Java Sugar Steam 2002 - Madiun Area Mills

The Madiun mills are operated by PTP Nusantara XI.  There is clearly room for rationalisation in this area.  I would not be surprised if a couple of these mills closed soon, Kanigoro and Soedhono (even Rejosari) would seem to be the most likely candidates. 1998 proved to be a disastrous year for steam around Madiun, and 1999 turned out to be even worse. 2000 was similar to 1999, the number of active locos was much less than half what it was four years ago and I was surprised to find 2001 a little better and 2002 much the same overall.

19. SOEDHONO Mill Index

After 3's revival in 2001 who could say? My money was on 100% diesel operation and as feared when I stopped by during mid-morning on 2nd July, shed staff said 'no steam this year'. I noted a tractor shunting nearby and left.

20. PURWODADI Mill Index

The safest bet for 2002 steam in the Madiun area with 5, 11 and 15 seen active during a brief visit to the cane yard on 2nd July. To which could be added 10 from visits on 19th/20th July. Operation was exactly as before except that the 'banking' locomotive now waits in the yard instead of next to the main road. On 20th/21st September, the mill was still extremely busy.

.21. REJOSARI Mill Index

Jackshaft 0-8-0T 10 was running again like this (from 2001) when I stopped by on 2nd July. 6 was also in use and the crews said 7 was available as spare. Similarly on 19th July although I missed the action as one of my group left his valuables at Cepu (and his brain at home) and I had to drive over and collect them. At least he paid for my beer that day. On 6th August the action was repeated, there was even time between runs to grice the mill which is a joy to behold.. This is one mill with a definite steam improvement in the last couple of years. On 20th September, the mill was still quite busy. 10 had failed and would need repairs before the 2003 season. 6 was in steam but 7 (still in blue livery) was in use - from its condition it too desperately needed attention. Mill staff expected to finish by the end of the month, mainly because the mill was short of water, the rains having finished earlier than usual before the season started. 

22. KANIGORO Mill Index

1, 6 and 11 were in use in 2001 and the mill reopened in 2002 with the same steam power available although just 11 was in steam with what little work there was to be done performed by the diesels and tractors.... Apart from the Cirebon mills, this was the only mill I had seen with a cane shortage. Here is 1 on the mud train.

23. PAGOTTAN Mill Index

In both 1999, 2000 and 2001 just 8 was in use with its nose tight up against loaded loris near the mill. No 2002 reports.

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