DESCO ENGINEERING 2019 - PART 1

 

2019

Thanks to that delightful virus, it seems so very long ago.

 Indeed, at the time of this trip, I would never have dreamed that it would be the last time I could return to the Philippines until 2022. We had been getting used to being back in the routine of at least one annual visit, sometimes two.

Anyway, that guff is all quite irrelevant to the article.

While partaking in my twelfth visit, we were blessed with an invitation from the 'Philippine National Railways' to visit the DESCO Engineering factory in Binan Laguna.

For it was here that they were rebuilding my beloved U15C 902, along with sister unit 913, and we were able to photographically cover progress of historical reasons.

Part of the agreement of the visit was that the photos would not be used until after these two locomotives were finished. While they were completed, and back in service, some time ago, it was just recently that I confirmed the ability to share.

I am very excited to be able now to show the photos of this very interesting part of PNR locomotive history.

Due to the nature of these shots (they must be unaltered in any way), any desire to use 'needs' permission to be granted.  You can contact the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' at the email address on each image with details of where, and how, you wish to use them and I can follow up with the relevant organisations.

Please try to respect their generosity in allowing us to bring this part of Philippine railway history to you.

Mark Chua (PNR, PRHS, GMA Star) is seen on arrival at the DESCO factory.

Behind you can see the underframes, and cab, of 902 and 913.

Photo: Brad Peadon (PRHS Collection)

Left: U14C - 913

Right: U15C - 902

Photo: Brad Peadon (PRHS Collection)

A big moment for me, seeing my pride and joy getting the TLC she so deserved.

Photo: Brad Peadon (PRHS Collection)

DESCO sure does a wonderfully thorough job on these rebuilds. The locomotives come out looking like they just rolled out of the GE factory.

See the video at the bottom of this article.

Photo: Brad Peadon (PRHS Collection)

The long hoods off locomotives 902 and 913.

Photo: Brad Peadon (PRHS Collection)

Cab of locomotive 913.

Photo: Brad Peadon (PRHS Collection)

Under U15C #902

Photo: Brad Peadon (PRHS Collection)

The control stand out of either 902 or 913.

Photo: Brad Peadon (PRHS Collection)

Left to right:

Myself, Mark, Rene (DESCO) and Edwin (DESCO).

A truly great group of people were met at DESCO, and it was quite a privilege to have been allowed to view the wonderful work they do there.

Photo: Brad Peadon (PRHS Collection)

Thanks To:

The management of the 'Philippine National Railways', in particular then General Manager Junn Magno and Atty Ces Lauta.

The management and staff of DESCO Engineering (Binan, Laguna), in particular manager Rene and Kuya Edwin.

Members of the Philippine Railway Historical Society.

PRHS Website - Facebook Group - Twitter

Mark Chua (PNR, PRHS, GMA :-) )

Onyo Artocillo (B-I-L and Driver)

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902 - PNR Flagship returns home.

913 - Returns Home

914 - Transfer To DESCO.

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