My first visit to Jatibarang was on 10th June 1978. On the way down from Brebes, we spotted OK 0-8-0T #3A in the field. This small locomotive with unusual Allen valve gear was not popular and very soon got itself transferred to Pangka where it didn't last too long before being dumped and eventually scrapped.

It does rain in Java during the sugar season, especially on the north coast. On 27th July 1986, it had rained most of the night and conditions in the yard were not pleasant as Couillet 0-6-0T #1 went about its business as pilot. With almost complete dieselisation of the reduced rail network, #1 has found its way to Tasik Madu where it has been regauged from 600mm to 750mm to work on the tourist operation

OK 0-8-0T #12 was miles from anywhere south of the mill waiting for its load on 27th July 1994 - I had tramped out to see this with Chris West who was particularly keen to see it as it had been delivered to a British company who operated an estate some way west of Cirebon. I ended up very thirsty and Chris got sunstroke...

I was on my way to find some locomotives in the fields on the afternoon of 29th August 1996 when I chanced on hybrid Couillet/Henschel 0-6-0 2 coming in on a short train. In those days, I was fit and young enough to run down the track ahead of the trains.

It was largely a matter of trial and error as the roads and railway lines were frequently far apart. Although we did find two more locomotives waiting in the fields, there was no chance of their actually moving! Jung 0-4-4-0T #9 was caught in the glorious last sunlight - it has now been sent to the UK for preservation.