Welcome one and all to the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' blogsite. This site was set up to share photos, historical pieces, comment and virtually anything else pertaining to transportation in the Philippines, with a special emphasis on rail. Occasional we vary from topic, but this is the less serious side of the hobby shining through - cause sometimes, in this miserable and uptight world, we just take ourselves a little too seriously. Since 1999, the Philippine Railway Historical Society has regularly published items, FOR FREE, of railway interest on our PRHS Website. These include locomotive, rollingstock and transit updates, as well as our occasional magazine, 'Along Da Riles'. Our interest base has grown over the years with our main Facebook railway group expanding to include groups interested in other Philippine Transport, modelling of Philippine transport and even a group for Philippine railfans interested in overseas railways. If it sounds interesting, come join in the fun of the oldest, and most diverse, group dedicated to Philippine railways and other transport. We look forward to meeting you.
If you have a question Philippine railway related, just drop us a line, maybe we can help. _ _
Howdee, and welcome to the 26th year of the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society', a celebration of a quarter century of existence.
We will be looking back on those 26 years later on in the year, but most of 2026 will be spent looking back on our massive 2010 visit.
Due to the huge variety of photos taken during the 2010 trip, we will be separating the different subjects into various posts over the next 12 months.
Locomotives - Rollingstock - Infrastructure
Railcars
This post marks the second installment of random rolling stock photographs taken in 2010. Interestingly, while back in Australia I've always been more interested in locomotives, infrastructure, and to some extent railcars, my time in the Philippines has sparked a growing fascination with rolling stock. I've set myself the goal of capturing photos of every surviving piece since 2004.
Occasionally, more historic rolling stock makes appearances on our blog or in discussions on our main members forum.
If you find an interest in non-railways topics in the Philippines, you are invited to check out our
The videos above showcase the old Caloocan Workshops, an integral part of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) infrastructure, which first opened its doors in 1906. Since its inception, this facility has played a pivotal role in the maintenance, repair, and construction of rolling stock, crucially supporting the operations of the railway network in the Philippines, especially in the greater Manila area.
Over the years, the workshops have adapted to meet the evolving needs of the PNR, making significant contributions to the development and upkeep of the country's railway infrastructure. However, with the gradual reduction of the railway system's scale, the prominence of the Caloocan Workshops has also diminished.
Note that despite the thumbnails, it was not to be our last coverage of the Caloocan Workshops.
We would return for one last time in 2023 to historically cover it just prior to the Manila system closing (they like to say temporarily, but we'll see).
Ragay railway station is located in the municipality of Ragay, which is in the province of Camarines Sur (CamSur), in the Bicol region of the Philippines.
The station is part of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Bicol Line, which now connects Calamba in Laguna (from Manila until that section closed last year) to the Bicol region.
Historically, the Bicol Line provided rail services between Manila and various parts of the Bicol Region, including Ragay. However, services in this area were disrupted and have been suspended for a number of years, particularly after damage from Typhoon Reming in 2006 and subsequent infrastructure issues.
While, as of now transfers do seem to be possible, there has been no word on the returning of passenger services any time in the near future.
In recent years, there have been discussions and efforts to revive rail services in the Bicol region as part of the Philippine government's push to improve transportation infrastructure, including the potential restoration of the Bicol Express and the construction of new rail systems under the Bicol Railway Project.
For the most current status of railway services in the region, it's recommended to check with local authorities or the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
Are you interested in the fascinating sugarcane railways on the islands of Negros and Panay (Philippines)?
Also includes sugar and timber railways on Cebu & Mindanao.
We have started a new specialising in this topic, aimed at local historians, railfans interested in these railways, and people with a general interest in the industry.
Sadly the station has since been rebuilt and modernised, removing all the features that made the station so unique and leaving another dreary example of modernity.
Photo: Brad Peadon
North end of Ragay platform.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
The sea creature design in the window grill were just one of the unique parts of the station building.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Another fascinating design aspect of the station was awning supports that all had a palm tree like design.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Main station building.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Looking northwards along Ragay platform.
Photo: Brad Peadon
South end of the platform showing a hive of activity.
The local shops can be see to the far left.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Another unique feature of the station were these fish design name signs at both ends of the awning.
The less appealing modern replacement for that lovely old structure that existed in 2010.
Photo: Google Streetscape
Locals using what passes for passenger service even today.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The south end of the awning.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Ragay yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
A local somewhat curious about the appearance of two Aussies in town.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Yeah, the awning was in a bad way at this stage. But I wonder what the cost difference would have been for a full heritage restoration compared that which replaced it?
Photo: Brad Peadon
Stairway down to station platform?
Photo: Brad Peadon
Presumably a former little sari-sari store on the platform.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The fish nameboard at the north end of the awning.
We always welcome news, photos and small articles for inclusion on both this site and our parent group (see below). Please email us!
PRHS.Society at gmail.com
The Philippine Railway Historical Society and forums on Facebook and Yahoo groups have further information regarding these interesting railways and also a number of chat forums for those interested in all areas of Philippine transportation.
Our various forums have the latest news and information from a number of very knowledgeable people. Please join in with our PRHS family, learn about the railways of the Philippines and make new friends.
We now act as a information society, having removed ourselves from the badder elements of the Manila railfan hobby, existing to meet and help others with similar interests.
PRHS - Longest Running Philippine Railways group.
25 years of serving the Philippine railway hobby.
Brad
Australia
FREE PRHS RAILWAY PUBLICATIONS
The PRHS regularly publishes magazines (mostly ezines, but sometimes hard copies) covering different railway topics. Locomotive, rollingstock and transit updates, publications aimed at modellers and our occasional magazine 'Along Da Riles'. In the future, we are planning a number of other publications of interest to everyone, along with plans for a regularly updated database, and another plan that could prove to be a first for the Philippines. PRHS: Bringing a railfan hobby to the nation.
Want more information on the PRHS or have another Philippine railway enquiry?
Philippine Railway Historical Society
For all your Philippine railway information photos and chat, please visit our HOMEPAGE! Our group and activities are free - we are here to promote interest in the Philippine railways, make friendships and help with information. We are not a fundraising group and do not ask for funds. Do you support the past and future of the railways in the Philippines? Come chat with us atPRHSFacebook.We look forward to meeting you.