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.

PNKA No. B27 16, Purwodadi to Kredenan Train, 31st July 1973

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PNKA No. B27 16, Purwodadi to Kredenan Train, 31st July 1973

0-4-2T No. B27 16 is working a roadside tramway line with the 14:15 train from Purwodadi to Kradenan via Wirosari on the afternoon of Tuesday 31st July 1973. This was the only steam working of the day along the line, one other train was worked by a diesel. The loco was the last built of 16 engines, all by Hartmann between 1912 and 1921, this one Works No. 4444. Slide No. 12203.

GMP Slide12203 B2716 Purwodadi Kradenan 310773

Java 1973

Ardan Nugroho

jawbreaker

Nurachman

Ressa