Java 1973
On another tour organized by David Thornhill of "World Steam", I was able to visit Java, Malaysia and Singapore in 1973, when there were some incredibly ancient steam locomotives still in use as well as more modern traction. As with many places, the history of Indonesian Railways is pretty complicated, suffice to say that at the time of my visit the railways were run by PNKA (Perusahaan Negara Kereta Api), Indonesian State Railways, and the lines were 3' 6" gauge. There were also a couple of 2 foot gauge lines and many narrow gauge lines around the sugar mills. Here are a few photos for starters - more will be added as time permits.
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On the platform at Purwokerto station a small boy and his mother watch 4-6-0 C54 01 doing some shunting around the station area, in front of the 1930s style signalbox. The engine was built by Hartmann in 1922, works No. 4429. It was one of 19 locos in the class, 13 built by Hartmann and 6 by Beyer, Peacock, all in 1922. Various other engines can be seen at the loco depot alongside the station. Saturday 21st July 1973. Slide No. 11475.
