PNR 900 CLASS - APRIL PHOTO COMP

After a bit of a break, April saw us return to the PRHS photographic competition once again.

This time we went down a different path, picking the ever-popular U14/15C 900 class locomotives as the topic.

The concept of these competitions is simple. People share their favourite photos and people vote on the ones they like by, well, 'liking' them.

Sadly, many members don't take the time to express an opinion as to their favourites, so see do not always get a good indication from a large range of people.

However, it is what it is, and we greatly thank those who get involved.

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Let's start with the most liked photos.

Most popular.

7 likes: Lovely shot of 917 on the Pandacan bridge 

Equal 6th.

Equal 6th.

5th.

Interestingly, two in equal 4th were from the same photographer, with the same photographic collections in the one-shot.

Just ignore the INKA one ;-)

Equal 4th, PRHS favourite 902 at Caloocan Workshops following her rebuild at DESCO.

3rd was this shot of newly painted 917 in the home of the best Buko Pie (Calamba Laguna).

2nd: Another beautiful shot from the lens of my friend Mark Chua.

Shows perfectly how the new livery brightens up the scene.

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I have always loved a good Philippine sunset photo, so I was particularly taken by this one.

Roxas City Sunset

Very well done by Ap Cal.

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Now for a look at the rest of the wonderful entries this month.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to contribute and vote.

The not often seen view of a locomotive being moved on the Caloocan Workshops traverser.

The Junn Magno (PNR GM) era orange livery, sometimes nicknamed 'Ponkan' (name for Mandarin orange, or just orange), sure has brought some brightness to the 'Philippine National Railways'.

PNR flagship U15C #902 seen in Tutuban back before she was rebuilt at DESCO.

I just love this shot by 'John McMarv'.

The lovely lighting, old livery, and the control tower behind.

Much of this scene is expected to change in the future.

Love a different take on a train photo, also the inclusion of rail people, and this one on the popular Pandacan bridge sure is both of these.

The people are the ones who make the railways what they are.

Tayuman: Manila home of the PNR fleet.

A structure just begging to be modelled.

Yummy. Works (perway) trains are always something special.

Mark Chua provides yet another awesome shot.

One of my favourite paintings by resident artist Fremel Bernal. One incredibly talented guy.

A cracking shot from the lens of Sanny Sancha.

A location that I have long wanted to use.

To finish up, we have an image of U15C #917 running around at the new Alabang station.

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Thank you every, it has been truly enjoyable seeing the photographic (and artistic) work of so many.

900 Class Appreciation Group.

Our Newest Group - Our First Contribution Based Group.

An in-depth look at the U14/15C 900 class.

 

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.

Latest News - Historical Chat - Passenger & Industrial Railways.Come join the PRHS Group today.
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Our latest publication, now available for free on the PRHS website.

900 Class Refurbishment

Project

  The second stage of the 900 class has seen two, with a third expected, locomotives hauled down south to Binan. From here they are transferred by road to Desco (GE licencee in the Philippines) for a major refurbishment.
  First it was 913 (Jan 24th), followed my PNR flagship 902 (Jan 25th), both of which are now in the Desco plant. It is believed that 914 will follow.

  The following photos have been generously supplied by long time PRHS member 'Mark Chua' and should not be used for any purpose without first asking him. He is contactable through the PRHS.
  We thank Mark immensely for allowing us to share these great shots of locomotive 902 (our PRHS mascot).

And 913

Photos: Property of Mark Chua

More news as it happens.