CC200 15 was the last CC200 locomotive in running condition. It was used to haul cash collection service between Cirebon to Tanjungrasa.
The type is the first mainline diesel locomotive to see service in Indonesia commissioned in 1953. Built by General Electric of USA, it is powered by Alco 244 engine (when GE-Alco partnership was still in place) and have "shovel nose" cab design, with carbody body design.
The locomotive also has unique wheel configuration of Co-2-Co, the only one of its kind in the world. The addition of idle bogie in the middle is necessary as most mainlines in Java was lightly laid when the loco was introduced.
When new, it was frequently employed to haul premier express trains in Java island on routes between Jakarta-Surabaya, Jakarta-Bandung, and many more.
The locomotive usage began to decline when spare parts supply for Alco 244 dries up, owing the decline and cessation of American Locomotive Company itself, added with competition with newer type of diesel locomotives. The turbulent political condition in 1960s also hasten its decline from mainline works.
For the remainder of 20th century the locomotives were employed to haul local or freight trains around Cirebon area.
In early 21st century, a preservation movement spearheaded by Indonesian Railway Preservation Society (IRPS), led by Widoyoko, successfully led to the saving of last 3 locos from scrapper's torch. Even one loco (number 15) was repainted to its (near) original livery, and kept in running condition with cannibal spare parts from the other two (number 8 and 9).
For several years, it was the mascot of railway preservation movement, and burgeoning railway enthusiast activities in Indonesia.
But the infighting within IRPS which led to expulsion of its founder, Widoyoko, plus ignorance among younger generation meant the preservation of CC200 was in limbo. Even no 8 and 9 was moved to Pengok locomotive works in Yogyakarta, allegedly to be scrapped.
But thanks to caring railway employees, the locomotive soldiered on for several years before being withdrawn to Indonesian Railway Museum in Ambarawa in 2016, where it is displayed now.
7 мар 2019
