SRT: Bang Sue Junction and Station.

Last weekend I visited Bang Sue Station to take photographs of various trains and station infrastructure. Bang Sue Junction is the busiest SRT railway junction in the whole of Thailand. The station serves trains on the main north line and the main south line. These two lines represent 80% of all train movements in Bangkok by SRT.

Bang Sue is also home to a massive but largely under used rail yard. The rail yard occupies approximately 8 km sq of land on the northern edge of the inner city of Bangkok. The rail yard consists of passenger station, locomotive workshops, passenger carriage sidings, freight terminal and freight sidings. Some of the unused rail yard land is leased to Bangkok city council for parklands and markets.

Bang sue station is planned to be come the new central station of Bangkok as a number of new metro projects are planned to intersect at Bang Sue station. A new modern 12 platform station will be built near the current site of the passenger station.

Currently Bang Sue station is connected to the rest of Bangkok by an underground MRT line and 5 different bus routes that service areas to the north west of the station. The road access to Bang Sue station is from the western side of the station near Siam Cement Company.

If you are travelling on a long distance SRT train to the north or south of Thailand. Bang Sue is a better place to board your train than Hualamphong. It also much quicker to advance book long distance train tickets here. The separation of Main North line platforms and Main south line platforms also makes it easier to find your train.

If you arrive at Bang Sue by MRT when you exit the MRT station do a U turn as you exit and to the left is the Main South line platforms and to the right are the Main North line platforms. Most SRT commuter trains depart from the Main North Platforms.

1. This is a shot of the long tunnel that links Bang Sue MRT station with Bang Sue SRT station. It’s a good 5 min walk between both stations. This tunnel is temporary until the new SRT station is built at some point in the future.

2. This is a shot of the MRT station entrance. Taken looking northwest from the bus terminal.

3. This is a shot of the Bang Sue station Bus and Taxi terminal. This is one of only two SRT stations that have a proper local bus terminal.

4. This is an image of the southern line platforms at Bang Sue station. If you are traveling on the Main South line you need to wait here.

5. This is another angle on the southern platforms at Bang Sue station.

6. This is a shot of the Thai Astrology shop and Thai Massage shop on platform 1 of the southern Bang Sue station.

7. This is an image of the outbound Main South line timetable. The 9xx train numbers are weekend special trains.

8. This is an image of the inbound Main South line timetable.

9. This is the Bang Sue southern platforms ticket office. If you travel on the Main South line you need to by tickets here. It is busy due to a public holiday weekend.

10. Like at most Thai major transport terminals there is a 7 – eleven shop. This is very useful for buying snack food and drinks etc.

11. This is a shot of the walkway linking the northern platforms of Bang Sue station with the Bus terminal and MRT station. Note the path is shared with motorbikes.

12. This is a shot of the MRT Park and Ride station. To access it you can either walk across via the above path or use the steel footbridge. There is parking for about 1000 cars.

13. This is an image of platform 1 of the Northern Bang Sue station. Taken looking south from next to the parcels office. Note the old boxes on the platform outside the parcels office.

14. This is an image of the inbound timetable on the northern platforms at Bang Sue.

15. This is a shot of the recently upgraded ticket office on the northern platforms at bang sue. If travelling on the main north line you buy tickets here. Window number 3 is the very helpful advanced booking office and monthly pass office.

16. This is a shot of a northbound commuter train leaving the station as I was photographing the station.

17. This is an image of the outbound timetable on the Main North line platforms at Bang Sue.

18. This is a general view of the northern platforms at Bang Sue station. About 10 years ago this small station had to handle all northern and southern line trains. Now it only services northern line trains and commuter.

19. This is a shot of the public library at Bang Sue station. The sign on the carriage states it came from the London metropolitan railway.

20. This is a view of the track and point layouts at the northern end of the north bang sue platforms. These tracks lead into the carriage sidings and the freight terminal.

21. This is a close up shot of one of the typical dwarf signals attached to the point motor. These points split from the middle of the station platform. At night the signals light up.

Now onto the trains and locomotives of Bang Sue Junction station.

22. This is a shot of a SRT loco number 4556 running light engine though the southern platforms on the way to the workshops.

23. This is another angle on SRT loco number 4556 as it heads north. This loco is a recent GE brand locomotive.

24. This is a general view of the freight yard that is approximately 500 meters east of the passenger station.

25. This is a general view of the passenger carriage sidings next to the passenger station.

26. This is a shot of SRT loco number 4557 waiting to depart the southern platforms on a main south line train. Note this GE locomotive is NGV powered.

27. This is a shot of the International Express train to Butterworth in Malaysia just after it cleared the northern end of the southern line platforms at bang sue. This train is one of only two premier SRT long distance trains.

28. This is a movie of the international express train departing Bang Sue station and also shown is SRT loco number 4525 running light engine in the carriage yards. This is a GE locomotive.

29. This is a picture of SRT loco number 4525 running light engine into the carriage sidings.

30. This is an image of the same loco as its just arriving to collect some carriages for a passenger train later in the day.

31. This is a shot of the same loco being attached to the passenger carriages in the sidings.

32. This is a movie showing SRT loco 4525 hauling some passenger carriages though the carriage sidings on the way to Hualamphong station. This is a GE locomotive.

33. This is a shot of a very late inbound Japanese DMU approaching Bang Sue station. This DMU is the same type as the Mahachai DMUs but with better seats for its 9 hour long trip.

34. This is an image of the same DMU taken looking south. It was doing a lot more than 30kph that the sign indicates.

35. This is a close up shot of SRT loco number 4106 as it collects some passenger carriages to take them down to Hualamphong station.

36. This is another angle on SRT loco number 4106 showing the carriages it was pulling.

37. This is a movie showing SRT loco 4106 hauling some carriages though the carriage sidings. Also shown is SRT loco 4503 arriving with a train to the deep south of Thailand. This is a GE locomotive.

38. This is a shot of SRT loco number 4503 waiting to depart bang sue station on another main south line train.

39. This is a shot of the same GE loco pulling hard though the twisted tracks at the northern end of bang sue station. Note the thin column of smoke from the loco.

40. This is a shot of SRT loco number 4109 pulling a very full northeast line intercity/commuter train. Taken as it powers though the southern platforms express track.

41. This is a very good shot of SRT loco 4109 chasing an main south line train though the twisted track at the northern end of bang sue station. Note the people on the steps this train was stuffed full with people heading up country.

42. This is a shot of the same two trains as the run next to each other for a couple of kilometers before the main south train turns to the left. Again note the rather full train.

43. This is a poor quality image of a very full long distance main south line train to Sungai Kolok in the Deep South. A number of these people would be standing for at least 16 hours as the train is fully booked right though to the end of the line. A tip book at least a week before if you want a seat on any main south line train.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

The Mega Mochit 2 Bus Terminal.

Mochit 2 is Thailand’s largest intercity bus terminal. It services routes to the north and northeast areas of Thailand. Also bus routes to central areas and the east depart from this terminal. At Mochit 2 there is also a metro bus terminal which allows commuter bus access to the terminal from many different parts of Bangkok.

A little background on Mochit 2.

The original Mochit bus terminal used to be located close to Mochit BTS station. When the BTS was built the old Mochit terminal was removed to make way for the BTS train workshops and park and ride area for the BTS system. However in moving this terminal to its current location meant that Mochit 2 would not have BTS access.

The current location of Mochit bus terminal is about 1.5km north west of Mochit BTS station. This new terminal has become known as Mochit 2. The terminal is built on leased land from SRT rail. The land used to be part of the Bang Sue rail yards.

Mochit 2 is not a very easy place to access by bus or taxi due to the stupid road layout around it. Basically any bus has to do at least 2 U turns on major roads to get access to the bus terminal. This mess appears to be an attempt at reducing the number of traffic lights around the terminal in a bid to reduce long queues of buses and cars.

However, despite the bad road access. The terminal itself is built in a similar style to an airport. There are 2 separate bus ticketing areas in Mochit 2. The 1^st floor houses ticket offices and waiting areas for destinations in the northern and central region. The 2^nd floor houses bus company offices and staff areas. The 3^rd floor houses the ticket offices and waiting areas for destinations in the Northeastern region.

The Buses all depart from the ground level in 3 areas behind the terminal building. Access to all 3 areas is either from a footbridge from level 3 or from the doors on level 1.

The passenger facilities at Mochit 2 include a number of 7-eleven stores, luggage storage, banks, toilets and showers, market area, 4 food courts and airconditioned waiting areas. The level of passenger facilities is similar to that of an airport.

However a word of warning do not eat the food in the bus terminal unless it is prepackaged food. Most food in Thailand at bus terminals, on trains and on railway platforms is of very low standard and can make people who are new to Thailand very ill. Even some locals will not eat the bus and railway station food. You have been warned. So bring your own food on bus and train trips.

Local bus connections and ticket office locations.

This is a list of the local Bangkok bus services from Mochit 2 to different major tourist areas of inner city Bangkok

If heading to Hualamphong SRT station: Take Route 49 (4.15am to 10.15pm) every 10 to 15 mins.

If heading to Khao San Rd: Take Route 3 (24 hours) every 10 to 15 mins.

If heading to Mochit BTS station: Take Route 145 (24 hours) every 5 to 10 mins.

If heading to Sukhumvit rd: Take Route 77 (2am to 11pm every 5 to 10 mins) to Central World then take Route 511 Normal route (24 hours every 2 to 5 mins) to Sukhumvit road. A faster option is via BTS from Mochit BTS station see above.

If heading to Rama 4 OR Silom: Take route 77 (2am to 11pm) every 5 to 10 mins OR Route 145 (24 hours) every 5 to 10 mins to Mochit BTS then BTS to Silom area.

If heading to Victory Monument: Take Route 77 (2am to 11pm) every 5 to 10 mins.

These buses all depart from the BMTA bus terminal on the south side of the bus terminal. Exit the main terminal building and walk to the right and walk though the market and you will reach the BMTA bus terminal.

There are a very large amount of different bus routes operating from Mochit 2 each with there own ticket counters. This is a list of which part of Mochit 2 you should go to when buying your tickets.

Central region buses: Ticket counters are located along the back wall on the ground/1st floor of the main terminal building.

Eastern region buses: Ticket counters are located along the wall just inside the main entrance doors on the ground/1st floor of the main terminal building.

Northern region buses: Ticket counters are located outside along the front wall of the main terminal building near the main entrance.

North Eastern (Issan) region buses: Ticket counters are located on the 3^rd floor of the main terminal building access is via an escalator on the outside of the main terminal building or via internal stairs or lift.

Now on to the photographs I took at Mochit 2 bus terminal.

1. This is a shot of the 2^nd class bus ticket counters to the north of Thailand. Taken from outside the main entrance.

2. This is a shot of the 1^st and VIP bus ticket counters to the north of Thailand. Taken from outside the main entrance.

3. This is an image of the 1^st floor waiting area inside the main terminal building. Taken looking to the southern end.

4. This is another angle on the 1^st floor waiting area inside the main terminal building. Taken looking to the northern end.

5. This is a picture of the central region commuter bus ticket counter on the 1^st floor of the main terminal building.

6. This is a shot of one of the 4 Thai food courts inside the main terminal building. Taken from the northern end of the 3^rd floor.

7. This is a shot of the northeast region 2^nd class ticket counters. Taken on the 3^rd floor of the main terminal building.

8. This is a shot of the northeast region 1^st class and VIP ticket counters. Taken on the 3^rd floor of the main terminal building.

9. This is a shot of the 3^rd floor ticketing and waiting area. Looking to the southern end.

10. This is a shot of the 3^rd floor passenger drop off and taxi area.

11. This is a rather poor image of the Left luggage area located at the southern end of the 3^rd floor.

12. This is a movie showing the central region bus departure area and the 1^st floor ticketing and waiting area. Note the large crowds of people and the condition of the bus area.

13. This is an image of the central region bus departure area. This was a very hard image to take, as the covered area is dark and its bright outside.

14. This is an image of the northeastern region bus departure area in the middle section of the bus terminal. Note the additional food and drinks stands.

This next section of the post is related to the buses and associated infrastructure.

15. This is a general view of the buses waiting to depart in the central region bus area. Most of these buses are of Mercedes type.

16. This is another general view of the buses waiting to depart in the central region bus area. Most of these buses are of Mercedes type.

17. This is a shot of the buses waiting at the undercover part of the central region bus area. The buses have to reverse out to depart. Most of these buses don’t have the reversing beepers found in western countries.

18. This is a shot of a 2^nd class route 9906 Mochit 2 – Rayong bus. Bus number 2^nd class 9906-18. This bus appears to be a merc.

19. This is a general view of part of the northern bus departure area. Looking towards the northern end. This section has a greater variety of buses.

20. This is a shot of a 1^st class route 913 Mochit 2 – Phitsanulok bus. Bus number 1^st class 913 – 20. This bus appears to be a Volvo. Note; the aircon on this bus appears to run off the engine directly rather than from a separate roof mounted aircon system.

21. This is an image of a 1^st class intercity route 18 Mochit 2 – Chiang Mai bus. Bus number 1^st class 18 – 1. This bus appears to be a MAN. Man buses are quite rare in Thailand.

22. This is an image of an older 1^st class intercity route 14 Mochit 2 – Lom Sak. Bus number 1^st class 14 – 24. This bus appears to be a Scania.

23. This is a side on shot of a 1^st class intercity route 21 Mochit 2 – Nakorn Ratchasima (Korat) Bus. Bus number 1^st class 21 – 61. Bus type unknown. This route operates every 15 mins 24 hours a day.

24. This is an image of a 2^nd class intercity route 21 bus. Bus number 2^nd class 21 – 62. Bus type unknown.

25. This is a general view of the north bus departure area. Looking south towards the BMTA bus area.

26. This is a view of a number of different routes waiting to depart from the northern end of the northern bus departure area.

27. This is a shot of a 2^nd class route 929 Mochit 2 – Yasothon – Khemmarat bus. Bus number 2^nd class 929 – 3. Bus type unknown.

28. This is a shot of a group of 1^st class intercity buses waiting for passengers at the northern end of the central bus area.

29. This is a shot of a newer intercity route 21 bus. Bus number 1^st class 21 – 120. Bus type unknown.

30. This is a general view of a bus holding area near the arrival terminal at the back of Mochit 2. During peak periods these holding areas are used for bus departures.

31. This is a general view of the northern end of the northeast bus departure area.

32. This is a shot of a 2^nd class intercity route 23 Mochit 2 – Nong Khai bus. Bus number 2^nd class 23 – 20. Bus type unknown.

33. This is a shot of 2 very modern double decker 2^nd class intercity buses. These operate on route 956 Mochit 2 – Maesot. Taken in the bus storage area. Bus type appears to be Merc.

34. This is a general view of a number of different buses in the bus storage area behind the bus departure area.

35. This is a front on shot of 3 very modern intercity buses. One bus appears to be a double deck volvo and the others are double deck mercs.

36. This is a shot of a few older O404 merc intercity buses waiting near the workshops.

37. This is a shot of a VIP bus undergoing repairs in the workshop.

38. This is a general view of the intercity bus workshops.

39. This is another general view of the bus holding area full with a number of different types of buses. To the left of this area is the bus fuelling point.

40. This is a shot of a 2^nd class route 904 Mochit 2 – Sara buri bus. Bus number 2^nd class 904 – 1521. Bus type unknown.

41. This is a picture of a 1^st class route 921 Mochit 2 – Aranyapratet (Cambodia) bus. Bus number 1^st class 921 – 650. Bus type unknown.

42. This is a shot of the bus fuelling area behind Mochit 2. One side of the fuelling area is used for overload bus storage.

43. This is an image of a 1^st class route 9904 Mochit 2 – Chonburi bus. Bus number 1^st class 9904 – 7. Bus type unknown.

44. This is a shot of a 1^st class route 9909 Mochit 2 – Laemchabang bus. Bus number 1^st class 9909 – 1. This is bus appears to be a merc and is powered by NGV.

45. This is a general view of the main bus entrance to the Mochit 2 bus terminal. The walkway links the intercity bus terminal with the BMTA local bus terminal.

46. This is a shot of a VIP intercity route 26 Mochit 2 – Udon Thani – Nakhon Phanom bus. Bus number VIP 26 – 793. This bus is a Volvo B12B.

47. This is a shot of the large amount of buses that use Mochit 2 bus terminal. This is taken looking northward from the southern bus holding area.

48. This is a movie showing the amount of bus movements in Mochit 2 bus terminal. The buses come and go every few seconds all day long. Also shown are 2 buses that almost crashed into each other when turning.

49. This is a front on shot of the same VIP double deck bus operating on route 26.

50. This is an image of a NCA intercity route 20 Mochit 2 – Khon Kaen bus. Bus number NCA 20 – 111. This is a rather odd bodied merc bus. This company has the best buses in Thailand and is the safest bus company to use.

51. This is a view of single and double deck intercity buses in the bus storage yard behind the north east bus departure area.

52. This is a shot of a 1^st class intercity Mochit 2 – Ban Thaton bus. Bus number unknown blocked by open hatches. Bus type Volvo.

53. This is a shot of an older single deck merc O404 VIP bus operating on the Mochit 2 – Lampang route. Bus number VIP 999 – 707. Most older VIP buses operate without a set route number and use route 999 as their number.

54. This is a close up shot of a 2^nd class route 964 Mochit 2 – Li – Chomthong bus. Bus number 2^nd class 964 – 1702. This is a very modern Merc double deck bus.

55. This is a picture of a VIP route 922 Mochit 2 – Payao bus. Bus number VIP 922 – 703. This is an older Merc intercity VIP bus.

56. This is an inside shot of a double deck VIP intercity bus. Note the 1+2 seating layout. Much more comfortable for long distances than a typical Australian 2+2 seating intercity bus.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

Mochit 2: The Metro Bus Terminal.

After photographing the larger intercity bus terminal I walked over to the metro bus terminal to photograph the city buses.

The Metro bus terminal at Mochit 2 provides a place for metro buses to terminate. This terminal also acts as a bus depot and re fueling point for the metro buses. There is no bus workshop here for the metro buses. But a mobile bus repair crew is stationed here.

There are currently 21 metro bus routes operate from Mochit 2 bus terminal. There are also a number of other bus routes that use Mochit 2 as a bus depot. The Metro bus terminal is located a 5 min walk south of the intercity bus terminal and is surrounded by a large food market. The metro bus terminal operates 24 hours a day as there are a few 24 hour bus routes operating from Mochit 2.

At the back of the metro bus terminal along the western approach road there is an expressway van service terminal. These vans provide additional and faster mass transport services from outer areas of Bangkok to Mochit 2.

1. This is a shot of the bus waiting area inside the bus terminal. The buses are arranged in an L shape around the edge of the waiting area and market.

2. This is a shot of a small part of the market that is all around the bus terminal. The market is rather annoying as it slows down passenger traffic inside the bus terminal and on the walkways to the main intercity terminal.

3. This is an image of the bus route control offices at the bus terminal. These offices one for each route provide change for the ticket ladies and allow them to lodge their ticket paperwork at the end of run or round trip.

4. This is a shot of the bus departure bays at the metro bus terminal. Taken from the eastern side looking south.

5. This is a shot of the bus departure bays at the metro bus terminal looking west. If it rains at this terminal it’s a real pain as it suffers from minor flooding and there is no shelter over the buses.

6. This is an image of a route 104 Pak Kret – Mochit 2 bus. Bus number 104 – 1. Seen at the arrival stop at Mochit 2 bus terminal.

7. This is a shot of a smoky route 138 Phra Pradaeng – Mochit 2 expressway bus. Bus number BMTA 5 – 66021. This is a Euro 2 Merc bus. Taken as it roars though the bus yard.

8. This is a picture of a route 170 Om Yai – Mochit 2 bus. Bus number 170 – 25. This bus appears to be a recent purchase from BMTA as the old number can still be seen 3 – 6152. This is a very old merc aircon bus.

9. This is a shot of a route 134 Kheha Bua Thong – Mochit 2 bus. This is a 24 hour bus service. Bus number BMTA 7 – 7036. Bus type Aircon Isuzu.

10. This is an image of a route 3 Klong San – Mochit 2 bus. This is a 24 hour bus service. Bus number BMTA 8 – 80329. Bus type non aircon Mitsubishi. Note these Mitsubishi buses are all rear engine.

11. This is a shot of a route 26 bus racing towards a route 517 bus in the Mochit 2 bus yard. The fuelling point is just behind the rear of bus number BMTA 2 – 80062.

12. This is a great shot of the 3 different sizes of aircon bus used by BMTA. The bus in the background is an artic. The foreground is a BMTA expressway van service.

13. This is a shot of a group of route 517 Lat Krabang – Mochit 2 buses. All three buses are Hino aircon buses.

14. This is an image of an artic bus undergoing repairs at the back of the bus yard at mochit 2. The old truck to the right is the mobile bus repair crew.

15. This is a shot of a route 145 Paknam – Mochit 2 artic aircon bus. This is a 24 hour bus service. Bus number BMTA 3 – 9029. This is a very old Merc O305 artic bus.

16. This is a shot of the drivers seat on the artic bus. There are now only 2 routes with artic buses left in Bangkok route 511 and 145 both are very busy 24 hour bus routes.

17. This is an inside shot of the artic bus. These buses can hold when full up to 180 people. But when its full its hard to move around inside to get to the door.

18. This is a general view of the metro bus storage yard at Mochit 2. The orange building in the background is the end of the intercity terminal building.

19. This is a shot of a route 182 Ramkhamhaeng University 2 – Mochit 2 bus. Bus number 182 – 3. This bus was refurbished at some point as it has been converted to run on NGV.

20. This is a shot of a route 536 Paknam – Mochit 2 expressway bus. Bus number BMTA 3 – 6856. This bus is an older Merc bus.

21. This is a group of private buses parked behind the metro bus terminal. They operate on routes 104 and 170.

22. This is a group of BMTA bus parked on the eastern side of the metro bus terminal.

23. This is an inside shot of an Isuzu euro 2 aircon bus. These buses can hold up to 100 people. These buses have better aircon than most BMTA buses.

24. This is an inside shot of a Mitsubishi non aircon bus. These buses can hold up to 100 people.

25. This is a shot of another type of bus used on route 145. This is a merc bus. Bus number BMTA 3 – 66384.

26. This is a shot of a route 49 Hualamphong SRT station – Mochit 2 bus. Bus number BMTA 8 – 55068. This is a euro 2 Isuzu.

27. This is an image of a route 90 Pathum Thani – Mochit 2. Bus number 90 – 29. Bus make unknown. But they are estimated to be around 40 years old. The Nonthaburi metro bus company uses this same type of bus. They are very loud when running. So loud that it’s hard to hear inside.

28. This is an inside shot of a route 90 bus. This bus can hold up to 90 people. Note the seats at the back are very low to the floor and offer poor legroom. Plus the noise is much worse at the back.

29. This is a picture of a route 529 Samae Dum – Mochit 2 bus just arriving at Mochit 2. This is a hino aircon bus. Bus number 529 – 9. This bus is powered by NGV.

This last section is dedicated to the BMTA controlled Expressway vans.

30. This is a shot of a group of expressway van stored on the side of the western approach road to the bus terminal.

31. This is an image of a few expressway vans waiting to depart from the van section of the bus terminal. They only leave when full. Each van holds 15 people.

32. This is an inside shot of an expressway van. The seating is very simple and offers very little legroom. These vans operate mostly as express shuttles as it’s not possible to fit more people in on route as they always leave the terminals full.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

The Main South line: Bang Sue to Taling Chan link.

Last weekend I completed the last missing piece of the Bangkok SRT commuter railway system. The missing link is known as the Main South line or Bang Sue to Taling Chan rail link.

This short double track railway from Bang Sue to Taling Chan opened in the 1920’s with the completion of a double track steel Rama 6 rail bridge over the Chao Phraya River. This was the 1^st bridge built across the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. However the bridge did not last very long as it was destroyed in World War 2 and subsequently rebuilt in the early1950s. During World War 2 a dangerous rail ferry operated to keep the only rail link from the south to the north of Thailand open.

Prior to this rail link most southern line trains went to SRTs Thonburi station near the Chao Phraya River where mass transport boats could carry people and cargo onwards into Bangkok.

Today things are very different. Around 70% of all Main South line trains operate directly to Bang Sue station and onwards to Hualamphong station in inner Bangkok. Also all cargo trains operate directly to Bang Sue. There are 12 trains a day each way between Bang Sue and Nakhon Pathom with some stopping at Taling Chan Station. An unknown number of nighttime and midday cargo trains also operate though the Bang Sue to Taling Chan rail link.

1. This is a short movie showing a departure from Bang Sue’s Southern platform 2. Note the track condition and station as the train leaves. This is filmed from an on train perspective.

2. This is a shot of the entrance to the Bang Sue locomotive workshops. These workshops are located about 700 meters north of Bang Sue station. Taken as the train passed by.

3. This is a shot of the railway village at the points just before the Main South line splits off from the Main North line. The railway village at bang sue is one of the biggest it stretches for about 2 km along the railway.

4. This is the start of the Main South line. The tracks in the background are the Main North line and the closer curved tracks are the Main South line. A few Hopewell columns can also be seen.

5. This is the junction on the Main South line that allows direct access to the Bang Sue freight terminal. It turns off to the left of the picture and the freight line will cross the Main North line as a diamond crossing.

6. This is a shot of the rail bridge of the klong just before Bang Son station. This bridge has extra plates of steel to stop rubbish and other waste from falling into the town water supply klong that passes under it.

7. This is a shot of the eastern end of Bang Son station. Looking back towards the busy level crossing. To access this station you need to walk along the track.

8. This is a general view of Bang Son station. This is one of only 2 stations on this short rail link to Taling Chan. Only 4 trains a day stop here. All occur at peak hour.

9. This is a shot of the Bang Son railway night market that operates on Friday, Sunday, Mondays and Wednesday. The market sells mostly low quality household goods and Thai food.

10. Click Here to see an early video of Bang Son station and bus services. Note: this video is of poorer quality due to high compression used to upload it to Youtube.

11. This is an image of Bang Son station taken from the western end of the station. The platform loop track on the right of the picture is no longer used by trains and the market uses it for car parking. However the loop is still active on the signal system.

12.This is a movie showing a crossing of the Rama 6 rail bridge. This steel bridge is about 500 meters long and crosses the Chao Phaya River. This is the only rail bridge across the Chao Phraya River.

13. This is a shot of the Rama 6 Bridge taken from the back of the train as it crossed the railway embankment on the Thonburi side of the bridge. Note the lovely twisted track that is only around 8 years old.

14. This is a shot of a typical rural like view on the Bang Sue to Taling Chan rail link. The left side of the track is the “City of Nonthaburi” and the right is the “City of Bangkok”

15. This is an image of the eastern end of Bang Bamru station and yard. Note the amount of signals.

16. This is a general view of Bang Bamru station. This is the 2^nd station on the line. Despite its rather rural location it has 12 trains a day each way stopping here. About 500 meters away to the south of this station is a rather densely populated area.

17. This is a shot of the western end of the rail yard and station at Bang Bamru station.

18. This is a shot of 2 steel rail bridges across Klong Bangkok Noi. Almost all long rail bridges in Thailand are made of steel and constructed in a similar way to these. Taken just before Taling Chan junction.

19. This is an image of Taling Chan Junction. The single track on the right is the Thonburi commuter line.

20. This is a shot of Taling Chan Station’s main platform. Taken from the middle of the track. This station does not have any connecting bus services.

21. This is a shot of the platform timetable at Taling Chan Station. It is a much older style to that of Bang Sue. Not all trains listed go to Bang Sue station, 6 of them go to Thonburi station.

22. This is a shot of the Station Masters office at Taling Chan station. The building it is in would be over 100 years old. The computers give a good contrast of old and new.

23. This is a shot of the ticket counter at Taling Chan station. Like the rest of the station it is very old.

24. This is an image of a typical commuter train ticket used on the Bang Sue to Taling Chan rail link. This section is more expensive than others for some unknown reason.

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.