PART 1
The railway workshops in Caloocan is believed to have been built around the 1910s, or 1920s, with a refurbishment in 1989 (reopening in 1990). This refurbishment is thought to be mostly external, with signs of the original structure, most notably the round windows, still being visible.
Photographer Unknown - From Defunct RIHSPI Group.
The railway workshops in Caloocan is believed to have been built around the 1910s, or 1920s, with a refurbishment in 1989 (reopening in 1990). This refurbishment is thought to be mostly external, with signs of the original structure, most notably the round windows, still being visible.
Photographer Unknown - From Defunct RIHSPI Group.
I first went to the workshops during a visit to Manila in 1999. At the time, my main interest was still in the locomotives, the obsession with Philippine rollingstock, and infrastructure coming in later visits. Each time I have returned to the country, I have made an effort to drop in and record what is there.
Late in 2018, I was made aware that the whole workshop complex was to be redeveloped for use as car stabling siding related to the new north line (currently being built), with the workshop being transfer somewhere south of Manila.
It was this news that spurred me on to, not only get as many last shots as possible, but to do this multi-part article covering the workshops over the last two decades.
The inspiration for this project, which will likely run over the next few months, is with immeasurable thanks (maraming salamat) to 'Philippine National Railways' General Manager, Sir Jun Magno. Mr Magno inspires with both a passion for the future, and for the heritage, of the local railways.
Thanks also go to the many members of PNR management and staff who have helped me over the years.
Late in 2018, I was made aware that the whole workshop complex was to be redeveloped for use as car stabling siding related to the new north line (currently being built), with the workshop being transfer somewhere south of Manila.
It was this news that spurred me on to, not only get as many last shots as possible, but to do this multi-part article covering the workshops over the last two decades.
The inspiration for this project, which will likely run over the next few months, is with immeasurable thanks (maraming salamat) to 'Philippine National Railways' General Manager, Sir Jun Magno. Mr Magno inspires with both a passion for the future, and for the heritage, of the local railways.
Thanks also go to the many members of PNR management and staff who have helped me over the years.
In coming parts, we shall look at the workshops, locomotives and rollingstock, listings and other items related to the workshop.
Can You Help?
We are seeking photos, notes and documents related to the Caloocan Workshops for adding in this project.
Did you work at Caloocan? Were you a visitor to the workshops?
Please email us, we would love to hear from you.
Did you work at Caloocan? Were you a visitor to the workshops?
Please email us, we would love to hear from you.
Kogane was undergoing an extensive refurbishment and would be released in the newest livery, along with a new glass that would allow the wire grills to become a thing of the past.
Probably the most important car in the workshop would be PC-286, President Marcos's 'Presidential Car'. Originally numbered 777, the 286 number reflects the date he was removed from power.
Today the car remains locked up, but internally it is empty. To date, not photos of the car in use have been found.
Today the car remains locked up, but internally it is empty. To date, not photos of the car in use have been found.
Machine Shop - January 26th 1972
TA-5, by this time she was the last survivor of her class.
Like the author, these were Australian made. :-)
Thanks to Dirk Paul Celoso, Mark Chua and Sir Jun Magno (PNR GM).
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