PNR 900 class explained

PNR 900 class
Powertype:Diesel-electric locomotive
Builder:GE Transportation
Serialnumber:39238–39242
41848–41857
4753.1–4753.6
Buildmodel:GE U14CP (901-905) GE U14C (906–915) GE U15C (917–922)
Builddate:1973 (901–905)
1979 (906–915)
1991 (917–922)
Totalproduction:21
Rebuilder:DESCO, Inc.
Rebuilddate:2015–2017
2019–2023
2023-present
Numberrebuilt:8
Aarwheels:C-C
Uicclass:Co'Co'
Wheeldiameter:36inches
Minimumcurve:30 degrees
Wheelbase:10782mm
Bogie:3188mm
Over Couplers:15214mm
Width:2753mm
Height:3874mm
Axleload:13720kg (30,250lb)
Locoweight:82320kg (181,490lb)
Fueltype:Fuel oil
Fuelcap:2700L
Primemover:GE 7FDL-8
Enginetype:4-stroke diesel engine
Aspiration:Elliott H-584 turbocharger
Alternator:GMG-146
Generator:DC 10 pole GE GT601
Tractionmotors:4 × GE 761
Cylindercount:V8
Transmission:Diesel-electric
Gear Ratio:93:18
Multipleworking:Not Indicated
Maxspeed:64abbr=onNaNabbr=on
T/E Starting:57000abbr=onNaNabbr=on at 30%
T/E Continuous:54300abbr=onNaNabbr=on at
F/Adh Starting:25%
F/Adh Continuous:20%
Locobrakeforce:undisclosed
Operator:Philippine National Railways
Operatorclass:900 class
Numinclass:21
Fleetnumbers:901–915 & 917-922
Nicknames:Ponkan
Locale:Entire PNR network
Deliverydate:1973, 1979, 1991
Firstrundate:1974
Restoredate:2015–2017
2019–2023
Scrapdate:1981–2009
Currentowner:Philippine National Railways
Disposition:5 active, 8 inactive, 8 scrapped
Notes:[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

The PNR 900 class is a class of 21 GE Universal Series diesel–electric locomotives operated by the Philippine National Railways since 1973. The locomotives comes with three different types: U14CP (1973), U14C (1979), and U15C (1991). Initially used for long-distance express services throughout Luzon, they were relegated to hauling commuter trains within Metro Manila, a task previously done by PNR's diesel multiple units fleet. This was further exacerbated by the closure of the PNR South Main Line's intercity section in 2012 after an accident in Sariaya, Quezon.[7]

History

See main article: article and GE Universal Series.

The GE U14C and U15C are second-generation Universal Series road switchers specially built by GE Transportation for the Philippine National Railways. These were ordered in the 1970s to augment and eventually replace the aging diesel locomotive fleet purchased by PNR's predecessor, the Manila Railroad Company.[8] The locomotives to be replaced include the 1000 class streamliners and the 2000 class roadswitchers, the latter being a first-generation Universal Series locomotive and both entered service in 1956.[9] Despite the earlier diesel locomotives initially having 4 digits, the numbering scheme for the new 900 class has three and seems to follow the numbering scheme of the Manila Railroad 800 class USA locomotives built 30 years prior.[10]

The first batch of five GE U14C prototype locomotives was ordered in 1973 for ₱10 million (equivalent to US$9.07 million in 2021) and were constructed by GE in Erie, Pennsylvania. The last two units were delivered in February 1974.[11] A second order of ten U14C locomotives were ordered in the late 1970s and were also built in Pennsylvania. They arrived between January and February 1979.[4]

The locomotives were used on various express services throughout the PNR network such as the Amianan Express and the Bicol Express.[8] Locomotives used on the North Main Line locomotives are distinguishable from its southern counterparts by the color of the "whiskers" on the cab, with the former being colored white and the latter being colored light yellow. At the same time, the long-distance coaching stock were given a dark green and yellow livery to suit the locomotives.[12]

The last six locomotives were built by GE in the former Montreal Locomotive Works plant in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They entered service in 1992 together with the ten 5000 class locomotives, and had a red paint that will be later incorporated into the Philippines 2000 livery.[13] At the same time, earlier locomotives such as 902 were repainted in the same paint scheme.[14] These locomotives were mostly used for Metrotren commuter rail services in the 1990s until the late 2000s.[13]

Rehabilitation

In 2014, PNR signed a contract consortium deal with Miescorrail (now MRail), a subsidiary of Meralco and Desco Inc. to upgrade its locomotives. It is PNR's first upgrade to its 26 locomotives since its acquisition in 1992.

The deal involves the disassembly of two of the three locomotives in the first quarter of 2015. The diesel engines will be shipped to a GE facility for a complete upgrade including the installation of the GE Bright Star (BSS) engine control system, a micro-processor based computerized system to provide reliable and efficient performance of the engine. Meanwhile, the brakes and alternators will be repaired by Desco and MRail. The refurbishment started in 2015, and Desco and MRail handed over the two locomotives in February 2017.

From 2019, PNR repainted the locomotives to an orange livery in anticipation of the arrival of the new trains from PT INKA. 8 locomotives are currently in the orange livery as of November 2022.

Since 2020, DESCO Inc. is the company carrying out rehabilitation of the 900 class locomotives, having rehabilitated four locomotives from this class.

Design

GE U14CP and U14C

The U14C Prototypes and U14C are the same with only a few difference which is the batch number, engine block, radiator grills, and date of arrival. the U14C Prototypes belong to the first batch while the U14C were the second batch. The U14Cs don't have numbering signage, however, during their rehabilitation process, they now include number signs with lights and wipers were working again.

GE U15C (later batch)

Compared to the U14Cs, the U15Cs features number signs. When they were rehabilitated, they feature number lights.

Build numbers

Locomotive number Build number YearPlace builtReferences
901 39238 1973Erie, Pennsylvania
902 39239
903 39240
904 39241
905 39242
906 418481979
907 41849
908 41850
909 41851
910 41852
911 41853
912 41854
913 41855
914 41856
915 41857
917 4753.1 1991Montreal, Canada
918 4753.2
919 4753.3
920 4753.4
921 4753.5
922 4753.6

Status

As of March 28, 2024, there are six (6) units that are serviceable, eight (8) are inactive with two (2) of them finished rehabilitation, one (1) of them being reactivated, and one (1) unit that is “temporarily inactive” from revenue service and four (4) units that are Beyond Economical Repair.

With the closure of the Metro Commuter for 5 years, the serviceable units are currently idle and used for internal movements.

NumberImageStatusDescriptionLiveries
901Scrapped901, the first locomotive to be built and ironically, the first locomotive to be scrapped after being involved in a derailment in 1979.Green Livery
902Active902 is currently serving as an MSC hauler. It was recently fitted with Leslie-RS2M, which is dubbed by railfans as the Horror Horn. It is the oldest in the fleet and the only U14C prototype in service since 1974.Orange Livery (since July 2021)
903ScrappedIt is one of the units in the list that were scrapped in 2009. Lack of funds for rehabilitation resulted the unit being in the list to be scrapped and serve as a source of spare parts.Red Livery
904ScrappedIt was renumbered as 908, and later became included in the list of units that were later scrapped in 2009.Red Livery
905Scrapped905 was scrapped after colliding with 910 at Quezon Province on December 31, 1982. This catastrophic incident led the units to become the second pair in the list to be decommissioned after 901.Yellow Livery
906Inactive906 was declared Beyond Economical Repair (BER) at Caloocan Workshop. The unit became a source of spare parts for the other units in the 900 class, mostly for DEL 902 and the later batches in the fleet which are the U15C locomotives.Blue Livery
907ScrappedThe exact reason why 907 was sent to scrap is unknown. Parts of her hood is said to be found on 919 today. The image of the unit is displayed inside the Tutuban station.[15] Green Livery
916 (908)ActiveIt is now sitting in Tutuban Yard as of March 2024. It was known for being targeted by the NPAs after it struck an insurgent's son in the 1980s. It raised safety concerns to its train drivers, forcing PNR officials to renumber it as '916.'Orange Livery(first seen in livery on May 2023.)
909ScrappedIt is the last locomotive unit active before being sent to scrap in 2009. It became a source of spare parts for other units.Blue Livery
910ScrappedIt was scrapped after colliding with 905 at Quezon Province on December 31, 1982. This catastrophic incident led the units to become the second pair in the list to be decommissioned after 901. Yellow Livery
911Inactive911 has been hauled to Tutuban Yard to give way to the NSCR project. The locomotive is almost complete.[16] Orange Livery (first seen in a photo with the livery in September 2023)
912ScrappedThe unit was bombed by the New People's Army (NPA) in the 1980s. The severe damage led the unit to be immediately withdrawn from revenue service and scrapped.Yellow Livery
913ActiveIt is currently serving as an MSC Hauler. It is one of the three oldest active U14C locomotives. The unit is also known for serving as the last trip of the Tutuban-Calamba route in July 2023 hauling EMU Set 07.Orange Livery(since July 2021)
914ActiveIt is currently sitting in Tutuban Yard. These two units are reportedly marked as the last pair that will be rehabilitated by DESCO.Orange Livery(first seen in a photo with the livery on May 2023)
915InactiveIt is currently stored at the Caloocan Workshops. It is said to be planned for revival after 911.Blue Livery
917Active917 is currently serving as a Yard Shunter and Work Train in Naga. It introduced the orange livery of the 900 class as the first unit to wear the new livery in the fleet. Orange Livery(since August 2019)
918Active918 is currently serving as an MSC Hauler and Tutuban Yard Shunter.Orange Livery(since November 28, 2022)
919InactiveIt was last seen serving as a Yard Shunter in Tutuban. She is currently awaiting repairs at Caloocan Workshop.Blue Orange Livery
920Inactive920 was written off of service following two major crossing mishaps in 2001. She was to be revived using parts from retired locomotives no but was unsuccessful upon discovering of her bent frame. Currently Beyond Economical Repair.Blue Livery
921Active921 is currently serving as an MSC Hauler and Work Train. It is known for being fitted with RS-37, also called by railfans as the wee-honk. It served the last trip of the Alabang-Biñan segment together with EMU 07 and 902 before its closure to give way for the NSCR Project.Orange Livery(since May 2021)
922Active922 is currently serving as an MSC Hauler and Work Train. It is known for surviving two remarkable incidents, the 2004 Padre Burgos Derailment and the 2012 Bicol Express Derailment, compared to its doomed sister units that sustained irreparable damage from similar incidents and being scrapped as a result.Orange Livery(since June 2021)

Incidents and accidents

The PNR 900 class locomotives has been involved in various incidents, mostly of derailments, engine malfunctions, collisions, and even attacks by the NPAs (New People's Army) during the 1980s.

1970s

2000s

2010s (26 October 2012 - 2 October 2019)

2012

2015

2017

2018

2019

2020s (13 April 2020 - 18 April 2023)

2020

2022

2023

Liveries

The PNR 900 class, as well as the PNR 2500 class and the PNR 5000 class, were painted in various liveries.

Green Livery

This is the first livery of the 900 class. The livery has two variations, locomotives with white whiskers are designated for northern trips to La Union, while those with yellow whiskers are designated for southern trips to Bicol.

However, shortage of available locomotives for southern trips caused some locomotives with white whiskers running on the PNR South Main Line despite being designated for the PNR North Main Line. There were some units that skipped the Yellow-Green livery and retained this livery until they were repainted into the 2000s livery. The livery was in use from 1973 until 1990.

Yellow-Orange Livery

Another livery worn by the 900 class when they were newly delivered. It featured a Yellow body with Orange stripes. Only a few locomotives have ever worn the livery. The livery was used from 1973 to 1980.

Yellow-Green Livery

Also known as 'Olive-green'. It is the third livery used for the 900 class. It featured green whiskers and the PNR logo. It was used from 1980 to 1990.

Red Livery

Prior to the arrival of the U15C batch and the 5000 class in 1991, The current batches which are the U14Cs and the 2500 class were repainted in this livery. The newer ones had a black cowcatcher and lining. The older ones were yellow. Moreover, the U10Bs featured a Metrotren signage at the front.

The livery was used from 1991 until the 2000.

Blue Livery

It is also called the Blue whale. All the units in the 900 class were repainted with this livery.[23] Even the locomotives that are declared Beyond Economical Repair (BER) in Caloocan Workshop were repainted in Blue livery except for 5010.

The livery was used from 2001 to 2010.

Filtrack Livery

Before the reopening of the Bicol Express, the locomotives were repainted in Filtrack livery.[24] Locomotives with this livery were designated for the Bicol commuter line.

The livery lasted until 2013 when intercity services on the PNR South Main Line were suspended after the derailment of the Bicol Express on October 26, 2012.

Blue-Orange Livery

It is called Blue-Orange livery as the locomotives featured orange whiskers and orange lining on its sides.

Orange Livery

It is also called by railfans as 'Ponkan' and 'Magno-era Livery.

Captures

These are pictures taken by railfans in a good angle. Pictures are arranged in chronological order based on their build numbers.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Craig. Robert. GE U15C Specs. June 8, 2014.
  2. Web site: MRAIL-DESCO TURNS OVER 2 MODERNIZED PNR LOCOMOTIVES . https://web.archive.org/web/20200611030618/http://www.mrail.com.ph/2017/02/15/mrail-desco-turns-over-2-modernized-pnr-locomotives/ . MRail, Inc. . dead . February 15, 2017 . June 11, 2020 . August 24, 2021.
  3. Web site: Craig. Robert. GE U15C Roster.
  4. Web site: Craig. Robert. GE U14C Roster.
  5. Web site: Kautzor. Thomas. May 23, 2013. Today's Railways and Preserved Steam in the Philippines. April 10, 2021. International Steam.
  6. Web site: REFURBISHMENT OF DIESEL ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES (DEL) OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS (General Overhaul and Upgrading of DEL Nos. 916, 917 and 922) . . 30 July 2015 . 66 . 23 March 2022.
  7. News: PNR train derails; 5 injured. October 27, 2012. ABS-CBN News. February 21, 2021.
  8. Gorio . Belen . 1974 0215 PNR Amianan Express Trains . February 15, 1974 . August 24, 2021.
  9. Web site: 1956 0421 MRR Roadswitchers. January 25, 2010 . February 15, 2020.
  10. Web site: Jonathan . Smith . Manila Railroad steam locomotives . . January 22, 2021.
  11. News: New PNR locomotives . The Times Journal . February 13, 1974 . August 24, 2021.
  12. Lindsay . Bridge . 1980 Camalig, near Legaspi . February 15, 1980 . August 24, 2021.
  13. Lindsay . Bridge . 1996 PNR LOCO 922 . January 13, 1996.
  14. Lindsay . Bridge . PNR Loco No. 902 at Paco Station . January 4, 1992 . August 24, 2021.
  15. Web site: Philippine Train Enthusiasts and Railfans Club - DEL 907 in ACTION! *NOTE* you can spot this picture inside Tutuban Station photo credits to the owner [Admin-03 Jhay Hadlocon] Facebook]. 2021-12-31. www.facebook.com. en.
  16. name="6"> https://x.com/PhilippineRail1/status/1710853013043306901?s=20
  17. Web site: Probe rules out terrorism, sabotage in PNR accident. Agence France-Presse. November 25, 2004. The Manila Times. December 28, 2020.
  18. Web site: News. G. M. A.. Pregnant woman, 4 others hurt as PNR train hits ambulance in Manila. 2022-02-14. GMA News Online. July 7, 2017 . en.
  19. News: Edera. Erma. 2019-10-02. City hall employee dead after getting hit by passing PNR train. Manila Bulletin. 2022-08-04.
  20. News: Ma. Angelica. Garcia. PNR train barred from entering barangay in Laguna. GMA News. 2020-04-13. 2022-01-18.
  21. News: Mel Matthew . Doctor . Body of child run over by train in Manila yet to be claimed from mortuary . GMA News . April 18, 2022 . April 19, 2022.
  22. Web site: PNR train derailed; 50 hurt . ABS CBN.
  23. Web site: Philippine Train Enthusiasts and Railfans Club - PNR DEL 909 near Ramon Magsaysay Blvd. photo credits to the owner [Admin-03 Jhay Hadlocon] Facebook]. 2021-12-30. www.facebook.com. en.
  24. Web site: Philippine Train Enthusiasts and Railfans Club - PNR DEL 921 in Caloocan Filtrack Livery photo credits to the owner [Admin-03 Jhay Hadlocon] Facebook]. 2021-12-30. www.facebook.com. en.