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This page is part of a series of pages by Tony Ford describing
the Perusahaan Negara Kereta Api ca 1970.
For more information, click here for the
index page.
Click on a thumbnail to see a picture full size and then click
the 'Return' button on your browser to return here.
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The present 60cm gauge system in Java is based on the depots at Krawang and
Tjikampek, about an hour's drive east of Djakarta. A second line of the same gauge ran between Balung and Ambulu in East Java but was closed in about 1965. The West Javan system is 50 miles long and was opened in 1909. The section east of Tjikampek is no longer used, but trains still ply the sections between
Rangkasdenglok, Krawang, Wadas and Tjikampek. Two types of locomotive are employed the first we see
is of the TC10 class T denoting Tram. These Hartmann locomotives and formerly owned by Staats Spoorwegen were built between 1914 and 1920. Originally there were 15 of these 0-6-0T brought into service the number still in use
is believed to have dropped to nine.
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The three Werkspoor 0-8-0T engines built in 1926, designated TD10 class, are still to be seen working from Krawang and Tjikampek.
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I now have a number of shots of sheds where the wonderful locomotives you
have seen are based. First are the depots at Kertosono and Madiun in East Java,
the latter situated alongside the main steam workshop.
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Moving to Central Java, we have the sheds at Tjepu, Ambarawa (note the
separate entrances for the 3ft 6in and standard gauges) and Purwokerto with
Gunung Slamet behind.
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Finally to West Java with the sheds at Purwakarta, not to be confused with
Purwokerto, and the roundhouse at Tanahabang.
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During my travels I came across one or two reminders of the War of
Independence here are two armoured flats discovered at Purwakarta I was informed that these were normally positioned in front of the locomotive to
detonate any mines which may have been laid on the track. This armoured vehicle
was found lying in the Armys munitions factory at Bandung unfortunately I have no further information as to its origin or role.
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Last in this mixture of slides is Semarang Joana Stoomtram Mij locomotive 214. According to records this
0-4-2T Hartmann locomotive should have been renumbered B2714 no sign of renumbering could be found when
found lying derelict outside the depot at Semarang Gudeng in January 1971.
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Notes:
Ray Gardiner adds that a number of "Overvalwagen" (assault vehicle) or armoured personnel carrier
from the Dutch era (often known as Braats from the Surabaya company that built
some) were converted post WW2. Two are known to survive, an unpowered one on a
flat wagon at Museum Satria Mandala, Gotot Subroto, Senyan, Jakarta and a
powered one at Bandung Military Museum.
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