Java Sugar Steam 2007 - Central Java North Coast

These mills were operated originally by PNP XV which became part of PNP XV/XVI, subsequently PTP XV/XVI which is now known as PTP Nusantara IX. They have a large number of steam locos, some operating to the fields in the traditional manner but they have the universal attribute of doing most of their most interesting work during the hours of darkness - presumably to balance the road deliveries which tend to be made during the day time. As far as charging is concerned, mills are now free to set their own charges. Most charge a standard Rp 50,000 per person per visit, but Pangka was charging Rp 100,000 in 2006, with discounts available for larger groups....

Click here for a photo gallery from the LCGB tour, courtesy of Robin Patrick.

7. BANJARATMA Mill Index

This mill closed at the end of the 1997 season.. Two of its diesel locomotives have gone to Tasik Madu, the steam locomotives were stored and then cut up around 2002/3. 

8. JATIBARANG Mill Index

Although the mill now has two Japanese diesels from Cepiring, steam activity is hanging on here. 1, 2,  5, 10 and 12 have been in use at various times in recent years but rarely more than one or two at a time. A July 2007 visitor found 1, 5 and 12 working. In August, just 1 and 5, the livery here is now dark blue.

Jung Mallet 9 has been sold to Graham Lee in the UK.

9. PANGKA Mill Index

Steam activity tends to increase as the season progresses and more bagasse becomes available. Up to five locomotives from 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10 have been used in recent years, repainted orange, when their tourist operation started. This mill is actively promoting agro-tourism and hopes to establish a regular passenger train to a nearby dam - however, there is no money available for the capital expenditure on the track. There is one remaining field line here to the north-east but usually the diesels work it unless a visiting group pays for a steam locomotive....

A July 2007 visitor found 1, 3, 9 and 10 working, in August it was 2, 3 and 10,.

10. SUMBERHARJO Mill Index

3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 have all worked here in recent years but don't expect to see much daylight movement since both ash and mud trains have sadly succumbed to the inevitable truck and loaded trains usually run at night. The best most visitors can hope for is steam tender first on empties. Unless, of course, you are the kind of Japanese shit who believes money can and should buy you anything you want and you pay for a circus train....

A July 2007 visitor found 3, 4, 6,  7, 10 and 11 working, an observation repeated in August.

11. SRAGI Mill Index

Click here for pictures of the Sragi 2002 roster in steam (except OK 0-8-0T 8 and 19). Sragi was one of 2004's disasters. The field lines were lifted, since when steam has naturally been confined to the yard. Variously 1, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19 and 20 have been used. 1 (and also 14) have since been sold to Graham Lee in the UK (the purchaser of Trangkil 4 and Pakis Baru 1 and 5, Ceper 5 and Jatibarang 9). Watch out for the large Japanese diesels working alongside them and derailments next to the level crossing (which bring operations to a complete halt) which seem to be endemic. 

A July 2007 visitor found 5, 7, 8, 12, 16, 19 and 20 working. The same locomotives had been joined by 17 in August.

12. CEPIRING Mill Index

The mill was closed at the end of the 1997 season. I visited in September 2003 as part of my mill machinery survey. One of the locomotives is dumped outside the shed, the rest are inside with undergrowth rapidly taking over. However, after refurbishment, the mill is scheduled to reopen in 2007, I find it inconceivable that any rail activity, let alone steam will be involved.

13. RENDENG Mill Index

All 6 steam locos here have been in store for many years except 8 which was transferred to Gondang Baru and used there until they closed their field lines.

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