
The SIG would also like to wish a very speedy revovery to our mate Nick Buenafe!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Linkage Project: Latest Piccies!

Hi all,
These latest photos of the Linkage project were taken by Mithril Cloud.

They show an incredible amount of work occuring here, while reports from Northrail seem to suggest work still remains stalled.

Major work is currently being undertaken at Buendia station. While progress has been slow, it will be a very different looking station when complete.


Pasay Road is also getting a major facelift from the platform up!

While this doesn't show any station rebuilding, it does show track work through the ground zero of 'Conspiracy Theories' Paco.
Right behind the photographer was the location where the embankment had collapsed causing trains to lurch dangerously to the side. It is unknown if this was fixed during the work.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

The Changing Face Of Blumentritt!

G'day,
A thread on Skyscrapercity has inspired one to prepare some piccies of Bluementritt from before the recent cleanup of the area.
The below photo by leechtat shows the area today, taken from the LRT station of the same name.

The following photos show the area in February 2007 nearly a year prior to the work above.


Blumentritt shanties on borrowed time!


South line leg of the triangle at Tondo taken after departure from Blumentritt.


Some of the locals living in these shanties. I often wonder where exactly they are now!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Where Is It?

G'day everyone,
Recieved this historical from the world famous 'Colonel' this morning.
Between copious amounts of Bundaberg Rum and Amsterdam Beer, he has been pondering the station appearing in this photo which is simply marked 'Cebu'.
My guess is Cebu City station, but as I am not an authority on the line I can't say for sure.
Anyone recognise this lovely building?

Brad


CONFIRMED: Cebu City Station! Thanks to Graham.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Blumentritt (After The Demo Typhoon)

This shot appears in 'leechtat's' Imageshack account and clearly shows the changes at Blumentritt.
During the coming week I shall put up some comparison shots of the location one year ago.

Monday, March 24, 2008

John Currey Collection!


The view from the original Tutuban station looking towards Tayuman yard.
Legazpi passenger to the left.
22-02-1986

Photo: John Currey

OFF TRACK: Corazon Aquino!


The news on TFC (Australia) today covers the sad news that ex-president Cory Aquino has Colon Cancer.
She is to undergo chemotherapy treatment for it from this week.

Lets all wish this important lady of Philippine history a successful and speedy recovery from the biggest mongrel of all sicknesses!

YouTube: Sled Ride From Plaridel to Unisan!

Video from a motorized sled along sections of this trip.
Includes the crossing of a particularly awesome bridge.

SLED CABRIDE

Previous Entries - Updates and Corrections!

Morning everyone,
Trust all readers had a terrific Easter period. We did the usual things that go with this event, visiting friends and family, the usual feasts and, for those stuck in Sydney, attended the Royal Easter Show.
Alas now the evil dark cloud that is work looms ahead, waiting to envelope one with the usual sad feeling of normality again.
Still every dollar (well peso) brings me a step closer to returning to the Philippines and seeing family and friends again. Despite the asawa believing my only reason for going is railway related.



Anyway, suppose I should terminate the rabbiting on and get to the post.

I have received some limited correspondence from the RIHSPI group regarding my recent Philippine Railway update and the comment on possible locomotive preservation outside of the Philippines. This later entry was meant to be more of a 'food for thought' type of entry designed to motivate.

Firstly I must apologise to the RIHSPI who believe I have given the impression that they are doing nothing.
As with anyone covering any subject, I can only report on the information I receive. I refuse to get to the journalistic level of inventing stuff for the sake of it :-)
I wish it to be known to all readers that the SIG supports all the efforts of this group and this is why we continue to include them in all reports, if for no other reason but to let the world know they are there.
I've in the past offered a way to raise money down here in Australia, so the support has, in the past, gone well beyond just written text on a blog site. I do encourage anyone who can spare some dollars/pesos/pounds/yen to help the guys out with their efforts, perhaps even identifying exactly where you want the money spent should you have a specific area of interest.
I recently made an offer to the president (is that the term used there?) of the group to put full details regarding where and how people could donate to the society on the SIG blogsite.
There was sadly no response, so I suggest emailing them direct for details on how to contribute money. If anyone finds out I would like to hear from you please.

I am indeed very happy to be able to report that members recently have held meetings with:

* Management of Hanjin (the company currently rebuilding the railway as part of the Linkage Project)
* The new manager of MRT7.

While the following events have also happened:

* Invitation to attend a Philippine railways history presentation.
* Group trip to Hondagua to inspect, amongst other things, the surviving observation car identified here on the SIG forum. (Apparently we can work in together :-) ).

These updates were given courtesy of Jaime from the RIHSPI. Many thanks for this mate.
We shall continue to report regularly on this, and other, exciting railway projects around the Philippines to the best of our ability. Any reports on any rail related project is very welcome for inclusion and your efforts will be acknowledged.

Best wishes to all
Brad

Monday, March 17, 2008

Vito Cruz (Rebuild)

Again another big thanks to 'el dasik 001', this time for some recent shots of work at Vito Cruz station.

San Andres Station (First Piccies)

A huge THANKs to 'el dasik 001' for allowing us to show you these first shots of San Andres, a whole new station being constructed between Paco and Vito Cruz.
In the distance of the first shot you can just see the large block of units that is just south of Paco at the former junction for the line to Cavite.
Thanks for this very important update.

Friday, March 14, 2008

*** HAPPY EASTER ***

*** EASTER EASTER ***
To all our readers I wish a great time over the Easter period and hope it is full of caramel laden easter eggs and booze!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Locomotive Preservation - Will It Be Overseas!

Yesterday, for the first time in weeks, I got to checking the email address for the SIG.
Amongst the various correspondence was an email making, VERY brief, reference to plans to ship a MRR diesel locomotive overseas for preservation. The locomotive itself was not identified, though I suspect this is for secrecy reasons, neither was the country.
The choices nowdays are really limited to only five existing models, of only three distinct designs.
Of these, the biggest concern would have to be #114 currently semi-preserved at Lapaz (Panay). Given she is the last surviver of her class and the only surviving Panay Railway locomotive left in the country, her being retained in the country should be considered vital for a preservation group there.


The other remaining classes still retain a number of examples and the loss of one will not be a huge blow, unless it was the one in the best condition. However 902 remains the only large radiator grilled version of the original Philippine U15C still in service and the oldest operational loco in the PNR fleet.

While I am more supportive of railway preservation of Philippine items in the Philippines (obviously), if the only way to get something saved is to send it overseas, then even I would have to admit that it would be better than nothing.
I am seeking more details at the current time, most especially in regards to their set up and if they are accepting financial donations should anyone wish to help them with their endeavour.

MRR/PNR diesel preservation over the years has been pathetic at best. So many wonderful examples of locomotive types, carriages, safeworking and structures have been lost or beyond much chance of repair.
The previously mentioned Panay #114 sits outside rusting alongside the former Lapaz station, although its windows and doors have been covered to prevent entrance. Little work appears to ever be done to prevent its deteriorating even more.
Apart from this locomotive and a few token examples of the steam era in various states of disrepair, the history of the railways there have been sold to scrappers.

So do we accept overseas purchases of Philippine railway history? Do we allow it to be removed from its home?
Sugar cane steamers have faired a bit better, especially when it comes to overseas preservation. It is quite possible more will end up going offshore as well.
Indeed their fate on Negros is either scrap or to rot in some display, where overseas they will likely steam again on one tourist or another.

I have said it in the past, however time is fast running out at the moment and there has been little reported by the newly formed IRHS other than a wish to use Paco station as a base. Rollingstock enquiries sadly go unanswered, although the earlier featured observation car is expected to be visited this month.
Another preservation group up north in San Fernando who are preserving the station have ignored enquiries regarding possibly preserving a locomotive and carriages there.
A few enquiries to PNR regarding preservation of a diesel in the spot vacated by a steam loco (Tutuban) some years ago have also been made, these, yep you guessed it, have gone ignored.

There are many people out in this wide world who would like to donate of time and money to help save some important parts of Philippine railway history before the opportunity is missed.
If some of this is done overseas, while disappointing, I hope people will still give it their full support. I will!

I'll pass on any details recieved on the proposed project, including that of the group (assuming it ain't a private venture) and where any donations of help can be directed.
For more up to date news, on any aspect of the Philippine railways, check out the SIG!

Cheers
Brad
** Supporter Of Philippine Preservation In The Philippines **

Cassandra Crossing (Panay)


As part of the '2007 Grand Family Tour' we ventured on down to a location in Roxas City called 'Cassandra Crossing'. Strange name I thought, but despite being a gunzel the name did not conjur up any feelings of railway type excitment.
Since my arrival earlier in the day I was unable to see anything remotely railway related and enquiries about the railway station were usually greeted with comments regarding the fact there was no trains.
Of course the anti-railway asawa didn't make to much of an effort to help - her main aims were family and shopping, while train related guff really was a pain in the rear to be avoided at all costs. Indeed if she could pay to eradicate railways from the face of the planet I am sure she would find the pera to do so.

Anyway as it was we boarded a trike (I fully recommend a ride on the back of these-bulk fun and less chance of fracturing your spine) for a run down to this Cassandra Crossing place. The trike driver gave me the 'no trains in Roxas' comment when asked where the former railway line was, but later pointed out the old formation (under structures) along, the not too surprisingly named, 'Railway Street'.
Another 5 minutes on and we arrived at 'Cassandra Crossing', a none too amazing looking place, but with a beautiful old building that I am told was a bank.
While the missus prattled on in Tagalog to friends in a local sari sari store, I decided to forgo the laughs after they mention my name and went over to get photos of the bank.
It was here I noticed a very familiar Xing logo on the local basketball court (see photo).
Hmmmm Cassandra Crossing and a drawing of a level crossing! Suddenly that sort of tingling arousal that affects all foamers started to take hold. This indeed needed further investigation, so promptly one went back to interrogate the wife regarding this little bit of information that seemed to be, well, OVERLOOKED.
One of the friends, who suddenly launched into English mode, then informed me that the store (photo) marked the very end of the Panay Railway in Roxas, with the run around point being right next to the basketball court and room for a loco beyond. Sadly the tracks were reported to have been removed within the six months prior to my visit.
How convenient that the wife seemed to have forgotten this LITTLE railway fact when we got there :-) Of course a short investigation was to commence, with plans for a far bigger one in 2009.
When you realise that its a former railway formation it actually becomes quite obvious. Shanties line both sides quite close (some small level of construction would now foul gauge) but the curves are obviously to railway standards.
The line ran on a rather huge curve towards the 'Railway St' crossing (headed in the direct of Iloilo) we earlier past, beyond this was the actual Roxas City station, the remains of which a used as some sort of hostel.
Beyond the shop there is all housing, however the lay of it certainly looks like the line may have continued on. I followed this a bit but saw no real evidence and a frantic asawa started calling me back.
The friends kept saying that the line only went here, but I am unsure if this is just since they have been there. It seems like a long way from the station to have the run around.
Anyway I returned to the hotel with a feeling of some, albeit limited, achievement. To date I have been unable to find any sort of Roxas City map that clearly shows where the railway went.

PHOTOS:

The end of the line, showing the sari sari store that would have served as a buffer stop for any errant train with faulty brakes, also quite conveniently located for any crew wishing to satisfy their hunger. Waving is the wife and to the right, in light blue, is the father-in-law, probably pondering the sanity of his westerner son-in-law who likes trains.
The other people, who knows, hard to remember the 200 people I met who just looked at you and never talked :-)


The other direction, looking towards Iloilo from the crossing itself.


The old bank that once looked over shunting trains, an interesting old structure that was later put to different use before becoming disused some time ago. Note the basketball court hoop with the telltale Xing symbol that made me curious as to the areas great secret.