The Central Plains

The area around Yogyakarta (Yogya) and Solo is often considered to be the cultural centre of Java. Both cities still have traditional rulers with considerable influence if not actual power. The area is dominated by the twin peaks of Gunung Merbabu and Gunung Merapi, the latter being one of Java's most active volcanoes. At their foot are the world famous Buddhist temple of Borobudur and the Hindu temple of Prambanan.

In early days this area had standard gauge railways (4ft 8½in gauge) instead of 3ft 6in gauge. This required two breaks of journey and while mixed gauge track was added, the standard gauge lasted until the Japanese occupation and traces of it were still visible in the 1970s. D52s dominated the main line scene, but the most interesting locomotives working around Solo were undoubtedly the 'skirt' tanks, tram like locomotives with enclosed motions but without the canopy. Unfortunately, economic progress came quite early to this area and only the very earliest visitors found them at work and it is a shame that the record of their working is less complete than for other types.

One class of locomotive which was peculiar to this area was the C24 2-6-2T, which had been used on more substantial trains, especially on the line north from Yogya through Magelang, but this line suffered earthquake damage in the early 70s and never reopened. Indeed some of the surviving railway bridges were then appropriated to act as replacements for road bridges which had been badly damaged.

By the time I arrived on the scene, there was little activity left and I am very grateful to the early pioneers who have provided the bulk of material for this section.