Near Behrang, I saw what looks like the shell of a KTM Class 82 Komuter train cannibalised at its final resting place.
In its short lifetime, similar trains saw repeated overhauling, refurbishment, conversion and lack of spare parts. The relatively young South Africa-manufactured train has a stormy past.
The arrival of KTM Class 92 in 2012 resulted in the retirement of the entire Class 82 fleet to the train’s graveyard.
Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f10, 1/250 sec.
A very big station was built as part of the electrified double-tracking rail project. The new railway station and the accompanying road re-alignment and flyover were to change the face of Tanjung Malim town forever.
Amazingly, the sheltered platform is about 500 meters long. Currently there are only a handful of passengers, even during rush hour. Talk about optimism or building for the future.
Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 250, f4, 1/250 sec.
Homage to the music video and song (If Only I Could) Turn Back Time by Aqua. It was the Danish-Norwegian eurodance group’s only slow-paced song. Nevertheless, it showcased the vocal prowess of Lene Nystrøm Rasted.
It was also the soundtrack of the 1998 film ‘Sliding Doors’ with similar visual treatment. The twin-universe rom-com was about the consequence of Gwyneth Paltrow’s character missing the train.
Photographed at the Tanjung Malim train station.
Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f4, 1/10 sec.
Today is the coronation of the Sultan of Perak and a fitting day to begin the Perak stage of the Federal Route 1 adventure. Tanjung Malim is Perak state’s southernmost and gateway town when traveling from Kuala Lumpur by road and rail.
When the North-South Expressway opened, businesses that depended on stopover traffic soon went into decline. To make matters worse, even the old trunk road was realigned, mandating a detour for those wanting to visit.
Nevertheless, there was optimism with the opening of the UPSI campus and establishment of Proton City. What is the town like today? More pics and stories to follow.
Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 200, f4, 1/250 sec.
