I am working on a story about Cambodia’s “Bamboo Train” this week.
The Bamboo Train is a result of Khmer ingenuity. When the original train line, constructed during Cambodia’s colonial past, fell into disrepair, the local people constructed their own bamboo platforms, rested them on salvaged train bogeys and stuck an engine through the middle.
The resulting contraption is functional, fast and fun. Not necessarily in that order.
With only one set of rails, meeting another bamboo train travelling in the opposite direction requires a hasty dismantling to allow the oncoming train to pass.
The speed of the train is controlled by a simple lever, moving the engine back and forth to provide more or less torque on the axle.
My guide/translator/fixer, Mr. Thean enjoys “surfing” the Bamboo Train – I’m thinking of putting a sequence together with a Beach Boys soundtrack.
The Bamboo Train is a sight to see and a unique experience. However, it’s the stories of the lives of the communities alongside the train track that really appeal to me.
This young lady is Jenna, one half of a pair of identical twins (her sister is Jenny). Jenna acted as my temporary guide in her village, where there is still a working brick factory with giant kilns.
In the next village there’s a rice factory, where this giant, antique machine flails and threshes rice. It’s powered by an ancient engine and controlled by a series of heavy belts.
Of course, wherever you go in the world these days, you are likely to find boys wearing the shirts of their favourite European football teams. This impromptu match took place alongside the Bamboo train railway.
It’s so hot in Cambodia this week that the rails are literally hot enough to fry an egg on. I’m hoping to prove that tomorrow when I cook up breakfast on the tracks.
I look forward to bringing you more images from along the Bamboo Train line later in the week.
If you’re interested, I’m hoping to run a workshop in Cambodia in late July and the Bamboo train will feature as one of our visual story exercises. Watch this space.
