DMU Unveiling

  December 11th was a historic day for the 'Philippine National Railways' with the official unveiling ceremony of their new, Indonesian built, DMU sets.

  These lovely new trains were manufactured by PT Industri Kereta Api (Persero) [PT INKA Persero] and had arrived in Manila Port on December 9th. While one set had already been taken to Tutuban (see here), this set remained at the port to take part in the ceremony.

  Amongst the guests were DoTr Secretary Art Tugade, PNR General Manager Junn Magno, Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Dr Sinyo Harry Sarubdang and Under Secretary for Rails Timothy John Batan.

The day was much enjoyed and gave a glimpse into the future of our beloved 'Philippine National Railways'.

  On behalf of the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' I would like to thank the 'Philippine National Railways' GM Junn Magno & Atty Lauta, DOTr and PT INKA, for permitting our group to be part of important event.
  A huge thank you to our roving reporter, Mark Chua, who represented the PRHS.
  

  The future of PNR is bright - lets all support them on this great journey.

Brad Peadon - PRHS

Photos Are Copywrite. Please Ask Permission To Use And Credit Correctly.

Roving Reporter - Mark Chua

Mark Chua (PRHS) meets Under Secretary for Rails Timothy John Batan.

PNR General manager Junn Magno talks to reporters.

PNR GM Junn Magno with Mark Chua (on left).

NOTE: All photos remain the copywrite of Mark Chua (PRHS).
Please credit accordingly should they be shared.


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DOUBLE DECKER SURPRISE

Can You Help?

A couple of days ago, PRHS Moderator Reynante came across this at a petrol station along the SLEX at Binan (Laguna). For the very geographically challenged, this is just to the south of Metro Manila.

Over the years, I have heard the occasional rumour of at least two old Manila Leyland Atlanteans possibly existing, neither of which have ever been confirmed.
  This one does look significantly different to the Atlanteans I have seen in photos and looks like it may have had significant bodywork at some stage.

Can anyone identify the bus, the maker and know of it's history or future.

Rey mentions that there does seem to be work getting done to it.

Please email us if you can help.

The above photos were taken by, and remain the property of, Reynante Bulaon.
Photo used with permission.
Thank you for sharing this terrific find.

Bus is currently located HERE in Binan.
Ironically, I went past this place just a few months ago.

PRHS - Philippine Transportation Group (Non-Rail)
Philippine Railway Historical Society Group.

Original Manila Leyland Double Decks.
Bus photos taken by John Ward.

Interested in Philippine Buses, Ferries, Jeepneys, Planes or Trikes?
Join the PRHS Philippine Transportation group.
Note that this group is not for railway chat.

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Readers: Please note that our Caloocan Workshops series will return soon.

There is far too much news going on in Manila at this time.

Photos Are Copywrite. Please Ask Permission To Use And Credit Correctly.

It is indeed an exciting time to be part of the rail industry of the Philippines, whether it is a passing interest, an obsession (I'm guilty), or if you work on rail, the last couple of years has seen old rail services upgraded and restored, as well as all new lines being built, on a scale not seen since the early days of rail in the country.
The national rail operator, 'Philippine National Railways' has been a big part of this and, through the great leadership of GM Junn Magno, we see a system on the mend and gradually returning to it's rightful place in the Philippine transport industry....on top.
I have been incredibly fortunate to be a part of the rail scene there since 1999, having been blessed with many good people who have made me welcome in my second home. Sadly, distance means I cannot attend everything, but thanks to these people I am always able to share in the bigger moments.

One of those 'BIGGER' moments occurred yesterday with the brand new, Indonesian built, DMU set arriving in Manila. This is the first of a number of new items that includes a brand new locomotive and rollingstock.
My mate Mark has generously supplied us with photos and video footage of this historic event. Enjoy!!

Note: Related videos are down below the photos.

For those of us who are fleet researchers, this first set in numbered as follows.

K3 3 19 01 (HC)
K3 3 19 02 (TC)
K3 3 19 03 (HC)

K3 (Third Class) 
3 (Hydraulic) 
19 (Year of Build)
01 (Unit Number)

In regards to the 3.
In Indonesia, 1=Electric, 2=Diesel Electric and 3=Hydraulic.

Mark on the scene.

Offloading - Official 'Philippine National Railways Photo

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Offloading - Official 'Philippine National Railways Photo

VIDEOS

Footage of initial trials in Indonesia.
Video courtesy of PNR.

Footage of unloading in Tutuban yard.
Taken by Mark Chua.

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All photos taken by 'Mark Chua' unless specified.

All remain the property of the owner and are used with permission.

Thanks to Reynante Bulaon and Nurman Candra.

Photos Are Copywrite. Please Ask Permission To Use Or Alter.

  Caloocan Workshops has seen it's fair share of historically important rollingstock over the years, but for this century, there has been none  more important than that PC-286 'Kalayaan'.

  Believed to have been built in Japan (can someone confirm the builder?), it was originally numbered PC-777.
 The 777 is apparently significant in that '7' was the favourite number of President Marcos. The same number was carried by the presidential bus, as seen here in a photo from Mark Chua's collection.

So why the number change?

Marcos was removed from power in February of 1986 (or 2/86) and it is believed the number change was made soon after. As such, it is unlikely that he would have ever been in the carriage under it's current designation.
'Kalayaan' is Filipino for 'Freedom', obviously also aimed at the fall of the former president. While the name is in official 'Philippine National Railways' computer records, I have not seen any evidence that the carriage has actually ever carried it.

Today the carriage resides in Caloocan Workshops, and has done so for all the 20 years I have been visiting there. Records say that it was in Manila Yard back in late 1988, but it is unlikely it was used post 1986.

Below are a selection of detail shots I took, with a view to building a model should measurements ever come forward.
Following those, I am indebted to my friend Mark Chua, who recently went and took some exclusive photos inside the carriage.
All thoughts of it being filled with money, jewels and the First Lady's shoe collection, have been well and truly dashed :-)

Overall view of the Presidential carriage, along with north wall of 

the main workshop building.

A huge thanks to Mark Chua for sharing these important 

internal photographs with us.

Thanks also to Ap Cal and John Tickvah.

Earn some extra Pesos for that Jollibee dinner. Timebucks.