Java Sugar Steam 2007 - Madiun Area Mills

The Madiun mills are operated by PTP Nusantara XI.  There is clearly room for rationalisation in this area.  These days, only Purwodadi is likely to offer anything that might be described as 'busy steam'.

Click here for a photo gallery from the 2006 LCGB tour, courtesy of Robin Patrick.

19. SOEDHONO Mill Index

100% diesel operation by 2002/3. Several of the steam locomotives look as if they could easily be returned to activity but I can't see it happening.

20. PURWODADI Mill Index

With up to four OK 0-8-0Ts this is the busiest steam mill in the area, with locomotives top and tailing trains on the short run over the main road and across the photogenic viaduct before vanishing into the mill. It can only be a matter of time before a gricer is mown down by the heavy passing traffic. The Railway Touring Company offered 'a special cane train into the fields' here in 2005 and again in 2006. If either ran then it will have been a hover train or maybe a maglev...

A July 2007 visitor found 5, 10 and 16 working. In August it was 5, 15 and 16, apparently an extra railing has been added to the viaduct which spoils photography...

.21. REJOSARI Mill Index

Since road deliveries are now taken directly to the mill compound, the amount of rail activity is much reduced although in recent years on of the OK 0-8-0T has been in use alongside the diesels. The unique jackshaft locomotive 10 (Salak) has been steamed in recent years on request for parties.

A July 2007 visitor found 7 working, 10 had been in steam earlier in the day for a tour group. August visitors reported that 6 is also available and the engines have reverted to the old livery of dark green with a yellow stripe.

22. KANIGORO Mill Index

One or two of the OK 0-8-0T were in use for shunting along with the diesels in 2006. 

A July 2007 visitor found 6 working and 2 standby, 6 was working in August too.

23. PAGOTTAN Mill Index

Worth checking out in 2007 as it has used more steam in recent years, including two of the Luttermöllers. However their normal operation involves limited activity most of which is propelling fulls into the mill, but the nature of this, when it happens, means that there is a chance to see the semi-articulated system in action with the outside wheels spinning apparently without cause when the locomotive slips....

A July 2007 visitor found 6 and 7 working, the same two locomotives were at work in August.

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