Recently, while cataloguing some of the 100,000 photos that make up my mess of an archive, I came across a number of shots from my earliest trips to the Philippines.
The greatest memories are from those taken in 1999, the very first time I visited the country. I still remember arriving there, having no idea of what it was going to be like.
Hobby wise, I only had a couple of notes mentioning Tutuban yard, Paco station and a rumoured workshop that was situated somewhere in Caloocan. I really knew nothing about the railways and, to be honest, never expected it would lead to both starting the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' (PRHS), or that I would make some truly great friends.
To this day I wish I took far more photos that trip. Those that I did take, both railway and otherwise, are all now a part of history, a time that has now greatly changed.
Over the next few weeks I shall place these photos up on our blog. Not all will be train related, but then, the PRHS has expanded it's scope well beyond just rail.
From that very first day at Espana station in 1999, I knew I had found something special there. Two decades, and 12 visits, later and I am still pounding the cameras every time I go there, and still learning new things along the way.
I hope you enjoy this little series showcasing the earliest shots I took there.
916 - The original 908.
2542 was not long for this world. She had hauled her last train and was now awaiting her turn to receive the gas axe.
Still think this is the best livery the LRT1 1G sets ever wore.
RIP 2536
Back in 1999, the original Paco station had already been replaced by this temporary structure just a short distance south. This replacement was nothing near as impressive as the original and would again be replaced by a third
station half way between the initial two.
The curve where this temporary station is seen, is actually right where the junction was for the former line to Cavite. Very little of this former branch exists today, save for some bridge piers and a station building at the former terminus.
More Photos Coming Soon.
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