British-built traction remains active in Borneo on tourist trains

Two of the last steam locos built by Vulcan Foundry (Newton-le-Willows) are used in the Malaysian state of Sabah to operate regular tourist trains. 

The train between Tanjung Aru (Kota Kinabalu) and Papar runs normally on Wednesday and Saturday, and is a joint venture between the Sutera Harbour Resort, near Kota Kinabalu, and the Sabah State Railway (Jabatan Keretapi Negeri Sabah – JKNS).

Three metre-gauge 2-6-2s were built for the north Borneo Railway in 1955 (works numbers 6274-6276), numbered 6-014 to 6-016. Currently only 6-016 is in service.

The other two locos remain in Sabah, although 6-014 is now derelict at the JKNS depot at Papar. The JKNS network dates from the late-1890s when tobacco growers sought transport for their product to the coast. 

Read more in the July 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.

---

---

---

About the Author

Let off some steam...