Abad Santos Box

The Abad Santos signalbox is one of three that existed on the railway triangle in Tondo, Manila. Of the three, only this and Solis signalbox are till in existence, with Solis being the only one still reasonably intact.
Back around 2009, there was an effort made to restore the Abad Santos box, however, it has deteriorated badly over the years since.

A look at the Abad Santos Signalbox in 2018.

The 'Manila Railroad Club' mentioned plans to restore the Solis box. But a 2018 inspection did not reveal any work having been done.

A look at the Solis Signalbox in 2018.

The following selection of photos, from the collection of the late Bill Sullivan, show Abad Santos in 2008.
The 14 lever frame is truly magnificent and it is hoped it finds it's way into one of the couple of preservation proposals currently in motion.

You will note the 'Saxby and Farmer Ltd' on the end of the frame.

The company Saxby and Farmer was originally started by John Saxby and John Stinson Farmer, in 1861, to manufacture railway signalling equipment.
In 1920 Westinghouse Brake Co Ltd and Saxby & Farmer Ltd merged. 

Entrance into the lower level of Abad Santos signalbox.

Today, these stairs, and this east facing wall, are now all gone, with the 

roof in partial collapse.

Rear of the signalbox.

West wall of signalbox.

John Saxby information.

Includes a United Kingdom signalbox built by him.

~~ RAILFAN DAY IN MANILA ~~

As has become quite a tradition with Philippine trips, our visit last month saw another railfan gathering organised.

This gathering saw us meet at Espana to photograph the DMUs and then travel the old Commex into Tutuban. Here we inspected the few remaining items in Tayuman yard, before catching a train to Blumentritt to inspect Abad Santo and Sollis signalboxes.

Then it was off to Paco to look at the derelict remains of the original station, Pasay Road for the sake of it and then back to Espana where we all farewelled each other.

I have some photos to share, but thought I would show these by my good friends Rodney Orca and Ben Exconde who have been quicker to get them on to Facebook than I have.

APOLOGIES - Rodney just notified me that all the photos are actual Ben's. I have rectified this in the credits below. Thanks Rodney and sorry Ben.

Brad and David walking back to Abad Santos and Sollis station.

Grrrrrrrr train stoppages!

Photo: Ben Exconde

BUDA (aka PUSA) Car #22 recieves an inspection much to the disgust of its informal settler who high tailed it outside the door.

Photo: Ben Exconde

Some of the remaining group at Paco.

Photographer: Unknown - - Camera: Benm Exconde

Taking a look at the newest additipons to the PNR fleet.

Photo: Ben Exconde

Morning service heads back to the cover of the carriage shed.
Photo: Ben Exconde