Uncle Howard's Album - Railway Scenes
This page shows railway scenes from the FMSR, presumably during the period that Uncle Howard worked in Kuala Lumpur. Captions are speculative, so please contact me with any more accurate information at TimLight99@Hotmail.com
The images shown have been reduced (to fit most screens) and enhanced. To see the original full size scan just click anywhere on the image.
This appears to be a Class H 4-6-2, either brand new or fresh from overhaul. The location is probably Sentul. Class H was introduced in 1907, and survived Until the late 1950s. A couple of clues to the date are available: The engine still has a cabside number plate. These were replaced by large painted letters in the late 1920s. The tender coal rails are plated in, whereas they were open when delivered. Finally, the engine is in black livery, and the tender has a grey band just below the coal rails. These features all suggest a picture taken in the mid-late 1920s.
This is FMSR No 2, one of two Mallet locos delivered to the FMSR around 1919. The loco appears to be newly delivered, or perhaps fresh from overhaul. Evidence suggests it is new. The classic American "balloon stack" was later replaced by a British-style chimney. The bodywork is in immaculate condition, like a new toy. And the letters FMSR have been freshly applied. The chalk-marks are still visible.
At first glance I assumed this to be the same loco from the other side, but closer inspection of the numerplate and buffer beam suggests that this might be FMSR No 1, which was presumably put into service at the same time.
This is the original FMSR headquarters. Today it is the Malaysian Textile Museum. Follow this link to see a comparative picture: Textile Museum
Another view of the HQ, this time under several feet of floodwater. The inscription around and below the window states "FEDERATED MALAY STATES RAILWAY/GENERAL OFFICES".
Kuala Lumpur Station, around 1915-1920.
Kuala Lumpur Station, I guess this is around the same time as the previous shot, i.e. 1915-1920. By around 1920 the train shed had received ornate portals to match the main building. The loco is a Class H 4-6-2, this time in green livery. Green was superceded by black for all FMSR engines, but I don't know the date of this change.
Kuala Lumpur Station from the outside, presumably at the same time.
1960s view
This and the next few photos are taken at Port Swettenham (now known as Port Klang). In my opinion this is a fine image of a busy rail-connected port in the early years of the 20th century.
Port Swettenham again. The ship is registered in Singapore.
Port Swettenham from the footbridge, looking towards Kuala Lumpur.
This is a fine panorama of Port Swettenham. To see the full detail, click on the photo.
I don't know where this is. It's a 4-span girder bridge, possibly over a tidal estuary. Port Swettenham area, maybe? Do take a look at the original (click the photo), which is a highly detailed scan of the original panorama.
Another panorama - this is Seremban.
This is Port Dickson. Beyond the station there is a stone jetty that projects into the Indian Ocean for about 200 meters. This view is from the jetty, looking back towards the station. According to Google Earth the station building still exists, even though there is no passenger service.
Back to Uncle Howard's Page