Mahachai & Mae Khlong Lines:TripReports&Pics

[The Enforcer!]

Is there some reason why there are no timetables for this line on the SRT website?

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

Anyway, just found a copy on http://www.bangkok-busmap.com/railways/time_makong.html .

Pretty impressive line - must try it!

The Enforcer!

[bangyuk]

Well done to you for finding that. As you may see from other posts, SRT seems to prefer to forget about the Mhachai line - even the station staff tried to persuade me not to use it!

Bangyuk

[ncr]

That's really cool, I thought there was no Maeklong train schedule available on the web (apart from the one that was posted together with my trip report - http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/maeklong.shtml).
But the freakish Japanese have done it...... complete, up-to-date timetables of all lines (Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, Southern and Maeklong) with all station names in Japanese/Thai and English.

The entire site is interesting anyway: http://www.bangkok-busmap.com ("Your ultimate guide on Bangkok transportation")

They have schedules and maps of Airport Buses, BTS Shuttles, Aircon and non-Aircon BMTA Buses, Intercity Buses; Skytrain photos and station maps, Subway test run dates, Bus type sample photos - covering just about everything that plies roads and rails in the City of Angels. (Not sure about boats, however; there's only an expressboat map.)

So far only available in Japanese, but you can manage to navigate through the contents if you move the cursor over the links and have a look at what it says in the browser status bar.

And check out this visual explanation of the 'bus fare collection cylinder': http://www.bangkok-busmap.com/citybus/ticket.htm (I wish I could read the text!)

[The Enforcer!]

I found an old (2001) timetable listing on http://travel-online.to/srt/ - whilst the actual train data is out of date, I was wondering if the Station information is accurate?

For example, for each line shown there are dozens more stations listed than in the SRT official schedules!

Example on the Aranyaprathet line there are stations after Chachoensao at Bang Nam Prieo, Khlong Sip Kao, Yothaka, Ban Sang, Ban Pak Phli, Khok Makok, Pra Chantakham, Ban Dong Bang, Ban Phrom Saeng, Nong Sang, Phra Prong, Ban Kaeng,Sala Lamduan, Sa Kaeo, Tha Kasem, Huai Chot and Huai Dua - do these still exist?

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

KHun The Enforcer,

The lastest updatign is in June 2004.

The detailed Eastern Rialway will appear on the printed copy of Easrtern Railway schedules inclusing those station you have mentioned. The webmaster of SRT is TOO LAZY to put all the details of SRT lines on Web pages.

[The Enforcer!]

Thanks, Khun Wisarut,

Pity about the webmaster at SRT but the one at MRTA as bad!!


The Enforcer!

[pong]

might be that many of these stops are unstaffed halts, not real stations.
also the timings on both mahachai lines have not changed since at least the last 5 years, Ithink. They are clearly posted on the wall of the WWyai station.
on the ENGLISH paper timetables, routinely handed out to farang asking for it, are also many MAIN stations omitted: like f.e. bang Sue and SamSen, much more handy for many (if they only knew...) as HualamPong with its eternal traffic jams (except of course for now that the new subway has opened)

[waerth]

Hello, I have been reading this site for a long time now and have read it with great interest. I recently noticed the article about the Maeklong railway. I want to take this ride on the 13th or 14th with my parents. The article mentions that the train only goes 4 times a day. Does anybody know at which times it departs from Wong Wian Yai? Or where I could find it?

Waerth

[Wisarut]

Look at the schdule here at SRT:

http://www.railway.co.th/timetable/N_BMK.html

Commuter 4380 Departure Maeklong 06:20
Arrival Ban laem 07:20
Commuter 4381 Departure Ban laem 07:30
Arrival Mae Klong 08:30
Commuter 4382 Departure Maeklong 09:00
Arrival Ban laem 10:00
Commuter 4383 Departure Ban laem 10:10
Arrival Mae Klong 11:10
Commuter 4384 Departure Maeklong 11:30
Arrival Ban laem 12:30
Commuter 4385 Departure Ban laem 13:30
Arrival Mae Klong 14:30
Commuter 4386 Departure Maeklong 15:30
Arrival Ban laem 16:30
Commuter 4387 Departure Ban laem 16:40
Arrival Mae Klong 17:40

Ban Laem - Maek Long -> 10 Baht

// -------------------------------------------------------
For Wongwian Yai - Mahachai case, look at
http://www.railway.co.th/timetable/N_VM.html

For the case of Wongwian Yai - Mahachai -> 10 Baht for Non Aircon and 25 Baht for Aircon

There are 17 times the commuters between WOngwian Yai - Mahachai ... but have to syn the schedule with Ban Laem - Mae Klong line though ...

[The Enforcer!]

Dear Waerth,

If you need timetable in English try http://www.bangkok-busmap.com/railways/time_makong.html

The Enforcer!

[pong]

best is to take the 8.30 from WWYai, then there are 2 ferries at the market in Mahachai: 1 is frequent and just goes over, the 2nd is less freq, and goes to beside the other station for the 2nd part (sorry, dont know name), with this train you have a good connection.
of course very frequent buses also run bac from Mae Klong to BKK (SAI tHAI or Thonburi, via Ram2 and the mall Tha Pra))

[ncr]

best is to take the 8.30 from WWYai, then there are 2 ferries at the market in Mahachai: 1 is frequent and just goes over, the 2nd is less freq, and goes to beside the other station for the 2nd part (sorry, dont know name), with this train you have a good connection. 1. So there really is a ferry directly to the train station on the other (western) side?
2. That station is Ban Laem.

[von Hirschhorn]

There always have been a (small) ferry to and from Ban Laem railway station, at least the way back. After arrival of the train from Samut Songkhram (Maeklong) the ferry is waiting.
Many times during the last two decades I rode the line.
The best train is the 16.00 hour from Maeklong to Ban Laem.
Apart from the passage through te market, the same market provides an other remarkable event on this line.
Somewere down the track are wild monkeys living and daily feed by the train staff. They collect leftovers from the market, sometimes more than one sack is pilled up the front buffer and so they depart.
The monkeys by now well familiar with the phenomenon appear after the first whistle. The train still runs although not at full spead as the second man drops the fruits and vegetables on the track. The feast of feeding can start. Believe it or not, the monkeys are aware of the schedule. Once I made the trip and the train had a big delay, and although we carried a big sack and blew the whistle many times, no monkey shows up.
If you want to see it proper go up front of the train, sitting in the back and you even won't notice it. For the train staff it is a daily routine and goes very fast.

[waerth]

Thanks to everybody for responding! We went last friday. We took the 10.40 out of Wong Wian Yai. Arrived at Mahachai at 11.40 we than had 2 hours. In those 2 hours we looked around a bit and had a good lunch (the trip is just worth it for the food!)

My parents enjoyed it a lot, especially my father who is a train nut.

Waerth

[The Enforcer!]

The October issue of METRO magazine will have an article on this railway as the editor's kids loved it!

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

The October issue of METRO magazine will have an article on this railway as the editor's kids loved it!

The Enforcer!

[Tower 43]

I very much enjoyed riding the Mahachai Line when I was living in BK. Did the October METRO issue have the article and is it on line anywhere?

[The Enforcer!]

It is in September issue entitled "The Fishing Line" but sadly Metro is not currently on-line.

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

Guys,

The Mahachai Line is 100 years old this New Year.

Has SRT, or even 2Bangkok, any plans to celebrate this?

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

The only best thing they can do is to rehabilitate Banlaem - mae Klogn section by usign the 70 lb welded steel rail, thicker ballast, concrete sleepers .. after rehabilitating Wongwian Yai - Mahachai section with the 70 lb welded steel rail, thicker ballast, concrete sleepers a few years ago.

[ncr]

Originally posted by Wisarut
The only best thing they can do is to rehabilitate Banlaem - mae Klogn sectionYes, the track is quite awful...... though maybe not quite as bad as Nong Pladuk - Suphanburi? (Where the daily DMU literally jumps over the relocated rails taken from the Death Railway.) But then who cares? I am afraid there's no lobby for these lines.....

[The Enforcer!]

Originally posted by Wisarut
The only best thing they can do is to rehabilitate Banlaem - mae Klogn section by usign the 70 lb welded steel rail, thicker ballast, concrete sleepers .. after rehabilitating Wongwian Yai - Mahachai section with the 70 lb welded steel rail, thicker ballast, concrete sleepers a few years ago.
I actually meant any parties or celebratory things?

Hopefully the upgrade will come as part of the Red Line!

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

For the case of mae Klong line, .... even after teh rehabilitation, they will eventuall have to replace 70 lb welded steel rails with 100 Lb welded stel rails .... but I afraid that they can substitute them with 80 Lb steel rail since the concrete sleepers have been designed to accept both 80 Lb welded steel rail and 100 lb welded steel rail .... so long as they have 80 Lb steel rail kept in storage.

[Wisarut]

Now, I got the info form Dailynews that the Governor of Samut Songkram wants to Closed Down Mae Klong Station since the station is within the downtown whcih could harm thsoe merchants in that flea market ...

After closign down Maeklogn Station, Samut Songkram Governor has asked SRT to get up the New mae Klong station -> 2km far from the old Mae Klong station and the rest will turn into the road linking Mae Klong flea market with the New Mae Klogn station

That's BULLSXXT! :mad: Many Thai railfan said howq dare Governor of Samut Songkram is goign to overturn the request from Princess Sirindhorn to PRESERVE that line ... This kidn of order from Samut Songkram Provincial Hall must be backed up Ai Sia Oh or so ....

[GWR]

Now, I got the info form Dailynews that the Governor of Samut Songkram wants to Closed Down Mae Klong Station since the station is within the downtown whcih could harm thsoe merchants in that flea market ...

After closign down Maeklogn Station, Samut Songkram Governor has asked SRT to get up the New mae Klong station -> 2km far from the old Mae Klong station and the rest will turn into the road linking Mae Klong flea market with the New Mae Klogn station

That's BULLSXXT! :mad: Many Thai railfan said howq dare Governor of Samut Songkram is goign to overturn the request from Princess Sirindhorn to PRESERVE that line ... This kidn of order from Samut Songkram Provincial Hall must be backed up Ai Sia Oh or so ....

I guess we want to know who Ai Sia Oh is. Some rampant Kamnan/Mafia/bus owner trash doubtless. .

But seriously, these kind of people are destroying everything good in Thailand for their own banal big fish/little pond selfish interests. And like you say, it's amazing how they will even fly in the face of widely-respected people. I'm under the impression that they believe Joe Public is fickle and short-memoried.

I always thought there was a plan to link this line to the national network at Pak Tho, with a bridge at Samut Sakhon. And track doubling for a commuter line linked to Hualamphong & Rangsit. Does this interfere? When all is said and done, city center locations are important for intending commuter routes.

[Wisarut]

Well, The Governor of Samut Songkram said because the plan to connect Mahachai railway with Hua Lamphong and Mae Klogn Railway wwith Southern Railway at Pak Tho are the main reasons for them to come up with the plan to close down the old Mae Klong station and then coming up wth the new one at 2 km far from the old Ma Klogn station.

Mae Klong Railway need major rehab since it still uses the old 50 Lb.yard rail whcih were used to replace the original 35 lb/yard rail in 1950's At worse, the second handed rail from Track rehabilitation (70 lb/yard) is a good choice and SRT DID rehabilitate Mahachai Railway (Wong Wian Yai - Mahachai) with the second handed 70 Lb rail from track rehabilitation ... and used the concrete sleepers to replace the wooden sleepers as well! :p :D

HJowever, the Setion from Mahachai to Wongwian Yai need anotehr rehab so as to meet the standard of the main line (100 Lb/yard welded rail with new concrete sleepers and thick ballast) as the way to accept 20 Ton axle loads.

[Yappofloyd]

Now, I got the info form Dailynews that the Governor of Samut Songkram wants to Closed Down Mae Klong Station since the station is within the downtown whcih could harm thsoe merchants in that flea market ...
After closign down Maeklogn Station, Samut Songkram Governor has asked SRT to get up the New mae Klong station -> 2km far from the old Mae Klong station and the rest will turn into the road linking Mae Klong flea market with the New Mae Klogn station
Does seem strange as the unique attraction of this end of the line and the station is the intimacy with the market on the line and the way the market covers fold out and fold in when a train goes thru. It is really a great tourist/rail fan photo.

Well, The Governor of Samut Songkram said because the plan to connect Mahachai railway with Hua Lamphong and Mae Klogn Railway wwith Southern Railway at Pak Tho are the main reasons for them to come up with the plan to close down the old Mae Klong station and then coming up wth the new one at 2 km far from the old Ma Klogn station.
I have for years now wondered why someone hasn't proposed this more direct link to the sth line but is this a real plan or is the Gov just engaging in grandiose speculation. Even if it was supported, proposed and approved in the next year or so it would seemingly take at least 5 years (based on recent planning timeframes) before the line could commence const.

Unless perhaps the funds for the silly sea-bridge were re-allocated....

[The Enforcer!]

Isn't the Mae Klong Line destined to be part of the SRT Red Line from Rangsit? Ot is this just another 'election promise'?

The Enforcer!

[Yappofloyd]

No. Everything I have seen says Red Line only to Mahachai. Will not cross the river and link up with Mae Klong, see map ( http://www.ntbr.org/info_3.html) on the ntbr site listed earlier on 2BKK.

[GWR]

Unless perhaps the funds for the 'silly sea-bridge' were re-allocated....

Yes, it almost ranks up there with the 'crass canal trams' and the 'ridiculous riverbank expressways'.

[GWR]

No. Everything I have seen says Red Line only to Mahachai. Will not cross the river and link up with Mae Klong, see map ( http://www.ntbr.org/info_3.html) on the ntbr site listed earlier on 2BKK.
Have a look at some reports by Khun Wisarut a year or two back complete with a maplink that shows high speed trains and local trains all the way to Pak Tho, and presumably beyond on the Southern Line:-
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/MassTransit/maeklong.shtml

There seems little doubt that this idea has registered somewhere fairly high up the policy ladder.That said, Thailand really needs a 'Ministry of Consistency' to add even further to the mayhem & misinformation. :rolleyes:

[von Hirschhorn]

Now, I got the info from Daily news that the Governor of Samut Songkhram wants to close down Mae Klong Station since the station is within the downtown area which could harm the merchants in the flea market .

Well maybe there are fleas but most of it is fruit and vegetables.
Come on, only eight (8) times a day they have to remove their big umbrellas to let a train pass by. For many years they have to do so, so the burden (if any?) is part of the market live. Please preserve this peaceful co-existence between men and rail, it’s hardly to find anywhere else exempted both divided by fences.
Together with a big sack full of fruit leftovers from the same merchants on the buffer of last train to Ban Laem – the train staff will feed the wild monkey’s somewhere living down the track, a blow on the horn does a wonder while slowly passing by – it’s worth to promote as a tourist attraction.

[Wisarut]

Now, Mr Jeff (Railway Worker) and I have been to Mae Klong via mae Klogn Railway

I have found that Klogn Ton Sai Stop, Chomthong Stop (near Wat Raj Orot) and Rang Sakae stop are OUT OF USE .... For the case of Rang Sakae, the Stop and Karn Kheha have effectively KILLED Rang Sakae Stop since Karn Kheha Stop is much closer to where peoplwe live ... and this has turn Rang Sakaer stop into overgrown and abandoned stop covered by weeds ....

Chomthogn stop is vandalized with graffiti ... Kong Ton Sai may be too closed to Talad ploo station so it no longer becoem a stop ....

There used to be Pho Nimit stop between Wongwian Yai and Talad ploo ... but it is no longer existed anymore.

Furthermroe, the station sign of Klogn Nok lek stop is STOLEN to junk dealers whiel the otehr station sign has been vandalized to such extend that it is barely readable. :D :cool:

[The Enforcer!]

Has the SRT plan set any dates for this line's upgrade?

The Enforcer!

[qualtrough]

I would like to introduce myself. My name is John and I have lived in Thailand for a total of 15 years out of the last 25 (first arrived in 1980). I was lucky to catch the tail-end of steam in the south and have always loved the trains. I would certainly be interested in learning more about any fan activities, explorations, etc. I have a lot of questions, but will just ask one right now:


What is the history of the loco located at the freight terminal at Jatujak? I don't recall that loco being there prior to the mid-1990s. Maybe I am wrong, but I am interested in learning more about it, and where it was before it was placed there.

[Yappofloyd]

Khun Wisarut,

What is the latest on this saga? Is the Mae Klong stations still being closed down? If so, what is the time frame?
Also, now that it appears that the sea-bridge project has been shelved (that goodness!) will this mean an upgrade for public transport services in the area?

[Wisarut]

I foudn that when Princess Sirindhorn went to Don Hoy Lord
(Razor Clam sand dune) on June 6, 1995. She asked Governor of
Samut Songkram and those who run Samut SOngkram Provincial Hall that

"Never Close Down Maeklong Railway Line."

Now, Those who run Maeklong Municiple and Samut Songkram Provincial
Hall may have to had their heads DECAPITATED. ;) :D

[von Hirschhorn]

Never Close Down Maeklong Railway Line (or at least not the tail)

Dear Princess Sirindhorn; your words make sense.
Hopefully the municipal workers will listen well and for a moment forget their own interest in the idea to shorten the railway through a busy market.
I know one shall not stop progress but who had the first right of way?
As stated before only 8 times a day the merchants have to lower their sunscreens for a few minutes only, does it really hinder their business?
The greens are still green even when a train run almost over it. :rolleyes:

[Wisarut]

Now, I know the way SRTworkers couldf take thsoe Diesel Railcars
from mahachai and mae Klogn line to Makkasan

1) FOr the case of Mahachai, running the trailer truck and crane
to take the rollign stocks at Ban Khom stop

2) For the case of mae Klong, running the trailer truck and crane
to take the rollign stocks at Tha Chalom stop

3) The most recent reparation on Maeklong section is the replacement
of wooden sleepers with the concrete sleepers taken form otehr line.
They have not replaced the 50Lb/yard rail with 70 lb/yard rails
taken rehabilitated routes yet. They eventually have to do so since
the 50 lb/yard rails went deteriorated markedly.

[von Hirschhorn]

In my opinion there’s nothing much to transport with only a single diesel railcar on the line. If the one and only really becomes in an urgent state of repair beyond the repair capability of local staff, well than there’s no more service unless the carrying truck on the way in brought a spare. Pictures, that’s what we want to see of this. Pictures.

[Wisarut]

Wait Until the Insiders hasdone thisdonw and dirty jobsfor us ... :p

[von Hirschhorn]

I like to give you an answer on this question but I need some more details.
Jatujak, do you mean Chatuchak or better the main freight yard at Bang Sue.
Any number of the loco known?
Nearby is the big diesel locomotive depot, in the backyard were some old steam engines for a long time.
If the locomotive in question still did some shunting, well than it’s before my time anyway.

[qualtrough]

Hello,

I am looking at my map of Bangkok and can tell you it is on Kampheng Phet road. It is parked in the parking lot in front of the old Bang Sue freight warehouses. This parking lot is where buses running to and from JJ park make a U turn. It is not in the Bang Sue yards proper. I have lived in BKK off and on since 1980, but the first time I noticed this engine must have been around 1995 or so. I can't tell you anymore about it other than it looked to date to the 1920s or earlier. If it remains a mystery I can go down there and take a photo some time. Thanks for your help. John

[Wisarut]

Well, For that Juink loco at Phaholyothin Container yard whcih ihave already taken a photo, I feel so convinced that it must be Krauss loco for Mae Klong Railway [the old version since 1907] :D

However, the firewood tender behind that Krauss Loco is definitely come from
SLM Consolidate Loco ... :) :rolleyes:

[qualtrough]

Hello Khun Wisarut,

Thanks for your reply. I wonder where that loco was located before it was parked at the container depot?

Regards,

John

[von Hirschhorn]

Thanks for the more precise place, now I know.
This is a 2-4-0 machine* built by Krauss Germany in 1905 for service on the Mae Klong lines
by that time of delivery still operated by two companies. TRC = Tachin Railway Company, line: Bangkok-Khlong San – Mahachai (Samut Sakhon) and MCR = Mae Klong Railway Company, line: Ban Laem – Mae Klong (Samut Songkhram).

* without any number and in a very dilapidated state of being, just a heap of scrap.

[von Hirschhorn]

It would be nice if there was another rooftop meeting coming October. I’ll be in Thailand that month, this is an opportunity to discuss rail matters and other (hot) stuff for a fan abroad. Internet is Internet, armchair traveling, but face to face quite different.
I am in Bangkok from 7th till 10th anyway and again on 29th and 30th for guiding a Dutch rail tour group for an excursion along the Mae Klong Railway and Birma line on monday October 31. :)

[qualtrough]

Please put me down for a meeting. I would enjoy meeting you and discussing Thai railways.

John B

[MarkG]

As a UK rail entrhusiast visiting Thailand for the first time in a few weeks time, what should I look out for?

We shall be taking the train from Singapore to Bangkok, then three nights in Bangkok before going by train to Chiang Mai.

Is the railway museum in Bangkok worth visiting?

Is the Maeklong line operating? (I confess to getting rather confused by what I've found on the web about it), and if so, is it worth taking a trip on it?

What else is worth seeing?

Sorry, to ask such newbie questions, and thanks in advance.

[Wisarut]

Khun Mark G,

Hmmm, we have NOT established the permanent Railway Museum Yet
despite of the initial attempt in the past by the Late Col. Saeng Julajarit ....
Better go to see those loco Plinted in Kanchanaburi instead ....

Yep, Mae Klong is STILL Operating ... 34 commuter trips a day for teh sewction form Wongwian Yai to mahachai and 8 trips a day for Ban Laem - Mae Klong section ... I can testify for that since I just make a field trip on mae Klong line a week ago.... very worthy to go INDEED.

[numpty]

it is a journey worth doin

i'll be doin it again next month and will write up a report after

[gwmss15]

I did the maeklong line with a thai friend and it was great except that i got stuck in the middle part for 4 hours

now if i was on my own and new to bangkok and dont speak or read thai is there any info on how to complete the whole line without any problems like geting lost at wong wan yai or mid way point

so any good english info with maps to show the way or other tips would be good as i sent a friend there who did not speak thai just like me and got very lost and never made the whole line just half way as they never found the station and had to turn back.

[numpty]

there s some great stuff on the line on this very site....

[ncr]

there s some great stuff on the line on this very site....Yes, for example.....
travel report halfway down this page: http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/maeklong.shtml
and here: http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/srt/maeklongrevisited.shtml

Don't know if that helps??? No map of the Mahachai/Ban Laem Station vicinity and ferry crossing, unfortunately.

[numpty]

Went on this line the other day. A most enjoyable rocky ride through Thonburi' s western 'burbs.

Next time I really should get off at Sam Yaek. Looks great there, very photogenic.

http://www.the-spiceislands.com/Thailand/mahachai.htm

The images are a bit slow, really slow upload this end. If Admin is interested I can e mail them and he can add them to the site...

[Wisarut]

Hi Numpty,

If you want to seem more about Mahachai rialway ... pelase go to rotfaithai.com and you'll see the series of POhoto on mahachai trips :p

Oh, you should joitn with the discussion on Rotfaithai.com here:

General Topics General Topics, News and Miscellaneous - anything abotu railway in general:

http://www.rotfaithai.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=40

SRT/Thai Rail Fans Section
http://www.rotfaithai.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=41
_________________

[BangkokBlues]

Is any part of Maeklong Railway still in operation? I read on this forum a report from riding the train in 2004.

Thanks for any info, BB

[ncr]

If you mean these, they were my reports:

http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/maeklong.shtml (scroll down to "A trip on the Maeklong Commuter - August 2, 2003")
http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/srt/maeklongrevisited.shtml

Yes, the line is still operational. Why shouldn't it? I mean, I haven't been there recently to check it. But I am sure they are still running! (There was only talk of closing Maeklong Station and relocating the terminus to somewhere outside the center of Samut Songkhram - don't know what has become of this.) Just go to Wong Wian Yai, there's a train leaving between every 30 minutes to every hour.

BTW, it's something of a Bangkok urban myth that the Maeklong Railway was closed many years ago......

[von Hirschhorn]

There was only talk of closing Maeklong Station and relocating the terminus to somewhere outside the center of Samut Songkhram - don't know what has become of this.

Nothing so far, a few months ago with a rail tour group I did the whole and nothing changed and although it's line in decay, vivid as ever.
On the second line even the monkeys half way are still there and still be feeded by the train staff with leftovers from the market elegant crossed after leaving (or entering) the Mae Klong station at Samut Songkhram.
Only one thing: normaly the monkeys rush near when they hear the sound of the train unless there's delay and they stay hidden in the bushes.
The beast and the timetable, how beautiful mother nature good be. :D

[BangkokBlues]

Thanks to ncr and von Hirschhorn for your informative reponse. I live at Khlong San and have got to get on that rail soon!!!! Headed out on the khlongs today, but may check it out tomorrow.

Cheers, Bangkok Blues

[von Hirschhorn]

Well, if you live at Khlong San what more appropriate to start a little walk along the former route beginning at the market and further through the Thanon Charoen Rat. In the middle of the pavement there's still a sort of sign where once the track was laying. I did such with the whole group as mentioned before on a Sunday morning and they liked it.

[BangkokBlues]

I take that walk occasionally, there are so many interesting shops along the way culminating in the lively well stocked vegetable market. Will do it soon with the goal being to find the train station and take a ride. Good suggestion, thanks.

[numpty]

i did the journey in december last year...http://www.the-spiceislands.com/Thailand/mahachai.htm

[Wisarut]

Section form WOngwian Yai to Mahachai will be there since there are 34 trips a days ... and massive doube tracking NEEDED ... after major rehab by replacing 50 Lb/yard rail installed in 1957) with 70 Lb/yard rail alogn with the twin block concrete sleepers removed from Soutehrn train after rehab of the main line ...

On the other hand the future of Ban Laem - maklong section is quite gloommy ....

[The Enforcer!]

Section form WOngwian Yai to Mahachai will be there since there are 34 trips a days ... and massive doube tracking NEEDED ... after major rehab by replacing 50 Lb/yard rail installed in 1957) with 70 Lb/yard rail alogn with the twin block concrete sleepers removed from Soutehrn train after rehab of the main line ...

On the other hand the future of Ban Laem - maklong section is quite gloommy ....
Wasn't all this part and parcel of the (now defunct) Red Line?

The Enforcer!

[dick]

As in many other countries the Meaklong Line was indeed one of the plans for "upgrading" and also cancelled again, unfortunately. a missed opportunity.

[von Hirschhorn]

There many more industrial locomotives running in Thailand today as well in the past. I have a small collection slides by now but unfortunate these are still in Holland and not in the land of smiles, so are the records. This will have to wait a while and I'll give the details plus pictures.
One picture however you can seen here: http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/srt/maeklongmore.shtml I am still wondering what that particular locomotive was doing there on that moment (never seen since) and where it came from and went to after a repair or something alike - Mahachai has a workshop.

[Budewizer]

One picture however you can seen here: http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/srt/maeklongmore.shtml I am still wondering what that particular locomotive was doing there on that moment (never seen since) and where it came from and went to after a repair or something alike - Mahachai has a workshop.

Information indicates that this is a Ruston & Hornsby type 88DS loco
Delivered to RSR (Royal State Railway of Siam) in 1953
S/n 338414 / 5-1953
Info kindly provided by Mr Darvell

[Wisarut]

This is an identity of Khun Luang Mueang - a writer who live in Talad Ploo when there was an electric tram running from Klogn Sarn to Wat Singh.

http://www.matichon.co.th/youth/youth.php?tagsub=031113&tag950=03you30230849&show=1

[Yappofloyd]

I think the last time I took the Mae Klong line to Samut Songkhram was in 04. There was some talk of building a new station which of course would be a pity but what has come of it?

Like most things on the railfront, probably nothing - which would actually be good in this case. However, I came across the following sentence on the Canarail (a subsidary of Systra) website http://www.canarail.com/article.php?id_article=83;
Thailand: Provision of services of a tunneling expert for the Mae Klong Line feasibility study No date is given and there appears to be no further info on the site. For the life of me, I cannot think of any possible tunneling that could be done on this line especially given the amount of water in the area? Any idea what this would be about Khun von Hirschhorn or anyone else?

[gwmss15]

Today I took a trip on my local railway line. I started at Wong Wian Yai station and traveled to Bang Bon station. This railway is 100% isolated from the rest of the rail system. This railway is part of the Maeklong commuter system that operates from Wong Wian Yai to Mahachai and Ban Laem to Maeklong. Takes about 2 hours to complete both lines.

A little background about these lines. They were built by private companies around 107 years ago. They have a 14 meter wide land reserve which is a lot narrower than the main system. Although buildings have been built right upto the edge the line. It appears today these lines are owned by the city of Mahachai and the city of Maeklong with SRT providing a contract service.

When the line was built it did operate to Klong San station but this was closed in 1963. Its possibly due to the fact that track from Klong San station to Wong Wian Yai was shared with road traffic on Charoen Rat road. A rail bus (Route 57) provides the link now. Up until 1963 Klong San to Wat Sing was electrified and tram like trains did run. The reason for de electrification is unknown.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

1. This is the station sign above the ticket office at Wong Wian Yai station

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000657a.jpg

2. This is a 3 car Japanese non aircond DMU train waiting to depart the station. Taken from across the small railway soi next to the station.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000656a.jpg

3. This shows how busy the station gets at peak times the train shown had just arrived.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000655a.jpg

4. Wat Sai station Note this station doesn’t have any end of platform station signs.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000649a.jpg

5. This is the passing loop at Wat Sing station.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000648a.jpg

6. Wat Sing station.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000647a.jpg

7. An off peak train heading inbound this is the passenger seating taken around Wat Sing area.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000644a.jpg

8. These trains operate with the carriage doors open on most trains this was taken between Bang Bon and Wat Sing stations. This is due to the doors being damaged at some point.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000643a.jpg

9. Busy Early peak hour train with the doors wide open near Talat Phlu station.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000688a.jpg

10. This is a view of My local station Bang Bon.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000631a.jpg

[gwmss15]

11. A Mahachai bound train is arriving at Bang Bon Station.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000633a.jpg

12. The same Mahachai bound train departing Bang Bon taken as it runs across Bang Khunthian road. Note this train has an air-conditioned carriage.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000635a.jpg

13. The platform timetable in the waiting room at Bang Bon station. The times are very rarely changed and the trains tend to always be close to time.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000637a.jpg

14. This shows the humpback rail bridge at the up end of Bang Bon. Note the track quality here. The platform sign at Bang Bon station.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000639a.jpg

15. This shows the track quality at the down end of Bang Bon station and the open level crossing. Note: The level crossing is manually operated booms.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000640a.jpg

16. The level crossing is now closed and the up train to Wong Wian Yai station is arriving at Bang Bon.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000642a.jpg

17. The feeder truck bus service holding area next to Bang Bon station.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000638a.jpg

18. The station sign at Chom Thong station. Note: This station is a peak hour only station and they have bananas next to the station.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000650a.jpg

19. These are the 2 different types of tickets issued for the mahachai line. The larger one is issued at the ticket office. The blue one is issue on board the train.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000692a.jpg

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[gwmss15]

Note: this video was created for another forum overseas to show the running of passenger trains with the doors open. So its nothing special but ill post it anyway.

This is a couple of videos showing an SRT commuter train running with the doors wide open.

These trains operate with the carriage doors open on most trains this was taken between Bang Bon and Wat Sing stations. This is due to the doors being damaged at some point.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000643a.jpg

1. Taken on an SRT train between Bang Bon and Wat Sing stations during the off peak. The doors on both sides where broken.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKEGo7kVjko

2. Taken on an SRT train between Wong Wian Yai and Talat Phlu Stations. This train is an early peak hour train so its getting busy now. This train also has a broken door.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYEAN5vGJ1Y

[jpatokal]

That train looked so familiar that I just spent way too much time figuring out which model of the JR Yamanote/Chuo line trains it is... only to find out it's not:

http://www.geocities.co.jp/SilkRoad-Desert/3832/thn.html

Instead, it's a custom-built "THN" (Tokyo Sharyo/Hitachi/Nippon Sharyo) model, similar but not identical to the JR 205 series (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/205_series). SRT appears to have (had?) 118 of the things, manufactured in 1983-1985.

[von Hirschhorn]

Yes, once in a while one should refresh his memory about this memorable railway line. This is more than a relict from the past, this is a run down enterprise, an ugly baby but....
Oh boy, isn't she adorable? :rolleyes:

Here a nice old picture of Klong San, include the tram wires.
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/98/4210019kf6.jpg

[von Hirschhorn]

Before the SRT took over the exploitation in the early fifties, there were two private companies. On the line Bangkok-Klong San – Mahachai (Samut Sakhon) TRC = Thachin Railway Company. On the line Ban Laem – Mae Khlong (Samut Songkhram) MRC = Mae Khlong Railway Company.

The first diesel railcars for these lines were the series D3 - D8
Type Bogie + trailer
Teikoku car & MFG. Co. Ltd. Osaka – Japan
In service 1959

The series D9 - D16 (some still in service / or there)
Type RTS Bogie + trailer
Maker: Tokyu Car Corporation – Japan
In service 1971

From the following series some did / do run on the Mae Khlong line

Series 1001 – 1003
Type: Bogie + Trailer
Maker: Niigata – Japan
In service 1962

Series 1004 – 1010
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit
Maker: Tokyu – Japan
In service 1965

Series 1011 – 1020
Type RH (same as above)
Maker: Hitachi – Japan
In service 1967

Series 1021 – 1048
Type RHN (same as above)
Maker: Hitachi & Nippon – Japan
In service 1971

Series 1101 - 1140
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit (coupled heck to heck forms a set)
Maximum speed 100 km
Maker: Tokyu Car Corporation / Hitachi Ltd. / Nippon Charyo Seizo – Japan
In service 1983

Series 1201 – 1264
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit
Maker: Nippon Sharyo Seizo Kaisha Ltd. / Hitachi Ltd. / Juji Heavy Industries Ltd. /
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. / Niigata Engineering Co. Ltd. / Kinki Sharyo Ltd. Japan. In service 1985

Series 2101 – 2112
Type: Air-conditioning motor unit (without driver cabin)
Maker: Tokyu Car Corporation – Japan.
In service 1985

[gwmss15]

A few days ago I went for a late afternoon trip to Maeklong. I started my Journey at Mahachai West (Ban Laem). However if you started in Bangkok this is not where you would start your trip. If coming from Bangkok you would join the train at Wong Wien Yai station in Thonburi and travel to Mahachai. Then cross the river and pick it up from Ban Laem.

The Maeklong Line was built as a short private coastal line around 107 years ago by the Maeklong railway company. This line is the second part of the Maeklong commuter railway system. The system consists of the Wong Wien Yai to Mahachai and the Ban Laem to Maeklong lines. This line was taken over by the “City of Maeklong” and SRT in the 1960s. This line has one of the lowest line speeds in Thailand averaging only 30kph for the whole line. With large sections under 20kph.

Today the line is operated by a single Japanese DMU railcar. SRT unit numbers 1210 and 1213. These where built in the 1980s in Japan for use as commuter DMUs on the main system and for use on the Maeklong commuter system. The Maeklong line only has one train set available for use at anytime. This is due to the line being 100% isolated from any other railway.

As a result of this the dedicated people at SRT have to make sure that the train keeps running in service no matter what. This unit hit a truck in 2006 and damaged the front end. They have tried to patch up the damage recently with sheets of metal and some kind of glue. No Freight trains operate on this line passenger trains only operate now days. Freight did operate in the past. Also this line does not have a signal system like is found on the main system or on other railways around the world. There is only one train it is not possible for it hit another train.

The train timetable for this line is:

Ban Laem to Maeklong runs at 7.30 am, 10.10 am, 1.10 pm and 4.40 pm.

Maeklong to Ban Laem runs at 6.20 am, 9.00 am, 11.30 am and 3.30 pm.

The trip takes 1 hour end to end.

PICTURE QUALITY NOTES: Due to the pictures being taken late in the day some images may be darker or brighter than normal as the sun was low in the sky and behind the train most of the way. Also this line is very hard to photograph due to the dirty windows on the ends of the train and the trains rough motion.

1. This is an image of the Ban Laem station area. The starting point for my journey on the Maeklong line. To get here you take a cross-river ferry from Mahachai city. Taken looking west from the remains of the Ban Laem rail yard.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000793a.jpg

2. Another view of Ban Laem station. Looking east towards the river. The building next to the rail tractor is the ticket office.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000794a.jpg

3. This is an image of SRT Rail tractor Unit 17. This appears to have been used to carry ballast for the line in the past. It’s not known if it still works, as it has not moved an inch in years.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000795a.jpg

4. Another angle on the rail tractor. The age of this rail vehicle is not known. Taken from next to the ticket office.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000796a.jpg

5. This is the train timetable at Ban Laem station. The trains are almost always on time and the times are very rarely changed.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000797a.jpg

6. This is the remains of an old DMU that fell apart in the rail yard at Ban Laem. The type is unknown. But it looks similar to some old DMUs used on SRTs Issan lines.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000798a.jpg

7. This is an image of the platform track at Ban Laem station. The last time the rails where replaced was in 1912.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000799a.jpg

8. This is an image of the last up train for the day approaching Ban Laem station. Note the lifting jacks and the track quality here. Also the last remains of the yard junction is visible.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000802a.jpg

9. The train has almost arrived at Ban Laem. The platform here is curved. SRT Train Unit 1210.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000803a.jpg

10. This is an image of the damaged Train unit 1213. They have tried to repair it using sheet metal and glue. This train hit a truck sometime in 2006 and for along time the damage was clearly visible. The accident pushed the wall and frame back around the drivers cab.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000804a.jpg

If you want to see more pictures of the Maeklong line please visit

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/02/srt-maeklong-line-and-maeklong-railway.html

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/

19. This is a short movie showing the ride quality of the Maeklong train and its rear driving cab. Most for the line runs though salt farms and prawn farms. The track is very rough and in poor condition for most of the line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jNCAaa5Wr8


27. This is a movie showing what its like to ride the Maeklong train over one of the many humpback rail bridges. It can be quite bumpy plus it slows the train down as the humpback bridge creates a steep grade up and then down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zwEwP73x8E



36. This is a Movie of the final approach and the passing of the train though the Maeklong railway market. This film shows why this railway is so special for rail fans and tourists. It’s the way this market opens and closes around the moving train. This occurs 8 times a day every day of the week. Maeklong station is the end of the market and the line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ShmXmvNKWk

37. This Maeklong station. The end of the line. This is the ticket office. Buses are available here to Pak Tho and Ratchburi on the main south line. These buses take about an hour to get there.

This is an overview of the Maeklong line as it stands now and has for the last 107 years. However this line is being considered for a major upgrade within the next 15 years. This upgrade will put an end to the railway market. The upgrade will involve running a 4 track tunnel from Hualamphong to somewhere after Talat Phlu station near Bangkok and then running the 4 lines all the way to Mahachai which will be in an new deep underground station along with Ban Laem and Tha Chalom stations.

The Maeklong line its self will be double track in the future and Maeklong station will be deep underground too as the line will be extended to Pak Tho and become the new main south line as it cuts 90 minutes off the journey time for trains on the current main south line. Also the line speeds will be increased from an average of 30 kph to 120kph after the upgrade. For the moment this project is still at planning stage. However, if you want to see or ride this line its best to make the trip in the next few years as it may not exist in its current form forever.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

If you want to see more pictures of the Maeklong line please visit http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/

[von Hirschhorn]

6. This is the remains of an old DMU that fell apart in the rail yard at Ban Laem. The type is unknown. But it looks similar to some old DMUs used on SRTs Issan lines.

The remains are from the former series 1021 - 1048
Type: RHN Driver + Trailer
Build by Hitachi & Nippon - Japan in 1971

In 1995 two sets were still running on this line:
APD 1030 + BTD 12
APD 1044 + BTD 30

[Wisarut]

3. This is an image of SRT Rail tractor Unit 17. This appears to have been used to carry ballast for the line in the past. It’s not known if it still works, as it has not moved an inch in years.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000795a.jpg



Thats Robel Railcar No. 17 for Track Maintainanace with Low Side carriage (assemblied in 1942) to carry quarry.


6. This is the remains of an old DMU that fell apart in the rail yard at Ban Laem. The type is unknown. But it looks similar to some old DMUs used on SRTs Issan lines.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000798a.jpg


Hitachi Railcars (used in the mainline in 1963 and put into use for Mae Klong line in 1968-69)


7. This is an image of the platform track at Ban Laem station. The last time the rails where replaced was in 1912.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000799a.jpg


Well, this 50 Lb rail (Canegie 1912) had bee taking out of the Main Line to use for track rehab of Ban Laem - Mae Klong in 1957. At the time 70 Lb rails have replace the good old 50 Lb rail and this 50 Lb rail had replace the original 35 lb rail ... to inclrease the axle load from 3 ton to 10.5 ton (the minimum axle load for Branch line when the main line axle load was 15 ton).


8. This is an image of the last up train for the day approaching Ban Laem station. Note the lifting jacks and the track quality here. Also the last remains of the yard junction is visible.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000802a.jpg

The jack is for lifting that railcars to be put on the truck to Major Rehab at Makkasan



This is an overview of the Maeklong line as it stands now and has for the last 107 years. However this line is being considered for a major upgrade within the next 15 years. This upgrade will put an end to the railway market. The upgrade will involve running a 4 track tunnel from Hualamphong to somewhere after Talat Phlu station near Bangkok and then running the 4 lines all the way to Mahachai which will be in an new deep underground station along with Ban Laem and Tha Chalom stations.


The Maeklong line its self will be double track in the future and Maeklong station will be deep underground too as the line will be extended to Pak Tho and become the new main south line as it cuts 90 minutes off the journey time for trains on the current main south line. Also the line speeds will be increased from an average of 30 kph to 120kph after the upgrade. For the moment this project is still at planning stage. However, if you want to see or ride this line its best to make the trip in the next few years as it may not exist in its current form forever.



At least, this rehabilitation will be just putting thsoe 70 lb rails taken from the main lines and quarry from Rajburi/Kanchanaburi (by boats) to replace the rail and old Ballast to be in line with Wongwian Yai - Mahachai section ... to be at 15 ton axle load as the mainline is about to be at 20 ton axle load. If they REALLY want 120 kph with 20 ton axle load so as to be in line with the main lines, 100 Pound/yard rails or better and thickening ballast are the must.

I just wonder if they have made a definite point for the bridge across Thachin and Mae Klong yet ..

Moderator: GWMSS's recent flurry of interesting posts in this thread have been mirrored on an Australian transport site with some slightly smaller pictures:
http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=29525

[gwmss15]

This is the final topic on the famous Mahachai and Maeklong rail system. This is all about the rail yard and the interesting things I found in the rail yard. Including some rare historical items. The Mahachai rail yard is a very interesting for rail fans partly due to the friendly nature of the workshop and rail yard staff. And also for it’s hidden historical gems.

This kind of rail yard visit in Australia is very much frowned upon. This is mostly due to over the top safety laws and rules and also from too much vandalism that occurs now in western counties that comes from a breakdown in their social structures. If I did the same rail yard visit in Australia as I did in Mahachai id probably end up dealing with the police at some point as no one trusts anyone in Australia now days. The freedom to explore the railways and its infrastructure unhassled is one of the many great things about Thailand and South East Asia.

If you do come to visit the rail yard at Mahachai the people are very friendly and welcoming to rail fans. But please be careful of moving trains and other equipment when in the rail yard. Also be friendly to the staff and don’t take or damage any of the equipment or metal parts or trains. The rail yard staff do speak a little English and will show you around the yard and trains if you ask them.

Here are some details on the trains that have been used on the Mahachai and Maeklong railway lines over the years:

The following DMUs have operated on the Mahachai line.

The first diesel railcars for these lines were the series D3 - D8
Type Bogie + trailer
Teikoku car & MFG. Co. Ltd. Osaka – Japan
In service 1959

Series D9 - D16
Type RTS Bogie + trailer
Maker: Tokyu Car Corporation – Japan
In service 1971

Series 1201 – 1264
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit
Maker: Nippon Sharyo Seizo Kaisha Ltd. / Hitachi Ltd. / Juji Heavy Industries Ltd. /
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. / Niigata Engineering Co. Ltd. / Kinki Sharyo Ltd. Japan. In service 1985

Series 2101 – 2112 (Unit number 2101 currently used on Mahacahi line)
Type: Air-conditioning motor unit (without driver cabin)
Maker: Tokyu Car Corporation – Japan.
In service 1985

The following DMUs have operated on the Maeklong line.

Series 1001 – 1003
Type: Bogie + Trailer
Maker: Niigata – Japan
In service 1962

Series 1004 – 1010
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit
Maker: Tokyu – Japan
In service 1965

Series 1011 – 1020
Type RH (same as above)
Maker: Hitachi – Japan
In service 1967

Series 1021 – 1048
Type RHN (same as above)
Maker: Hitachi & Nippon – Japan
In service 1971

Series 1101 - 1140
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit (coupled back to back to form a set)
Maximum speed 100 kph.
Maker: Tokyu Car Corporation / Hitachi Ltd. / Nippon Charyo Seizo – Japan
In service 1983

Series 1210 and 1213 (Current set used on the Maeklong line.)
Type DMU = Diesel Motor Unit
Maker: Nippon Sharyo Seizo Kaisha Ltd. / Hitachi Ltd. / Juji Heavy Industries Ltd. /
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. / Niigata Engineering Co. Ltd. / Kinki Sharyo Ltd. Japan. In service 1985

Source: Von Hirschhorn from 2bangkok.com

1. This is a shot of the trains stabled in the yard at the end of the platforms at Mahachai station. SRT unit numbers 1204 and 1212.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1010220a.jpg

2. This is an image of the general view of the rail yard at Mahachai. Taken from between the trains. The train on the left is a current Japanese DMU made by a consortium of 6 Japanese companies in 1985 and the train on the right is an old DMU made by Tokyu Car Corporation in 1971.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1010225a.jpg

3. This is a shot looking back towards the station I entered the rail yard though the gap between the trains. They don’t lock up the trains in this yard or give visitors any problems when photographing the trains.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1010227a.jpg

4. This is an inside picture of the Japanese DMUs currently used on the line. This is the 3rd class non aircon carriage. This type of carriage makes up most of the carriages used on the Mahachai line.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1010228a.jpg

5. This is an inside shot of the only aircond carriage used on the Mahachai line. It is a 2nd class car and is used on 4 trains a day in each direction. Costs 25 baht per trip. However I once rode in this carriage the aircond is often broken and it’s better to use the 3rd class carriages. This carriage was made by Tokyu Car Corporation and entered service in 1985.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1010229a.jpg

If you would like to see many more pictures of this rail yard and its trains please visit

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/03/srt-mahachai-rail-yard.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[gwmss15]

This is a continuation on from the earlier post on SRT’s Mahachai line. This is the link to the earlier post SRT: Wong Wian Yai to Bang Bon.

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/02/trip-from-wong-wian-yai-to-bang-bon-on.html

On Tuesday afternoon I took a ride to Mahachai city via the Mahachai line to visit the rail yard located behind the station. I took a number of pictures and interesting Cab ride style movies. This is by far one of my favorite railway lines in the world. Mostly due to the way it operated and how it is isolated from the rest of the system.

This railway is 100% isolated from the rest of the rail system. This railway is part of the Maeklong commuter system that operates from Wong Wian Yai to Mahachai and Ban Laem to Maeklong. Takes about 2 hours to complete both lines.

A little background about these lines. The Mahachai line was built by the Thachin railway company about 107 years ago. Then at a later stage taken over by the local government and SRT rail. These lines have a 14 metre wide land reserve that is a lot narrower than the main system. Although buildings have been built right up to the edge the line. It appears today these lines are owned by the city of Mahachai and the city of Maeklong with SRT providing a contract service.

When the line was built it did operate to Klong San station but this was closed in 1963. It’s possibly due to the fact that track from Klong San station to Wong Wian Yai was shared with road traffic on Charoen Rat road. A rail bus (Route 57) provides the link now. If this occurred today the line would not be able to keep its timetable and train versus car accidents would occur often.

Up until 1963 Klong San to Wat Sing was electrified and tram like trains did run. A possible reason for de electrification is due to the removal of the on street running around Klong San. This would have cut off the overhead system from the power substation located at Klong San station. There appears to have been only one substation for the whole line.

Mahachai line train timetable:

Wong Wian Yai to Mahachai
05.30, 06.25, 07.00, 07.40, 08.35, 09.40, 10.40, 12.15, 13.20, 14.25, 15.25, 16.30, 17.05, 17.35, 18.35, 19.10 and 20.10. It takes about 1 hour to reach Mahachai.

Mahachai to Wong Wian Yai
04.30, 05.20, 05.55, 06.25, 07.00, 08.00, 09.35, 10.40, 11.45, 13.15, 14.25, 15.25, 16.00, 16.30, 17.35, 18.10 and 19.00. It takes about 1 hour to reach Wong Wian Yai.

1. This is an image of the station sign at Bang Bon station where I started this journey to Mahachai.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000639a.jpg

2. This is a short Movie showing what its like to ride on the Mahachai line. Note the track condition and the approach to Kan Kheha station. Taken from the front drivers cab.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5vxw2C8KwY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5vxw2C8KwY

3. This is Rang Sakae station. The sign is all that remains of the station. However 2 trains a day stop at this station. Note there is no platform or waiting shelter at this station.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1010180a.jpg

4. This is a picture showing the track quality and the tunnel effect from the trackside trees and bushes. Taken near Rang Pho station.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1010182a.jpg

5. This is an image of the train driver and the speedo showing the speed of the train in the above section. It was about 65kph or about as fast as the trains go on this line.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1010186a.jpg

6. This is a shot of a relatively new rail bridge on the line. Some of the line has had resleepering done on the section down of Kan Kheha. Although the ride is still very rough despite this work.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1010187aa.jpg

9. This is a short movie of a departure from Rang Pho station and passing though the points at the end of Rang Pho loop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXGDiF054Aw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXGDiF054Aw

16. This is a short movie of the train going over the points at Bang Nam Jued and the rail bridge. Note how the level crossing gate is broken off and laying in the klong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzgBrE7hrUg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzgBrE7hrUg

27. This is a movie of the final approach to Mahachai station and the end of the line. Note the old rail cars and flatcar cargo carriages on the approach to Mahachai station. Also Mahachai station like most major stations on this line have a railway market next to the station.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fU7jumipP8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fU7jumipP8

If you would like to see more pictures and information on this topic please visit http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/03/srt-mahachai-line-trip-from-bang-bon-to.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.