It's getting near on a decade and a half ago that my friend David and I travelled on down to Naga for a few days.
Down there we were to catch up with fellow Aussie mate Paul, inspect the line to Legaspi, ride the Bicol Commuter, and have a good explore of Naga station and yard.
Such is the size of Naga, this posting is over two parts. Even more if you include all the other station visits to come.
The future of this important yard is in doubt with the proposed 'South Long Haul Project' including plans to put Naga station outside of the main city to ease congestion and ease curvature.
Interested In All Things Philippines? We Have Heaps.
Naga Railway Station, located in Naga City in the Bicol region of the Philippines, has a significant history tied to the development of transportation in the country.
The station was established as part of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) system, which was originally operated by the Manila Railway Company (MRC) in the early 1920. Naga served as a crucial hub for travelers and goods moving between the Bicol Peninsula and Manila.
Over the years, the Naga Railway Station became vital to the local economy, connecting the region with major cities and providing an important mode of transportation. However, like many other railway systems in the Philippines, the Naga station experienced a decline in service during the late 20th century, particularly with the rise of road transportation.
Today is operates services north to Sipocot, and south down to Legaspi.
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Are you interested in the fascinating sugarcane railways on the islands of Negros and Panay (Philippines)?
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.
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CAR-2 sitting around Naga yard (Bicol region).
Photo: Brad Peadon
BC-649 repainted blue, with orange band and Philtrak logo of the era.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
A look both ways along Naga platform from inside the entrance back in the days before the over
authoritative security guards infested the entrance.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Bicol Commuter timetable back in 2010, with services north to Sipocot (as is the case today), and
south as far as Ligao (today they have returned to Legaspi).
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below
U15C 922 looking absolutely resplendent in her new Filtrak livery sits inside the Naga shed.
Photos: Brad Peadon
BC-677 was another boxcar painted blue by the Naga crew. However it neither got the
orange band, or the modern Filtrack logo.
Photo: Brad Peadon
GC-1 in yard with a load of dirt and a random tyre.
Photo: Brad Peadon
The end of Naga yard, looking southwards towards Legaspi.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Looking northwards across Naga yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
FL-53 with a load of rail.
Photo: Brad Peadon
BC-597 has also had the blue treatment.
It is believed most of these blue vans were later towed to Legaspi. However, from all reports they have
mysteriously disappeared from there and not been seen since.
Photo: Brad Peadon
A more elevated shot of CAR-2.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below
U15C 918 arrives with the Bicol Commuter.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and two below.
U15C 918 at Naga station preparing to depart for the run to Ligao.
U15C 918 at Naga station preparing to depart for the run to Ligao.
Photos: Brad Peadon
The Naga station dunnies are quite a nice looking structure.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Cab of 918.
Photo: Brad Peadon
South end footbridge at Naga station. This bridge was closed by the time of my 2022 visit, and the
north one looking to be none to well either.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and two below.
North entrance into Naga yard. The tracks to the right lead to the yard, loco shed, and triangle (wye if you so prefer).
Photos: Brad Peadon
Locals walking along the tracks south of Naga as await the Bicol Commuter.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
918 scurries along with the Bicol Commuter train just south of Naga.
Photos: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
It must take incredible skill to not fall off the railhead with the pushbike and sidecar.
South of Naga.
Photos: Brad Peadon
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MrX, Nhing, and Onyo.
PNR Management & Staff.
wikipedia.org
Philippine Association of Rail Enthusiasts
Our Sister group.
Our Sister group.
Interested In All Things Philippines? We Have Heaps.
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A list of recommended genuine locations to find further information on Philippine transport topics
that will be expanded on from time to time.
