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. B25 03, Ambarawa, 24th July 1973

83 / 117

PNKA No. B25 03, Ambarawa, 24th July 1973

One of the PNKA Rack Tanks, 0-4-2RT No. B25 03 inside the shed at Ambarawa. Although the rack line to Setjang was closed, several of these locos were about, one of them being the station pilot. This one certainly looks in good condition and belies its age - being built by Kessler in Esslingen in 1902, Works No. 3244. The five-strong class were rack and adhesion engines, the cylinders and motion for the rack engine can be seen above the adhesion cylinders. Slide No. 11726.

GMP Slide11726 B2503 Ambarawa 240773 geoff plumb

Java 1973

Ardan Nugroho

jawbreaker

Nurachman

Ressa