Exciting new release from the North Korean transport film unit!

[the sniper]

Not to be out done by Network Rail's PR department, the North Korean's are showing off their loco maintenance regime on their official (yes, really) You Tube propaganda channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymGmMINS-Zs

It's kind of like BREL, but everyone gets a cool hat.

 

[Doorslammer]

Isn't it amazing? It's like there is a ratio for how despotic a nation is in relation to the size of the hat worn.

Mind you, didn't think much of their version of "Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club"...

 

[jamesontheroad]

For similar hilarity, check out this video promoting Phyunghwa General Motor Works' fine new automobile, proudly designed and built in the DPRK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q14NdC9E2BE

Except as everyone outside the DPRK can see, it is in fact the locally assembled version of the Fiat Palio, Fiat's world car, which is sold in easy to assemble 'CKD' (complete knocked-down kit) form to any third world nation who wants to start building cars

See what wondrous luxuries the people's car has... a radio (locked to the one approved station) and a car alarm (as if prison camps didn't deter thieves anyway...)

 

[WatcherZero]

Very practical and clean work clothes.

 

[scotsman]

As the driver says (I can tell from the size of the hat)
"I drive trains because I want to serve my country and it's people, just as our Dear Leader wishes us to"

 

[90019]

It's kind of like BREL, but everyone gets a cool hat.

What is it with communism and hats?

 

[Doorslammer]

Both videos really confirm what a strange and fascinating world these people are forced to live in.

That's one heck of an empty road they got there.

 

[jopsuk]

What is it with communism and hats?

Come now, it isn't just communism. Any form of totalitarianism, regardless of supposed economic leanings (it all ends up the same anyway in practice). But yes, hats are a big thing.

 

[EWS 58038]

At least they got an electric railway throughout their country

 

[WatcherZero]

Well you know what they said about Mussolini

 

[Drsatan]

Both videos really confirm what a strange and fascinating world these people are forced to live in.

That's one heck of an empty road they got there.

It's because few North Koreans can afford cars, and fewer still are allowed to own them (internal travel within NK is strictly regulated - to cross province boundaries you need a travel permit)

Of course, these regulations don't apply to Kim Jong-il, who has his own private train and a fleet of 200 Mercedes S-class cars, which he races at one of his palaces on the outskirts of Pyongyang

 

[jopsuk]

Well you know what they said about Mussolini

Inaccurately, as it happens.

 

[jamesontheroad]

At least they got an electric railway throughout their country

These (very brave) railfans from Austria managed to enter the DPRK via the officially closed Russian rail crossing near Kasan. IIRC they saw some trains operated by diesels and understood that the national grid is not capable of providing stable power to the entire network all of the time.

 

[jon0844]

I wonder if there's a RailNK forum...

...including threads like

• My train was late. Has anyone got Kim Jong-il's email address?
• Is anyone still here after taking photos on the railway?
• Do you think anyone is tracking my whereabouts with my DPRK Oystercard?

 

[jopsuk]

More like:

• My 200mph rail journey was most pleasent. Praise our Dear Leader.
• I am glad our trains are not as overcrowded as those of the capitalist pigs. Praise Kim!
  
  

 

[Nightrider]

These (very brave) railfans from Austria managed to enter the DPRK via the officially closed Russian rail crossing near Kasan. IIRC they saw some trains operated by diesels and understood that the national grid is not capable of providing stable power to the entire network all of the time.

Interesting read there, James.

Thank you.

 

[Doorslammer]

These (very brave) railfans from Austria managed to enter the DPRK via the officially closed Russian rail crossing near Kasan. IIRC they saw some trains operated by diesels and understood that the national grid is not capable of providing stable power to the entire network all of the time.

A fantastic blog, have read it a few times now. Urge everyone to have a look if they haven't done so.