Help with capabilities of FMSR Malaya Railways

Hi all

I'm totally new to steam trains, ridden one in the lake district, put my head out the window to see the beautiful sight, and when I sat back down, everyone laughed at my sooty face!

I'm looking for help in understanding the capabilities of the FMSR at the beginning of the second world war, 1939-42. I have been referring to the Wikipedia site below for information
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_Malay_States_Railways

Much of the rail network was single track, with passing loops. The fuel used was from the Batu Arang mines near Kuala Lumpur, and was Lignite.

I'm interested in the logistics of how big a single train capability in freight pulled could they have, given their trains, how many trains might be worked over a line, the average speeds that might be expected and a reasonable troop train capacity in the numbers of troops carried. Can anyone give me some pointers please

Regards
Fatboy Coxy

 

Try the British Library, search Malaya + railways.

 

Hi Huochemi, thanks for your reply

I followed your advice, but haven't found any books that give what I want.

There is another web site about the FMSR which I recommend, namely
http://searail.malayanrailways.com/KTM.htm

I guest what I'm looking for is someone who can look at the power and built of the trains detailed on these two web sites, and give me a indication of what they would be capable of pulling. I mentioned the fact that most of the rail network was single track, and that they used Lignite, because I think they would have a significant impact on network performance.

Regards
Fatboy Coxy