Now we get to the part of the series that involves the trains which, I guess, is the main reason most of you are visiting this site.
On our first day in Iloilo City, we decided to pay a visit to the Panay Railway Headquarters in Lapaz station.
The plan was to check out how historic locomotive 114 (3503) was fairing, and hopefully get to meet someone.
Upon turning of Huervana Street, the first thing I noted was that locomotive 114 (3503) was missing. At first I thought I had the wrong spot, but that fencing below looked familiar, appearing in shots from my first visit.
I had hoped that it had just been removed for display, but would soon learn that it had actually been scrapped.
This was significantly devastating as she was the last genuine Panay Railway locomotive, along with the last of her class in the country.
Formation from the station, looking back towards the former Iloilo terminus.
Unlike my first visit in 2007, this time I wanted to go inside the head office and see if I could meet one of the local railway staff.
This was very interesting to see.
It is what we in Australia call a gradient diagram, showing all the railway grades and curves along the system. While I've seen many in printed form, this was the first I have seen on a wall, and of such an impressive size.
Panay Railway official van.
The last remaining part of locomotive 114.
Nippon Sharyo DD13 2330 of 1963
During the visit, I as lucky enough to meet Mr Renato Elvas Hortillas of the Panay Railways.
A really nice guy who I greatly enjoyed chatting with about the railways, past and future.
114 (3503) back in 2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The next installment will see use visit New Lucena, followed by numerous other locations as we travelled to Roxas City.
---------------------------------------------------------------
