DD 52 Steam Locomotive

After 1913, train traffic along the Priangan route experienced a significant increase. The mountainous terrain of Priangan called for specialized locomotives. The existing CC50 locomotives were not powerful enough, while the F10 locomotives were ill-suited for the winding Priangan tracks. Consequently, the state-owned railway company, Staatsspoorwegen (SS), planned to acquire new locomotives.

However, the outbreak of World War I (1914–1918) severely impacted the locomotive manufacturing industry in Europe. Over time, the need for locomotives on the Priangan route became increasingly urgent. A decision was made to purchase locomotives manufactured by the Alco factory in the United States, namely the DD 50 (1916) and DD 51 (1919). Nevertheless, the top speed of these two locomotives was capped at just 40 km/h, rendering them incapable of hauling express trains.

Thus, SS turned back to Alco-designed locomotives, ordering improved models manufactured by European builders. Ten DD 52 locomotives, initially numbered SS 1250–1260, were ordered from three different manufacturers. Units DD 5201–5203 (SS 1251–1253) were imported from the Hanomag factory in Germany in 1923. The Hartmann factory in the Netherlands assembled three units, DD 5204–5206 (SS 1254–1256), in 1924. A year later, four locomotives, DD 5207–5210 (SS 1257–1260), were ordered from the Werkspoor factory in the Netherlands.

Dimensions of the DD52 Steam Locomotive. (Source: De Stoomtractie Op Java En Sumatra)

Initially, the DD52 locomotives served on the Cicalengka–Cibatu–Tasikmalaya–Banjar route. Measuring 20.792 meters in length including the tender, the locomotive could reach speeds of 50 km/h with an engine output of 1,430 ihp. To support operations, the DD52 locomotive could carry a water supply of 9 m³ and had a coal storage capacity of 8.2 tons.

During service, it was discovered that the DD52 locomotive experienced unbalanced steam pressure. To resolve this issue, locomotive DD 5210 was taken in for modifications at the Testing Office of the SS Material Department in 1926. One of the primary solutions was installing a double chimney to maximize engine performance. This proved successful; at a speed of 45 km/h, power output increased from the initial 1,430 ihp to 1,700 ihp. Deemed a success, the modifications made to DD 5210 were subsequently applied to the other DD52 locomotives.

Around late 1969, four DD 52 locomotives remained: DD5202, DD5203, DD5207, and DD5208. All four locomotives were stationed at the Cibatu Locomotive Depot. Their damaged condition, coupled with a lack of spare parts and high maintenance costs, ultimately led to their retirement. By 1974, none of the DD52 locomotives—affectionately nicknamed "Si Gombar"—were operational. Out of the original ten DD52 locomotives, not a single unit survived.

Locomotive SS 1258 or DD 5208 during the 50th-anniversary celebration of the SS company in Bandung in 1925. (Source: De Stoomtractie Op Java En Sumatra)

Departing from Cibatu, locomotive DD 5202 hauls a train bound for Tasikmalaya in 1970. (Source: Lokomotip Uap)

Locomotive DD 5202 stops at Cicalengka Station to refill water before continuing its journey back to Cibatu in 1970. (Source: Lokomotip Uap)

Passengers crowd a train hauled by locomotive DD 5208. (Source: Lokomotip Uap)

Technical Specifications of the DD 52 Steam Locomotive

D1410 Locomotive

Company                  : Staatsspoorwegen (SS)

Former Series No.   : SS 1250

Type                           : 1DDh4v

Manufacturers         : Hanomag (10221–10223)

                                    : Hartmann (4586–4588)

                                    : Werkspoor (538–541)

Entered Service       : 1923 / 1924

Sources:

• J.J.G. Oegema. 1982. De Stoomtractie Op Java En Sumatra. Kluwer Technische Boeken B.V.–Deventer

• A.E. Durrant. 1989. Lokomotip Uap. Rijswijk: Uitgeverij Elmar B.V