LinesNorth

[von Hirschhorn]

Maybe some enterprises run - i.e. railways - by the state are a mess but still preferable above the private one. The outcome in Europe is visible and more than that. In Holland for example they privatised even the public works like water and electricity and who pays the bill. A short-sighted policy by politicians with $ sign eyes only. The profit is today’s and who cares for tomorrow.
Thailand is still able to change the wind of winning, don’t privatise your railways but neither do neglect them. It’s a good system and worth spending tax money on it. Efficiency yes but not for big profits only.
For several years I held a lecture with slides about the Thai Railways for
The Northern Informal Group in Chiang Mai and afterwards for the local Rotary club. I told them the same. Investment in enterprises with a common public purpose is not a waste, on the contrary.
Are we willing to learn from mistakes made elsewhere or is this a pitfall, a sort of mouse trap, attractive the cheese but painful the steel in the neck after an attempt to eating.

[GWR]

Including several trains trapped at Utaradit station with folks sitting on the roof. A lot of rollingstock is going to be out of action for cleaning puposes. Expect delays and low seat availability for some time to come. About 1 km of track has also been rendered unusable.

[Wisarut]

Well, the flood level at Sila At station is now at the nbigie level :eek:
Even Farang has to walk on the roof of Bogie Cover Good Wagons! :eek:

[Wisarut]

Now the flood level at Uttaradit has been subsided , allowing SRT to run short trains from Chaing Mai to Denchai and then transfer to the bus to Uttadit to take a train from Uttadit to Nakhon Sawan and Bangkok -> 3 times a day.

This is due to the fact that lots of debris and flood has cut down the track from Sala At to Huay Rai
http://pics.manager.co.th/Images/549000007986102.JPEG

Furthermore, the Sprinter DMU Intercity service is runnnign 2 times a day -8.30 AM and 8.30PM

This measure has to be applied for not les than 2 weeks ....

However, SRT has to send Civil Engineer Section to Repair the track which has been cut down by flood alogn with reparign the damaged bridges.

REF: Manager Daily May 25, 2006

[Wisarut]

1) Uttaradit - Sila At - Tha Sao - Ban Dan - Flood at km 486- km 499

1.1) Damage Leve 1 (ballast washed out, slgiht damage on permanent way)
-> 3 places with total distance of 2500 meter
1.2) Damage Level 2 (permanet way wash out, hanging rails) 2 places with total distance of 400 meter
1.3) Damage level 3 - severe damage - permanert way com[pletely washted out, rails deviated from the center by 5-10 meter, 5 places with total distance of 2300 meter. SRT Civil Section have to rebult the perment way back alogn with correct the deviated tracks

Furthermore, concrete culvers with 6-meter wide have been washed away ... and the bridge shouders have been torn apart ...

Worse still, the debris have buried the track by 3800 meter

2) Ban dan - Huay Rai section from km 499 to km 521, the track damaged by 22.5 km ... with the level 3 damage of 2.25 km, lwwl 2 dmage by 45 meter ... Level 1 damage at 6 places ... with tyotal distance of 1100 meter
.... need to repare the permanent way at 11 places and removign the debris by 360 meter


The preliminary estimation is 50 million Baht damage ... However, the later estimation have been shot up to 92 million Baht damage
List of damage

1) Permanent way, tracks, sleepers, balalst, bridges and culvers, station buildings and reklatign equipment; 66.5 million Baht
2) Rolligng stock (locos & carriages) 22.7 million Baht
3) Signals and telecom system damages 3.7 million Baht
Total: 92.4 million Baht

The premuinary damage no incude the cost fot transfer the passenger between Sila At and Denchai station

SRT is goign to fix the system so as to resume the through service to Chiang Mai after June 15, 2006.

[Enis]

Hello

Maybee you are interessted in some pics of the sawankhalook railwaystation. Ban Mai is my "homevillage" Thailand, the nerest town is Sawankhalook. I have a few pictures of the station.

http://i8.tinypic.com/2624dgo.jpg

[Wisarut]

Well, for the good archetecture of Railway station, take a look at Lampang, Ban Pin, or so ...

[Enis]

Yes

The station are around 100 years old according to the man who work in the ticket office.

http://i6.tinypic.com/263vqle.jpg

http://i3.tinypic.com/263vx4m.jpg

http://i2.tinypic.com/263wjye.jpg

http://i2.tinypic.com/263ws5y.jpg

/enis

[GWR]

Not sure if I have got this right from the last picture.

Bangkok 10:50 -----> 17:50
Suwankolok 19:40 ---> 03:30

Pensioners 50% Discount

Phisanuloke 50 Baht
Nakon Sawan 368 Baht
Lopburi 437 Baht
Ayutthaya 459 Baht
Don Muang 474 Baht
Bang Khen 477 Baht
Bang Sue 479 Baht
Samsen 480 Baht
Bangkok Hualumpong 482 Baht

Is there still one local train as well?

[Wisarut]

Nope ... ONLY Train 3/4 coupd pass Sawankhaloke Branch line since it has lighter axle load .... The bigger Loco cannot pass through that track since it use 50 Lb/yard rails .... compared with 100 lb/yard rail of the main line (Up to Ban Dan) ...

[von Hirschhorn]

Good thing to point out a piece of railway architecture, Sawan Kholok well known and while talking about Nakhon Lampang and Ban Pin: here they are.

Lampang: http://i8.tinypic.com/27wsux3.jpg

Ban Pin: http://i7.tinypic.com/27wswpl.jpg

As many of us and other readers know, the Northern line was build by the Germans. Their influence still can been seen today in track equipment and station building like Ban Pin. Typical German ‘Fachbau’ (fach means section) although here it's more a decoration and not real 'Fachbau'.
It’s worth an excursion and see all the differences and details in design and building but moreover take pictures of that. I did but not covered everything, there still gaps waiting to be filled.

[Ahoerstemeier]

Typical German ‘Fachbau’ (fach means section) although here it's more a decoration and not real 'Fachbau'.

Just a minor nitpicking by a German - at least colloquial that building style is called "Fachwerk", and also a goggle fight between "Fachbau" and "Fachwerkbau" suggests the later is the much more common term.

But nevertheless - beautiful pictures, and nice train stations as well, quite different in building style what one is used to in Thailand.

BTW: It'd be great if you'd donate those photos (provided you have the copyright) to Wikipedia. There are only very few train stations covered there (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Train_stations_in_Thailand) yet.

[von Hirschhorn]

a minor nitpicking indeed but no problem and after all ‘fachwerk’ is a better word although the dictionary (at least mine) says Fachbau, but enough of that.
I have no idea about your Wikipedia suggestion in the way how such works. (inserting pictures) I have more and other (detail) pictures - slides but unfortunate not a professional scanner, this (Lampang) is the best result I can get only a bit blur. (the songtaew's anyway) The picture of Ban Pin is not mine but shot by a friend so a name good be given.

[Enis]

Just a minor nitpicking by a German - at least colloquial that building style is called "Fachwerk", and also a goggle fight between "Fachbau" and "Fachwerkbau" suggests the later is the much more common term.

But nevertheless - beautiful pictures, and nice train stations as well, quite different in building style what one is used to in Thailand.

BTW: It'd be great if you'd donate those photos (provided you have the copyright) to Wikipedia. There are only very few train stations covered there (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Train_stations_in_Thailand) yet.

Feel free to provide wikimedia with my pictures of the Sawankhalook station

[von Hirschhorn]

This is just a notification for all ‘lovers’ of the Northern Branch. After two years with only short visits (1 month) this year I am able to stay a considerable length of time, starting October 30th. (with Bangkok)
So, if any one comes near the vicinity of Chiang Mai before May 2007 give a call and we can have a chat on the turntable in the yard. Unfortunate there’s not much else exited to see or go through in terms of railway enjoyment. The end of the line and this normally means dead and only vivid when the trains from Bangkok arrive and in a lesser way when they depart.
The only other mode of rail transport in Chiang Mai – a funicular run by monks - had to make way for an ultra modern lift after the first broke down and made a unwilling ride to the bottom station where it collapsed. A tourist was killed.
However, for lovers of temples and local home industry or even ride on an elephant – oh yeh, the good old days – feel welcome in this city. A glimpse of what it could be at the station: http://i9.tinypic.com/2dj2j3d.jpg
http://i10.tinypic.com/2r7bith.jpg

[ncr]

The only other mode of rail transport in Chiang Mai – a funicular run by monks - had to make way for an ultra modern lift after the first broke down and made a unwilling ride to the bottom station where it collapsed. A tourist was killed.??? Can you elaborate? Where? When? What?

I only know the funicular at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, but never heard about any accident, much less that it was replaced by a lift?

[von Hirschhorn]

Oh yes, Nils, it was, only the exact date of the mishap I cannot recall. Somewhere near the end of the nineties. A few years the whole lay idle and than a Swiss company installed the lift – my first picture is from 2002 - and all founded by donations, the sunny side of Buddhism. This is a horizontal lift against a rather steep slope and nicknamed tramway. Two shafts are in place with both two elevator cabins, the same as in the funicular time but their tracks were complete in the open.

[von Hirschhorn]

And yes, I forgot: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: the monastry that shines from above on the dwellers beneath. :)

[von Hirschhorn]

About the invitation to have a chat on the Chiang Mai turntable... well your rail road explorer has landed in Bangkok for a starter and heading for the capital of the North.
Wonder if gardening and rail road could be a combined hobby. Today the great flower and vegetable show started. O wee, to many will flock the narrow streets of the innercity. However.:p

[von Hirschhorn]

The eagle has landed and will have his first date with the turntable on Monday November 6th in the morning. Afterwards I'll test the newly municipal bus bus system and shall write a separate report about it. ;)

[pong]

great! I was just starting to try-out to find anything about it,since ChMai lost its sstem a few yrs ago.Arrived in BKKhalfway oct, went to Korea for 1 week afters,now back,after 30-days expire going to Myanmar=Birma, then again BKK till after Xmas, thinking the rose in the northis a beetje too cold then, but will come back later in early 2007. Would you then please be so kind to post reports re its bus-system (I read there is also a sepaarte elaborate network to serve that flower show) in the right branch? And have a nice stay there in the million ricefields=lanna

[von Hirschhorn]

Well, meneer (Mr) Pong, today nobody showed up at the turntable, so I turned myself and took two rides on the newly municipal bus system. Nice after a so long time being deprived of it. The whole operates under the name: Chiang Mai Public Transportation CMB = Chiang Mai Bus. Website: www.chiangmaibus.com
5 lines: 2. 6. 11. 12. 13. Aircon midi busses, some with seats in the lenght.(subway like) My first impression is fine although not fast and not only caused by heavy traffic. My trips were far from overloaded with other passengers. A few here and there.
From the Airport I took the 11 to the Arcade bus station, had a nice chat with the staff, and took the 6 back to the Airport,
all together more than two hours. Fun riding although nothing new for me route wise. In the brochure the 6 is called: around city Chiang Mai, a loop line in both directions: 6/L and 6/R
From the railway station there is a direct service to the flower exhibition, run with Bangkok buses - the yellow ones - strange and funny at the same time. In the end BMTA ended up in Chiang Mai. See also: http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=735
For the other part: is there any body out there wish to come to Chiang Mai, tell me, the turntable is still fine. ;)

[von Hirschhorn]

We make it an Sunday delight - a sunny day experience - meeting at the turntable and full report afterwards even if nobody shows up exept the scribent. There are more things between heaven and earth, it's not the railway only, many ways. Anyone who's understanding poetry can see the meaning of this gathering. For all the benefits of doubt, just being there, nothing else. :rolleyes:

[pong]

This most likely is not new for most of you,but I could not easily find any reference to it. Yesterday passed by HuaLamPong main station and had some time to spare. There was amusement: a SoSoSo anti-alcohol promotion with drama, stands etc. FRee drinks without lao too.
BUT then on: wanted to use the 16.10 commuter (exJR cars) To Rangsit, which went fine. Already waiting was an EXTRA train to Chiang Mai, formed of former JR stock, both sleepers, Yipun=Nihon style and seated cars.This was an extra service for the Royal Rachapruek flower show in the Rose of the cold north. And yes, all blue. If you know about international premium trains, you know about exZAR, SPOORNet,now Shosholosa Mel (thats South Africa) famous blou/bluetrain.
Can anyone give some more info? Is it only for prearranged all-in packages for thai people? Or can I just buy a ticket somewhere for it? Just a link to womewhere if this has been asked before also OK. khap khun, krap.

[von Hirschhorn]

No Pong, it's open for every one. I captured the thing already at the outer end were it drops the flower minded crowd. While I am sitting in an Internet café on the moment, sipping my 'café au lait' - in Chiang Mai of course - the exact details I 've not with me.
Later I'll mail them. An be aware guys, it's rather cold between sun set and rise. So if you rise early woollen cloths are not a luxery. :D

[GWR]

Passengers injured when train ferrying them to flora expo hit by another

Phichit - A special-service train ferrying passengers from Bangkok to the flora expo in Chiang Mai was hit by another train, causing part of it to derail and injuring many passengers.

Police said the accident happened at ten minutes after midnight Sunday night between the Huayket and Taphan Hin stations in Phichit's Taphan Hin district.

Police said the normal service train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai hit the last car of the special service train, causing the last car and the engine and a goods car of the second train to derail.

Police said the injured passengers included foreigners but their exact number was not known yet.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30020059

[GWR]

Train crash in Nakhon Sawan, over 100 passengers injured

A sprinter train rammed into another train parking at a station in Nakhon Sawan Monday, injuring more than 100 passengers, police said. The accident led to the closure of the northern route.

Both trains were bound for Chiang Mai province with passengers who wished to visit ongoing the Royal Flor Expo 2006 in the province.

The No 963 train was parking at Tapanhin station, waiting for permission to leave when the sprinter train rammed into its two last compartments. The crash damaged the compartments of the parking train and injured more than 130 passengers of both trains.


Officials said it is expected the transportation would be resumed this afternoon.



http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/27/headlines/headlines_30020069.php

[GWR]

Train services for northern route is resumed Monday afternoon after two trains crashed in Phitchit province, Chiang Mai's railway chief Sompong Buttakhun said.

Sompong said some passengers refunded their tickets as they are still fearing of safety.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/27/headlines/headlines_30020071.php

[pong]

passed by at sat 23/12 coming out of HuaLamPong:
3 bluetrain coaches in full sight, 2 of which damaged at 1 end (with a normal car in between), 1 quite heavy. Seems really a re=assuring sight to all nervous travellers.
This bluetrain service to ChMai still runing/or at least advertised, possibly with a fewer nr. of coaches then.
But now I still dont know if its a premium train for the SRT for special occasions or a regular thing to appear perhaps elsewehre if the flowershow finishes.

[GWR]

Northern train derails; no injuries

(BangkokPost.com) - An express train running between Bangkok and the northern capital of Chiang Mai derailed on Saturday night in Phrae province, reports this morning said.

The accident occurred at around 6 p.m. The train was about to pull in to the station in Long district of Phrae province, when the last carriage of the train suddenly derailed.

Authorities said it was a technical problem that caused the derailing.

Emergency workers was dispatched to the site but no casualties were reported and operations resumed on the railway line three hours later.

The accident was eerily similar to another train derailment in the South last week, when the last car of a northbound train heading for Bangkok slipped off the rails.



Link may expire:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118100

15 April 2007
State Railway report derailed train situation has been resolved
The State Railway of Thailand report that normal rail operations have resumed following a train derailment in Longh (ลอง) district of Phrae province yesterday (April 14).

The head of the Public Relations Division of the State Railway of Thailand, Ms. Monthakarn Sriwiras (มณฑกาญจน์ ศรีวิลาศ ), revealed that a sprinter train traveling the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route derailed in Longh (ลอง) district of Phrae province. The train's 4th railcar was reported to have skidded off its rail as it was traveling between Ban Phakan (ผาขัน) and Ban Ping (ปิง) stations.

Railway officials transferred passengers from the 4th railcar to the train's remaining passenger cars and allowed the train to proceed to its destination. Meanwhile the derailed railcar has been successfully removed from the tracks earlier this morning(April 15). Railway officials confirm that the Bangkok-Chiang Mai rail line is again open for use.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255004150007

[GWR]

Northern rail service resumes after track subsidence

PHICHIT, July 24 (TNA) – State Railways of Thailand (SRT) passenger and cargo services to Chiang Mai and the north has resumed after the service was suspended early Tuesday morning due to subsidence, triggered by heavy rain, caused damage to a section of railway track in the northern province of Phichit.

Railway workers have fixed the damaged railway tracks between the Taphan Hin railway station and the Banwangkrod train station.

A number of passengers were left stranded on Tuesday morning, but were being attended to as services resumed. A similar incident occurred in May.

Sustained rainfall can weaken the soils underlying the rail lines. (TNA)-E004

http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=30670

[GWR]

Train derailed, northern services halt

(BangkokPost.com) – Northern train lines were halted on Sunday morning after a train on the Tapan Hin – Bangkok line derailed in Nakhon Sawan province.

Several trains have had to terminate their services at Chumsaeng station after all northern bound services were currently suspended until further notice.

Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=125490

The following post has also been posted elsewhere in the forum because of the reporter's rather bizarre description:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=19524#post19524

27 January 2008
Grounded train in Nakorn Sawan cripples northern rail route

Passenger train 212 traveling from Ta-parn Hin (ตะพานหิน) to Bangkok this morning experienced a rail malfunction when a track key failed to operate causing the train to run aground before reaching the Choom Saeng (ชุมแสง) Train Station in Nakorn Sawan province. The accident has effectively backed up rail traffic moving North throughout the country.

Trains leaving from Bang Mool Nak (บางมูลนาก) station in Pijit province have had to cease travel, leaving many passengers stranded at the platform. Authorities have been dispatched to remove the grounded train but state that the process will take time. The extended delay is slowly spreading its effect to train stations down the northern route.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter01
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255101270006