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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.
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Wednesday, April 16, 2025

CALOOCAN WORKSHOPS FAREWELL 2025 - PART 1

 




Yep, I know we have been at the 'last visit' stage before.
In fact, I had visited just over a year prior and didn't actually have plans to do so again this year.
The main basis of this trip was a week worth of historical (railway) research stuff based on the sugarcane railways of Negros Island, Occidental and Oriental. This originally only allowed a couple of days in Manila before flying out.
However, a few extra days in Manila, and the news that things seemed to be moving with the closure of the workshops, made for a change of mind and another visit.
In recent years I've aimed to try to record things that I had previously ignored in favour of locomotives and rollingstock. This time I tried to concentrate on the buildings, signage, machinery, and other infrastructure.

There have been many PNR general managers over the 26 years I have been recording the Caloocan Workshops.
However there are a couple I really wish to thank for their assistance in allowing my to cover the final years of this incredibly important and interesting railway location.

Firstly the current  GM Mr Deovanni S. Miranda for granting me permission to visit this year, and at quite short notice.
A huge thanks also to former GM Jun Magno who granted me official permission to cover all the railways before things changed. All of these opportunities have now proved to be very important and allowed me to compile content to share with everyone for years.
Also thank you to Ms Joseline A. Geronimo, Ms Celeste D. Lauta, Ms Emma Papa, Mr Edward Manapol, Mr Estelito Nierva, Junio Ragragrio (former PNR GM), Mr Esperedion Regulto, and the many other managers and staff who have been so kind to this visiting PNR supporter over more than two and a half decades. 
Maraming salamat everyone.



View from the rear of the smaller workshop, looking north towards the entrance and traverser.
Photos: Brad Peadon



Above and below.
Former Japanese Kiha railcar 52-127 may have seen her last days in use.
Photos: Brad Peadon




Former Japanese railcar bookended by two Rotem built carriages.
Photo: Brad Peadon




Of interest in this shot is the fact those yellow chairs are actually from the Presidential Carriage PC-286.
During my last visit this historic carriage was used as an office to the left of where I was standing here.
Today she sits at Tutuban station and will appear in an upcoming video on my YouTube channel. 
Photo: Brad Peadon





Above and below.
DMR-09 which was badly damaged in a collision north of Caloocan on a Bicutan to Gov Pascual service back in September 2022.
Train Set #6 - DMR-09 ITR-06 DMR-06
Further details in the PRHS forum back at the time.
Photos: Brad Peadon






 Above and below.
A massive array of parts needed to help keep the great Philippine National Railways running.
Photos: Brad Peadon





Above and two below.
920 is another accident victim that has been donating many usable parts over the years to help keep her sisters in service.
Sadly she has long since turned her wheels for the last time.
Photos: Brad Peadon






 There's though Marcos Car carriages again.
Photos: Brad Peadon
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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.
This is further evidenced by this new series compiled from our recent 2025 visit which, for the 4th or 5th time, seems definite to be the last with movement having started on it's being wiped out.

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Nhing, Tins, & whoever the driver was.
Deovanni S. Miranda (PNR GM)
Mark Chua (PNR) for your endless help.
Rogelio Cabanilla (PNR RSMD)


Philippine National Railways Management & Staff.
wikipedia.org











Philippine Transport Modeller
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#semiretiredfoamer

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