New Columbian Railways

New Columbian Railways (NCR) is the national railway company of New Columbia. It operates freight and passenger operations, including the transport of Melon Ponsuke to the docks at Ponsuklin for export to the rest of the world, on 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge track.

Prior to the 1970s, NCR was a humble abode for steam locomotives of various types, from small 0-4-0ST shunters servicing the Ponsuklin docks to large 2-8-2s carrying Melon Ponsuke down the mountains. The use of 2-8-2s for transport of Melon Ponsuke was a sight to behold for steam enthusiasts from all over the world. Steam locomotives used for logging operations included some of the most unique types seen on the island, from geared locomotives such as Shays and Climaxes to simple and articulated tank engines to large tender engines. Other tender locomotives of various classes handled miscellaneous freight trains and passenger trains out of Ponsuklin. Diesel locomotives were first introduced to passenger services as early as the 1950s, and by 1980, most services, passenger or freight, were diesel-powered, with the exceptions of the transport of Melon Ponsuke down the mountains, which today generate most of NCR's revenue. Large articulated electric locomotives, comparable to the 2-8-2s and diesels that preceded them, transport around 80,000 tonnes per month down the mountains on long unit trains consisting of refrigerated boxcars to the Ponsuklin docks. Small diesel shunters work the docks and other yards in and around Ponsuklin, as well as other locations throughout New Columbia. Other diesel locomotives deliver other types of freight from Ponsuklin to the other settlements. Passenger services are operated by small yet accessible diesel multiple units. Once in a while, a preserved 2-8-2, reminiscent of New Columbia's steam age, operates excursions around New Columbia, such as the popular Sealwatchers' Special, which takes tourists to the beaches to enjoy seals of many different types.

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