Acknowledgements

I first visited Java in August 1975 and have returned more than twenty times, it is no exaggeration to say that it is my second home. My initial visits were entirely focused on main line steam locomotives. From the late 1970s, I increasingly concentrated on the narrow gauge steam locomotives attached to Java's sugar mills. Only recently have I started to research the steam powered machinery inside the mills and I am very conscious that I missed the opportunity to record some ten mills which ceased operation in the 1990s. However, what remains at the time of compilation is both representative and unique in the world.

This project is dedicated to the memory of John Tillman, a good friend for more than 20 years and who was the initial driving force behind this project. Without his good natured prodding, this continuing research would never have started and I would have missed out on yet another fascinating Java experience. Thanks a million John!

Living with the gods, the author on top of Gunung Merbabu (3265m) with Gunung Merapi behind, in August 1997. I have now climbed all 12 of the mountains over 3000m in Java!

Necessarily the contemporary pictures are nearly all mine, but it would be a mistake to assume that the work represented here is entirely my own. Many people have given valuable assistance, particularly on the ground in Java - there are too many to mention individually. Rob van Dort (Holland) and Kees Morks (Hawaii) are Java veterans who patiently tutored me in the basics of sugar technology. Chris Hodrien and Paul Stephens of the International Stationary Steam Engine Society pointed me in the right directions and James Hefner provided information on smaller pumps. Fellow enthusiast Ray Gardiner sent me much data from his own research and also accompanied me on numerous bashes - it is indeed fortunate that we have many common interests although Ray has not yet followed me up too many volcanoes!

Rob Dickinson (RD), Mitcheldean, UK  November 2016