IRFCA Mailing List Archive
Messages 5601 - 5620
From: Vijay Balasubramanian <>
Subject: Re: More pictures!
Date: 12 Mar 1999 06:38:59 -0500
Great pictures. Brings back memories of my various trips between
Varanasi/Mughalsarai and Asansol/Howrah in the late 70s and early 80s.
I used to love traveling via the Grand Chord section and catching the
various Bo-Bo electric locos. in action. Did you spot a WAM3? Are
these still in operation? These look similar to the WAM2 except for the
orientation of the pantographs (facing inward as in the case of the
YAM1).
Vijay
From: Vijay Balasubramanian <>
Subject: Re: Site update
Date: 12 Mar 1999 06:43:13 -0500
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Sridhar Shankar [SMTP:msshanka@gsbmba2.email
>Sent: Thursday, March 11, 1999 2:06 PM
>To: Shanku Niyogi
>Cc: 'irfca@cs.email
>Subject: Site update
>
>Folks,
>
>I have updated my website with some more pics. The new stuff includes:
>NMR page 2, MG Page and a SantaFe Page. Also new is one additional
picture
>(of a Guntakal WDM2 hauling in the Kanyakumari-Mumbai express into
>Guntakal station) in the WDM2 page.
>
>Great addition!! I particularly like your MG page - isn't
Vaithesvarankoil
>one station away from Chidambaram? I have traveled on the
>Egmore-Thanjavur-Tiruchi section a few times (in the early 70s) and
remember
>these quaint, well-kept stations. Regarding your 2nd photo, it seems
that
>the Cholan Exp. has lost its green-yellow color. That's sad.
>
>Vijay
From: Vijay Balasubramanian <>
Subject: Re: Site update
Date: 12 Mar 1999 06:43:13 -0500
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Sridhar Shankar [SMTP:msshanka@gsbmba2.email
>Sent: Thursday, March 11, 1999 2:06 PM
>To: Shanku Niyogi
>Cc: 'irfca@cs.email
>Subject: Site update
>
>Folks,
>
>I have updated my website with some more pics. The new stuff includes:
>NMR page 2, MG Page and a SantaFe Page. Also new is one additional
picture
>(of a Guntakal WDM2 hauling in the Kanyakumari-Mumbai express into
>Guntakal station) in the WDM2 page.
>
>Great addition!! I particularly like your MG page - isn't
Vaithesvarankoil
>one station away from Chidambaram? I have traveled on the
>Egmore-Thanjavur-Tiruchi section a few times (in the early 70s) and
remember
>these quaint, well-kept stations. Regarding your 2nd photo, it seems
that
>the Cholan Exp. has lost its green-yellow color. That's sad.
>
>Vijay
From: prakash <>
Subject: Web-sites
Date: 12 Mar 1999 17:32:18 -0500
Folks,
Watch the following URLs.
<A HREF="http://www.stampsonline.com">http://www.stampsonline.com</A>
Click on 1999 collection ---> Click on All Aboard
Stamps are due in August 1999
<A HREF="http://www.skunktrain.com">http://www.skunktrain.com</A>
No, I am not soliciting their stock. This is the most
scenic route in Northern California Redwoods with one
working steam and the other expected to be restored
and ready by summer.
Prakash
From: Shanku Niyogi <>
Subject: Re: WDM2 liveries
Date: 12 Mar 1999 18:03:57 -0500
With that loco and the black one, I think I'm definitely going to have
to
visit the shed at Andal the next time I am there.
Shanku
-----Original Message-----
From: Apurva Bahadur [mailto:iti@vsnl.email
Sent: Friday, March 12, 1999 2:01 AM
To: Anne Ogborn
Cc: Sridhar Shankar; Shanku Niyogi; 'irfca@cs.email
Subject: Re: Site update
I thought that the dark green WDM 2 picture on Shanku's site looks
great. Guntakal locos are all over Pune Jn. so we hold no novelty
for them, but a green loco ....
Apurva
From: D.G.Goswami <>
Subject: Twin Single Line
Date: 13 Mar 1999 18:09:25 -0500
Hi gang,
Certain sections of IR are twin single line rather than
double
line.What are the pros and cons of twin single line over double
line?Certain
sections on the Vadodara-Godhra route are also twin single line.
Chinmay Goswami,
Surat
From: Dr. K.J. Walker & Mrs. M.E, Heath <>
Subject: Re: Models: stuff for FAQs, etc
Date: 13 Mar 1999 18:20:29 -0500
Dear Satish,
After Annie's comment I think I might get accused of running off at
the
mouth. BUT, some rather interesting things HAVE emerged from the debate,
and
I'll attempt to summarise them in FAQ-able form so you can incorporate
the
on the page. I canvassed some of these issues in my article in the
Continental Modeller in May 1991, if anyone cares to check it out.
1. The central problem in modelling Indian (and, for the purposes of
this
discussion, what are now Pakistani and Bangladeshi) is that none of the
track gauges is 4ft 8½ins (standard gauge) unless you are modelling
Calcutta
or the long defunct Bombay trams. If you are not willing to make your
own
track, you must choose an existing track gauge and, if necessary, put up
with a slight (or serious) discrepancy. 4mm scale models of BG locos on
16.5mm gauge (don't laugh -- it's been done) would obviously be very
knock-kneed, as 16.5mm is only 4ft 1½ins in 1:76.2 scale.
2. Leaving aside N and O gauges for the moment (though NB that Pune
Railway
Club have produced some commercial models to 1:50 scale for 32mm gauge
track, equivalent to 5ft gauge) the possible scale/gauge combinations
range
from 3mm:1ft (TT3= 1:101.6) through HO (3.5mm:1ft) to 4mm scale (OO, EM;
1:76.2). BG works out to 16.5mm, 19.25mm, and 22mm respectively in
these
scales; MG comes out at 9.84mm, 11.48mm and 13.12mm; 2ft 6in NG at
7.5mm,
8.75mm, and 10mm, and 2ft NG at 6mm, 7mm, and 8mm. If AVAILABLE
COMMERCIAL
TRACK was your most important consideration, 3mm scale would be very
attractive, as you could use HO (16.5mm), N (9mm) and Z (6.5mm) gauge
tracks
for BG, MG, and NG respectively.
3. If you model in fine scale, whether to P4, P87, or 3mm fine scale
dimensions, you would model to the exact track gauge, and an existing
scale
standard. You can also do this if you are prepared to make your own
track.
If you adopt this course, you would be very strongly advised to adopt an
existing modelling standard for your wheels and pointwork: if not fine
scale, then the NMRA RP25-88 (finer) or RP25-110 (equivalent to most
commercially available equipment). Full details of the NMRA standards
are
available from the organisation; see their Web page at
<A HREF="http://www.rrhistorical.com/nmra/nmralink.html">http://www.rrhistorical.com/nmra/nmralink.html</A>. There is a good range of
components available for making track, especially in 3.5mm and 4mm
scale,
including BH (Code 75)and flatbottom rail in a range of sizes from Code
40
(= 30lb rail in 4mm scale) up to Code 100 (= 133lb). Sleepers,
fastenings,
and many other bits and pieces are also available.
4. If you model to a scale rather than fitting a scale to a track gauge,
then the parts available for SG equipment in that scale become useable.
For
3mm scale, the market is almost exclusiveley British, though Continental
and
US components for 1:120 scale ("real" TT) may in many cases be
adaptable.
But the biggest market by far for components is in HO and 4mm scale, and
many of those (though not all!) are interchangeable. However, there is a
paradox, and one that particularly affects modellers who want to build
both
steam and diesel locomotives, which would probably include many
modellers of
the recent Indian scene. The paradox is that most STEAM locos were
similar
(though never identical) to British practice, and there are many 4mm
scale
parts that fit. But most Indian DIESELS were of US origin or design,
and
there are scads of HO parts suitable. That matters less with the smaller
parts, because the differences are tiny, but when it comes to bogie
(truck)
sideframes, wheelbases, complete underframes, and so on, discrepancies
can
mount up rapidly. Some rollingstock parts, such as bogies, brake gear,
and
much else, may also be useable. Again, a paradox: English components may
be
useful for 4-wheel wagons and coahes, but US will be better for bogie
freight stock. Worst of all, the ICF integral coaching stock uses a
Swiss
bogie design which may be available on the Continent in HO, but not
otherwise. All this means some hard choices!
5. READY-TO-RUN (RTR) MODELS. Commercially available ready-to-run models
specifically for the Indian market are non-existent. However, some
bodging
is possible, and there are a handful of promising sources. Firstly, the
Alco
"world" series, or Indian WDM1. These were used by Brazil and Australia
as
well as numerous other countries. In Australia, they were the NSWGR 44
class, and had a rear cab built into the otherwise flat rear end. Lima
and
Powerline (more accurate) do HO versions. See Continental Modeller, May
1994. There is also a Brazilian firm called Frateschi who do models of
Brazilian diesels, most based on US prototypes, but (once again) to a
restricted loading gauge. In May 1996, Continental Modeller ran an
article
on cenverting these to 12mm gauge, to represent MG. This might be a good
place to start for a WDM2?
6. KITS. There are or may be two, possibly three, kits for Indian steam
locomotives. One is the Langley Models' OO9 (4mm scale on 9mm gauge) kit
for
a DHR "B" 0-4-0T, using the now-unavailable Arnold underframe. This is
an
inside-framed model of an outside-framed engine, lacks the Walschaerts
valve
gear, and, in this writer's opinion, is rather coarse and lumpy, failing
to
capture the "feel" of the prototype. Another UK firm, Backwoods models,
was
taking reservations for a limited run DHR "Pacific" in late 1997; they
had
also been contemplating a "B". Backwoods enjoy a very good reputation;
their
kits are in etched brass and very well engineered. Both kits would be
4mm
scale. Rumours of a "ZB" have circulated for some years, but no-one has
done
one.
Satish, I hope that will do for a start, I can offer a partial
listing
of articles in the model railway press, if that would be any use. It's
partial because I don't get all the magazines, and I often miss stuff!
Happy modelling to all,
Ken Walker
-----Original Message-----
From: S Pai <spai@aya.email
To: Anne Ogborn <anniepoo@netmagic.email Dr. K.J. Walker & Mrs. M.E,
Heath
<kjw_meh@powerup.email
Date: Saturday, 13 March 1999 12:58
Subject: Re: WDM2 vs. WDM2a
>
>Listening in (or the electronic mail equivalent) on this discussion of
how
>to model IR locos using UK or US modelling equipment, I was wondering
--
>could the two of you possibly send me some information based on your
>experiences, of the best kits to use for modelling IR, which locos can
be
>faked to look like IR locos, etc. etc.? It would be useful information
for
>inclusion in the IRFCA FAQ, which I am preparing. Any hints for
modellers
>of Indian trains. I have a little information saved from earlier
exchanges
>on the list, but I reckoned a direct appeal might elicit more. :-)
>
>Thank you in advance!
>
>--Satish
>
>
From: Dr. K.J. Walker & Mrs. M.E, Heath <>
Subject: Re: What is HO
Date: 13 Mar 1999 18:59:05 -0500
Dear Annie,
You do have to watch European HO manufacturers a bit. I don't know
the
full story. but I am aware that some of them actually produced models to
various oddball scales. 1:80 and 1:82 are often quoted. Also, Trix,
Rivarossi and Lima at various time produced British prototype stuff to
3.5mm
or 3.8mm scale; it was not a succes on the UK market.
Cheers
Ken
-----Original Message-----
From: Anne Ogborn <anniepoo@netmagic.email
To: Dr. K.J. Walker & Mrs. M.E, Heath <kjw_meh@powerup.email
irfca@cs.email <irfca@cs.email
Date: Friday, 12 March 1999 6:34
Subject: Re: WDM2 vs. WDM2a
>Dr. K.J. Walker & Mrs. M.E, Heath wrote:
>>
>> Hi Annie,
>> Actually, I was most seriously suggesting 3mm scale, for just the
same
>> reason of space!
>> I mentioned 4mm just to show what the possibilities -- and
problems --
>> were.
>> I use a lot of HO (1:87) components, as size differences are
negligible,
>> and they often look better (overscale is not unheard-of in HO
either!) I
>> agree the sideframes are more of a worry though. However, given the
>> differences in loading gauge between Indian and US locos and stock,
it
may
>> be worth making a few measurements before jumping in. Jane's World
Railways
>> has the loading gauges for IR and many other railways, too.
>> I'm not trying to pour cold water -- it is just that I have
spent,
>> cumulatively, hundreds of hours cursing myself for not checking
things
out
>> first!
>> Good luck with the project
>> Ken Walker
>>
>
>I sat down this morning and started to cut the deck plate, and was
suprised
how
>small it was. Had to go back and check. It's only 9ft - 4in over the
cab
according
>to the plans you sent, which is a tad smaller than US loading gage.
>
>Dumb question - we occasionally get Marklin equipment here, and I
always
assumed
>it was HO - 1:87, because it's got HO sized doors, etc. and it's a tad
smaller in
>the body, which I'd expect of european loading plates.
>
>According to the Roco site, they make HO, N, and European Narrow Gage
1:45
Om
>
>So I assume the 181 I have is 1:87.
>
>Anyway, you've not yet convinced me that 1:76 is the way to go.
>As I get more serious about the WDM2 I notice more and more things I
can
>buy instead of make on it - horn, MU boxes, ditch lights, door handles,
headlight....
>And, once I get the loco made, I've got the problem of making a world -
structures,
>figures, vehicles - it all sounds easier in a commercially available
gauge.
>
>>From Apurva's reports, HO is what most Indian modellers are using,
using
>european import equipment on 5/8" track. I intend to widen the gauge so
it's right,
>but if/when this becomes a resin kit I'll sell it with the option of
either
5'-6"
>or 4'-8 1/2" gage.
>
From: FyffesFL <>
Subject: Re: DHR Motive power
Date: 14 Mar 1999 06:27:51 -0500
Apart from the two successful Kalka-Simla locomotives, another
Kitson-Meyer
was sent to India in 1913 by Barclay's, to Finlays of Calcutta. It is
reported
to have worked in Assam timber extraction ( data from Donald Binns in UK
).
As a further incentive to consider this type for the DHR, Bagnals built
a
series of 2ft gauge KM's for South Africa from 1939 to 1953, close
sisters to
the Welshpool and LLanfair unit, which had tractive efforts of over
12,000 lb.
They were supposed to be able to handle over 50 tons up a 1 in 25
gradient.
Any comments, gentlemen ?
Richard Yudin
From: Anne Ogborn <>
Subject: Re: Models: stuff for FAQs, etc
Date: 14 Mar 1999 08:06:37 -0500
Ken -
Far from accusing you of running off at the mouth, I think this
is an important issue. Basicly, whatever gauge and scale first
"catches on" is what Indian modellers will be living with for
a long time.
So, everybody on the list - we're making a decision here not
only for ourselves but for the future.
As I see it, the priorities are:
First, that scale match gauge, so we don't end up in the
mess that exists in europe.
Second, it has to be possible for modellers of limited experience
to build equipment (ie - no fine scale)
Third - it should be possible to use as many detail parts made in
US or europe as possible. Most importantly, the minimum necessary
parts that the average modeller can't make should be available
(which is mostly sideframes).
Fourth (and a far fourth it is) - it would be convenient to use an
existing commercial track gauge.
My sense is that "fourth" is largely irrelevant - we can create
"snap track" fairly simply by hand laying standard switches and
track panels, a solution that I'm sure will soon be replaced by
handlaying for most modellers.
From: Dr. K.J. Walker & Mrs. M.E, Heath <>
Subject: Re: Models: stuff for FAQs, etc
Date: 14 Mar 1999 16:14:49 -0500
Hi Annie,
Well, thanks for the vote of confidence! I agree 100% that decisions
taken now may affect practice far into the future. The other thing that
might affect it would be a decision by a manufacturer (Indian or no) to
market a range of toys/models. UK experience suggests that that sets
things
harder than concrete.
Your order of priorities is, I think, roughly correct. I personally
don't advocate matching scale to existing track gauges for the exact
reason
that parts availability is in my view more important. On point four, a
dodge
used here and elsewhere is to cut RTR flexible track down the middle and
re-lay to the new track gauge. The Indian habit of heaping ballast over
the
sleepers in the centre makes this very easy to disguise. That leaves
only
pointwork, and it's always been my contention that a good modeller can
learn
to make that pretty fast.
Re fine scale: I would never advocate it for beginners, but my
feeling
is that if there is an easy upgrade route into it, there is likely to be
far
more satisfaction among modellers than otherwise. The introduction of EM
and
P4 in Britain led to immense acrimony, with the OO crowd saying "it will
never work" and the EM and later P4 lot accusing them of having their
heads
in the sand (correct!). Because of the differing track gauges,
conversion to
finer scale standards has always been a headache in 4mm scale. In HO,
the
much smaller splash caused by P87 isn't because it doesn't have an
enthusiastic following. The difference is that there is an easy upgrade
route, with no track gauge change problems. Modellers don't feel
threatened;
instead they see new horizons.
My own feeling is that if correct track gauges are established at
the
beginning, then the upgrade route becomes simple: a modeller using NMRA
RP25-110 moves gradually to RP25-88, and then, if true finescale is
needed,
switches (points) and crossings ONLY need to be changed and wheelsets
substituted. I would therefore advocate, for example, that if 1:87
scale is
adopted, the BG track gauge should be set at 19.25mm at the outset. The
second decimal place should not be a bother, incidentally: you normally
use
gauges to establish dimensional accuracy, and in our small scales they
must
be accurate to two decimals of millimetres anyway. All you need is a
back-to-back (BB), track gauge (TG), a crossing flangeway (CF) and check
gauge (CG), and your five critical dimensions are taken care of. Once
the
gauges are accurately made, everything else falls into place. And NB
that
all that has to be changed is the track gauge settings: CF remains the
same,
while BB, TG and CG are increaded by the difference between the new
track
gauge and the old, e.g. 19.25-16.5 = 2.75mm in the 1:87 case.
That also helps modellers of limited experience: one of the
things
that made the transition to P4 easier for many of us was the provision
of
(literally) step-by-step guidance in the use of what were then new
techniques. (Nowadays those same techniques are common far beyond
fine-scale
modelling). We could try to do something similar for the list, and if
there
were accurate gauges available, then many of the teething problems would
quickly be avoided.
Additionally, if rational gauges were established early, before
some
manufacturer leaps in and uses an established gauge, that gives the
modelling community some "muscle": the NMRA's success in ensuring
general
conformity to their standards is the model, not the British shambles
with a
weak trade body and non-existent buyer power. (Incidentally, the attempt
to
create a European standard -- NEM or "Norms for European Modellers"
foundered also on the pre-existing standards of established
manufacturers).
So let's go for your point one, adopt NMRA standards as the basis, and
encourage cottage industry as a first step in the right direction.
So perhaps Satish can knock this all into shape and post it?
Cheers
Ken
-----Original Message-----
From: Anne Ogborn <anniepoo@netmagic.email
To: Dr. K.J. Walker & Mrs. M.E, Heath <kjw_meh@powerup.email
Cc: IRFCA - mailing list <irfca@cs.email
Date: Monday, 15 March 1999 2:07
Subject: Re: Models: stuff for FAQs, etc
>Ken -
>Far from accusing you of running off at the mouth, I think this
>is an important issue. Basicly, whatever gauge and scale first
>"catches on" is what Indian modellers will be living with for
>a long time.
>So, everybody on the list - we're making a decision here not
>only for ourselves but for the future.
>
>As I see it, the priorities are:
>
>First, that scale match gauge, so we don't end up in the
>mess that exists in europe.
>
>Second, it has to be possible for modellers of limited experience
>to build equipment (ie - no fine scale)
>
>Third - it should be possible to use as many detail parts made in
>US or europe as possible. Most importantly, the minimum necessary
>parts that the average modeller can't make should be available
>(which is mostly sideframes).
>
>Fourth (and a far fourth it is) - it would be convenient to use an
>existing commercial track gauge.
>
>My sense is that "fourth" is largely irrelevant - we can create
>"snap track" fairly simply by hand laying standard switches and
>track panels, a solution that I'm sure will soon be replaced by
>handlaying for most modellers.
>
From: Jayant S <>
Subject: Intermodal and other queries
Date: 14 Mar 1999 22:58:34 -0500
Just wondering: I read a news report last year
that Kirloskar was to develop roadrailer
vehicles to run on IR. Anyone knows what is
happening on this ?
--
Also: what is the total cost of a new WDM2 on
delivery from DLW ? What about other loco classes ?
--
Jayant S
--
From: Rajesh Gandhi <>
Subject: railroader and others
Date: 15 Mar 1999 02:36:07 -0500
Dear sir,
This is my first e-mail to your list,though i am regularly going
through e-mails posted.to answer jayant question about kirloskar
railroader,it has been under development,when 3rd international railway
equipment exhibition was held in delhi in 1997.If i remember
correctly,GM of this particular project was/is Ex-DLW gm.the present
status is that trial orders has been given to kirloskar and delivery may
be expected shortly.
there is also lots of discussion on dargeling railways .IR has invited
tenders for total 6 nos of locos for fittment as per their earlier
specification of 96.
for any one interested for historical side of railways ,they can found
at
www.rrhistorical.com.
I will like to know,if anybody can provide suggestions for Japanese
Railway equipment Manufacturers.
Regards,
Rajesh
From: Anne Ogborn <>
Subject: DB181 page
Date: 16 Mar 1999 11:47:30 -0500
I've recently purchased a scanner, so I'll be posting more pics.
Here's some pictures of the DB181
<A HREF="http://www.idiom.com/~anniepoo/IRFC/whatisit.html">http://www.idiom.com/~anniepoo/IRFC/whatisit.html</A>
Any opinions about what I can convert it into?
From: Dr. K.J. Walker & Mrs. M.E, Heath <>
Subject: Re: railroader and others
Date: 16 Mar 1999 17:51:34 -0500
Dear Rajesh,
You mention that Railway Board have called tenders for six locos
for
DHR, Are these for diseasel or steam engines? What was the "earlier
specification of 1996"?
Ken Walker
-----Original Message-----
From: Rajesh Gandhi <rshreeji@bom5.email
To: irfca@cs.email <irfca@cs.email
Date: Monday, 15 March 1999 8:43
Subject: railroader and others
>Dear sir,
> This is my first e-mail to your list,though i am regularly going
>through e-mails posted.to answer jayant question about kirloskar
>railroader,it has been under development,when 3rd international railway
>equipment exhibition was held in delhi in 1997.If i remember
>correctly,GM of this particular project was/is Ex-DLW gm.the present
>status is that trial orders has been given to kirloskar and delivery
may
>be expected shortly.
>there is also lots of discussion on dargeling railways .IR has invited
>tenders for total 6 nos of locos for fittment as per their earlier
>specification of 96.
>for any one interested for historical side of railways ,they can found
>at
>www.rrhistorical.com.
>I will like to know,if anybody can provide suggestions for Japanese
>Railway equipment Manufacturers.
>Regards,
>Rajesh
>
>
From: Rajan Mathew <>
Subject: long time .. no mail
Date: 17 Mar 1999 10:49:29 -0500
Are all of us down with the same problem????
I've not received any mail since 10th march ... well ive actually been busy with barely any time recently. Hope im still on the IRFCA list
Regards / Rajan
From: Apurva Bahadur <>
Subject: Re: long time .. no mail
Date: 18 Mar 1999 00:05:14 -0500
India suffers from financial year ending problem.
Rajan Mathew wrote:
Are all of us down with the same problem????
I've not received any mail since 10th march ... well ive actually been busy with barely any time recently. Hope im still on the IRFCA list
Regards / Rajan
From: Joydeep Dutta <>
Subject: Re: DB181 page
Date: 18 Mar 1999 06:05:33 -0500
Dear Annie
I think you can safely use this ass WAM2. Is the loco Bo-Bo. I am sorry
I could not make out from the photographs. I am from the eastern part of
the country and I have seen the WAM2 from quiet close. This model has
very good similarity with the WAM2 in the front face profile. The
drivers view glass area would be bit less.
Joydeep
>From: Anne Ogborn <anniepoo@netmagic.email
>To: "irfca@cs.email <irfca@cs.email
>Subject: DB181 page
>Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 11:47:30 -0800
>
>I've recently purchased a scanner, so I'll be posting more pics.
>Here's some pictures of the DB181
>
><A HREF="http://www.idiom.com/~anniepoo/IRFC/whatisit.html">http://www.idiom.com/~anniepoo/IRFC/whatisit.html</A>
>
>Any opinions about what I can convert it into?
>
Get Your Private, Free Email at <A HREF="http://www.hotmail.com">http://www.hotmail.com</A>
From: Vijay Balasubramanian <>
Subject: Info. from Nov. 1998 IR magazine
Date: 18 Mar 1999 09:29:13 -0500
Hi Folks,
Some interesting info. from the November 1998 issue of IR:
1. First indigenous 6000 HP 3-Phase Electric Locomotive "Navyug" flagged
off
This happened on Nov. 14 at CLW. With this, CLW becomes the first
among developing countries, 2nd in Asia (which is the first) and the 5th
in the world to manufacture such a loco. indegenously. Photo shows the
freight loco - the garlands have hidden the classification - could be a
WAG8 or WAG9. Shell seems to resemble the WAP5. Has a light green
livery with a yellow band.
2. Foundation stone for new 85 km. BG line between Karur and Salem laid
on Oct. 25. Will not only ease congestion in the Salem-Erode section,
but reduce the distance between Salem and Karur by 45 km. Will connect
the important towns of Mallur, Rasipuram, Namakkal, Lathuwadi, Mohanur
and Vangal. Rasipuram and Namakkal are the biggest trade centers for
sago, starch, grains, groundnut oil and handlooms. Namakkal is known
for lorry body-building. The line crosses the Cauvery river at Mohanur,
which will be the longest bridge in Tamilnadu with a length of 1.25 km.
[trains such as the Mumbai-Nagercoil Exp. and the Chennai-Kanyakumari
Exp. could use this route to bypass Erode and get to Dindigul]
3. Do you know? [Some stuff for the FAQ]
-IR is the second largest network railway in the world (largest is USA?)
-IR is presently divided into 16 Zonal Railways (so these new zones have
gone into effect?)
-The first train on Indian soil ran between Mumbai and Thane on 16th
April, 1853.
-IR has about 62,000 route kms.
-IR employs about 1.6 million people.
-IR carries over 11 million passengers and 1 million tonnes of freight
everyday.
- IR has 6,984 railway stations.
-The longest journey on IR is from Jammu Tawi to Kanyakumari, a distance
of about 3,751 kms. covered by Himsagar Exp. in about 66 hrs.
-The longest railway platform in the world is at Kharagpur. It is 2,733
ft. in length. (this is true if you exclude subways - a station on
Chicago subway has longer platforms)
-Nehru Setu on river Sone is the longest railway bridge.
-The longest tunnel is on the Konkan rly. which is 6.5 km in length.
-Calcutta Metro is the 1st and only underground rly system in India.
-Computerized reservation system for IR started at Delhi in 1986.
-IR's first electric train ran on Feb. 3, 1925 between Bombay VT -
Kurla.
-Toilets on trains were introduced in 1891 in 1st class and in 1907 in
lower classes.
-42 railway companies operated in the country before Independence.
-Fairy Queen (1855) is the oldest preserved locomotive in working order.
-The manufacture of steam locos. in the counrey stopped in 1972.
-Coaches are manufactured at ICF/Chennai, RCF/Kapurthala and
BEML/Bangalore (what kind of coaches are produced at BEML?)
-IR's only rack and pinion system type of line is from Mettupalayam to
Conoor.
-The National Railway Museum at New Delhi was set-up in 1977.
Vijay
From: Jishnu Mukerji <>
Subject: Re: Info. from Nov. 1998 IR magazine
Date: 18 Mar 1999 10:24:12 -0500
> 1. First indigenous 6000 HP 3-Phase Electric Locomotive "Navyug"
flagged
> off
>
> This happened on Nov. 14 at CLW. With this, CLW becomes the
first
> among developing countries, 2nd in Asia (which is the first) and the
5th
> in the world to manufacture such a loco. indegenously.
The other country in Asia would be Japan?
Jishnu.