The Semi-Retired Foamer has been a railfan since he was around 5 years old, oh yes a very young age, an age when one really should avoid being involved with the gunzel community to any great extent. A few rather unsavoury people bringing that fact home.
After a few decades of train chasing, one decided to break with protocol and get married, thus leading to a severe cut in railfan activity.
Subsequent dealings with hate breeders, lunatics, mental defectives and self-appointed preservation overlords lead to an even greater decrease in my hobby participation.
However things have changed thanks to our small group of trusted mates, interest has returned, and now I have become a bit more involved yet again.
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Over the years I have tried my best to further both the hobby, as well as the friendships that it brings. I have done this by setting up proactive groups both here in Australia, as well as the Philippines. It is with huge honour that I am often considered the founding father of the railfan hobby in the Philippines (my second home).
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I don't take the hobby too seriously and I am a friend to anyone who is good and genuine. But never forgive those who have used their hate to destroy my hobby or hurt the friends within it.

Let's Make The Hobby Great Again!
I aim to share the era that I considered mine, the 80s and 90s. I also like to help promote, and even raise funds for, the various heritage societies that keep the era alive
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**** LOCOMOTIVE/ PUBLICATIONS ****
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All are available for
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Saturday, May 2, 2020


Way back in the thrilling year that was 2006, I joined a few mates on a cane train hunting trip to Fiji. Recently some of these photos have been found and, given a lack of anything else that I can do with them, I shall inflict them upon viewers here.
Should you have an interest in photos away from the sugar tramways, or are just really bored, feel free to mosey on over to my SRF Travel Blog.

LAUTOKA 14

We were around half way through our Fiji invasion when we came across Lautoka Sugar Mill #21 (Clyde DHI-71 57-159 of 1957), minus side rods, outside Nadi Airport.
She was stuck, with a long rake of full cane trucks behind.
While I've no idea of the story behind what had occured, #21 soon racked off towards the mill in disgrace, leaving her work to be completed by mill loco #14 (Clyde HD-3R  68-655 of 1968).

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Unsure of the place name, but is very near to Nadi Airport. #14 had rescued the load of #21 and was on its way to the mill. #10 (Clyde HG-3R 65-437 of 1965) was sitting on the next truck, doing very little whatsoever).
It stopped here for a while, and an invitation to look on the loco was quickly accepted.





#14 about to pass under the trees at Natovo (according to my notes, but spelt wrong on photo).


#14 crossing the Vuda Point turnoff.
The mountain range in the background often referred to as 'The Sleeping Giant' due to the way it looks from some angles.




While awaiting #14 at Lautoka Sugar Mill, a disgraced Lautoka #21 arrived back at Lautoka Mill.
You will note the missing side-rods are sitting on the footplate.
Correction: Not MARGAM ex Milliquin Mill (thanks to Tom Badger and Mitch Zunker)


More 2006 rail action from Fiji 
coming soon.

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