Java Sugar Steam 2001 - Central Java South Coast

These mills were operated originally by PNP XVI which became part of PNP XV/XVI, subsequently PTP XV/XVI which is now known as PTP Nusantara IX. It took me a long time to sort out these mills because this was not an interesting area for main line steam in the 70s. In their prime Gondang Baru and Tasik Madu provided some of my favourite rides and photos. However, this area has really prospered in recent times which means that the mills have suffered badly from loss of labour (to new factories) and growing land (to housing as the towns and cities expand). Future prospects for steam (and its mills) are very poor with Kalibagor, Ceper Baru and Colomadu reported closed during the 1998 season. I would not expect Gondang Baru to last much longer and standards at even Tasik Madu have slipped in the last few years.

14. KALIBAGOR Mill Index

Closed at the end of the 1997 season. 4 and 5 were transferred to Sumberharjo in 2000, probably leaving only 7 here as 6 went to Gondang Baru some years ago. I have since been told 7 is now at Gondang Baru, quite why I don't know!

15. GONDANG BARU Mill Index

This mill did not use its steam locomotives in 1999 and closed its field lines. Unlikely to have used them at all since then.

16. CEPER BARU Mill Index

Closed at the end of the 1997 season.

17. COLOMADU Mill Index

Closed at the end of the 1997 season. The four remaining steam locomotives (1 and 4 750mm, 2 and 6 700mm) were still here locked away securely on 14th July 2000. I was solemnly told that they were protected by magic and that anyone even pissing on the shed doors would become ill - someone had better tell the termites who have eaten their way half way through them.

18. TASIK MADU Mill Index

The mill started in early June and it should be steamy for the next 2-3 months. On 24th June I made my first visit at midday. Since 2000, 7 had been failed and was dumped at the back of the shed and the various other wrecks had been pushed out of the back and were allegedly for sale. Both Banjaratma diesels were at work as was the entire roster apart from 7B (Colomadu 7). On 7th July, in the morning, the mill was very busy. Between 07.30 and 09.30, 5 and 6 ran no less than 6 trains up the road from the gantry. 3 and 7B were handling the fulls stored next to the shed, 14 was on empties and 1 and 5B were working the mill itself. Two diesels were working the gantry next to the yard. An amazing sight in 2001, often three or four steam locomotives were working simultaneously. After a superb morning, the afternoon was quieter and the next day (a Sunday) again less busy with 6 on washout and 7 as spare loco. Compared to 1999/2000 the operation seemed much smarter with the locomotives repainted.

The mill suffered a major breakdown on 2nd/3rd August but was ready to restart on 4th August when the yard was exceptionally busy. Some shunting manoeuvres had such long trains that they were double-headed, unfortunately I was taking the tour group round temples at the time and didn't see this.

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