IRFCA Mailing List Archive


Messages 9501 - 9520

From: San-Ind <>

Subject: What is Foot-Plating ?????

Date: 13 Nov 1999 11:32:47 -0500


I want to know what exactly is foot-plating ???????
Since i'm a new member i want to know about it !!!!!!!

Regards
Sandeep Sharma
E-mail: docqcs@nde.email sandeep@docpl.email
Web: www.docpl.com

From: Shankar <>

Subject: Re: SR MG stories

Date: 13 Nov 1999 12:15:26 -0500


Hello,
EEEP! I'd hate to travel in a car where a lady has two 'births' in a
row!!! Messy!
Reminded me of an episode of the classic British comedy serial 'Mind
your Language', where the upright headmistress tries to teach some
English to the German girl Helga. The headmistress says, 'you ask for a
berth on the train to Glasgow', to which Helga angrily retorts, 'Nein!
How can I have a birth when I'm not pregnant?'
THe headmistress: You serious?
Helga: Ya, I save myself for Mr. Right!
Jokes aside, the 'births' your lady had were actually 'berths'!
(No offence meant, all in good fun, dosti mein!)
On another note, I'd sent you a thank you note for that terrific map
you'd sent me earlier, but the mail bounced back. I see that this is a
different address now.
In case you've not received it already, thank you very much indeed for
that nice map.I'll add it to one of my sites very soon.
Cheers.
Shankar



San-Ind wrote:
>
> Dear Anand,
> Like yr' Child's pee Incident.... Another i remind.... i was
travelling in
> Pooja Exp. in the year of 1997..... I'd a side Upper birth..... In the
> cabin a lady was travelling with her little daughter of around 6-7
> years..... they had two births one was middle & other was bottom
......all
> rest birth were shared by diff. persons... There was also another lady
who
> was also travelling with a liitle girl of same age as another
lady.......
> but without reservation......... The LAdy who had the reserved births
had
> got some pity on Small girl who was travelling unreserved ..... So she
> allowed that girl to share the middle birth with her daughter.... at
around
> 1 a.m. after Ludhiana...... We got disturbed by some noise.... The
lady was
> shouting on other lady.... Ek tau hamne tumhe birth diya aur this
> happened..... Actually the girl who was sharing birth had peeed on the
> middle birth & it has poured down to bottom berth..... and whole
bed-sheets
> were spoiled...... So this happened in IR if you feel generous u've to
> suffer......
>
> Regards
> Sandeep Sharma
> E-mail: docqcs@nde.email sandeep@docpl.email
> Web: www.docpl.com

From: Shankar <>

Subject: Re: What is Foot-Plating ?????

Date: 13 Nov 1999 12:21:41 -0500


Hello,
Footplating simply means travelling in the driver's cab of the
locomotive.
The term comes from the word 'footplate', which is the term used for the
floor of a steam locomotive's cab.
Although the term is not necessarily used in relation to diesel and
electric traction, IR officials loosely use the term whenever they have
to travel in the engine for inspection or evaluation purposes. You hear
several IR inspection officials saying they were 'footplating' on the
YDM from Mysore to Hassan (say).
IR diehard fans love to travel by the engine for stretches, whenever
they get a co-operative driver. Most drivers are very friendly, but
hesitate to allow railfreaks to ride in the cab with them (i.e. come
footplating with them) as it is against the rules: the driver can be in
big trouble if caught.
Nonetheless, a friendly driver plus some glib talking sometimes does the
trick.
I've once footplated on a WG all around the Daund goods yard.
Hope that clarifies.
Cheers.
Shankar





San-Ind wrote:
>
> I want to know what exactly is foot-plating ???????
> Since i'm a new member i want to know about it !!!!!!!
>
> Regards
> Sandeep Sharma
> E-mail: docqcs@nde.email sandeep@docpl.email
> Web: www.docpl.com

From: anand i.s. <>

Subject: Re: WP Glory

Date: 13 Nov 1999 13:10:03 -0500


Hi Sreeni,

Mountains do look blue from afar ! When you come close its tough.

Sure is extreme toughness insides of a steam loco. No comfort cabs !
But I tell you in winter, when its cold its supremely blissful!

No gals on the steam in India.

Presently 2 gals on CR. One Mrs.Yadav on mails/freight
and one a muslim lady (name forgotten) on shunting duties: Kurla,
Mazagaon
etc;.

Cheers,

anand i.s.

>From: "S.SRINIVAS" <s_srinivas@vsnl.email
>Reply-To: s_srinivas@vsnl.email
>To: "Anand I.S." <isadeltic@hotmail.email
>CC: irfca@cs.email
>Subject: Re: WP Glory
>Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 23:54:02 +0530
>
>Dear Anand
>
>I agree with you on WP's glory. But all the glory is from a distance
only.
>Not inside the WP itself.
>
>I once foot plated on a WP for some distance. Even though it was cold
>due to peak winter (December in U.P.), the heat inside the WP was too
>much to bear. Every time the fireman opened the boiler fire box hatch
to
>shovel in coal, the coal particles went flying everywhere. I felt itchy
all
>over.
>
>In spite of the nice crew who were willing to take me along with them
>for a lot more distance, I opted out. And you all guys know that I love
>foot plating. I went back to my 3-tier sleeper coach, removed my shirt
>and out pored a good amount of coal particles. Not to speak of the
>coal in my hair. (I did not tie a hand kerchief on my head).
>
>Any amount of tributes paid to the dedicated guys who worked the WP's
>(and other kinds of steam locos) in this kind of difficult working
>conditions
>will be most inadequate. And these guys took pride in keeping the WP's
>clean and shiny. More than the machines, glory be to these guys.
>(I am also sure that there were no gals who worked the WP's on IR).
>
>Cheers
>
>S. Srinivas
>
>==================================================
>
>Anand I.S. wrote:
>
> > Hi pals,
> >
> > Certainly WP is one of the most imposing and majestic loco.
> >
> > It truly was a magnificient site as well as an unforgettable sight !
> > The WP steamimg fast, the light rain, the dull glow, the smell ;
> >
>
>
>
>

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From: anand i.s. <>

Subject: Re: Need railfanning tips

Date: 13 Nov 1999 13:25:30 -0500


Hi Vijay,

The doorways are best. Can't trust the windows. Many times not cleaned,
even
cracked and patched up, and even if cleaned, gets stained enroute.

Iam going down South 23 to 27 Nov. and will be in Egmore ! Will find
out
how many more hauled by WDP-2.

There is green livery, Pallavan Exps, yellow &green on the Coim-Chenn
routes. There is a tendency for green on SR.

Why don't you do the Quilon route upto especially the Shencottah-Punalur

Ghat section. Damned great, esp. now its MG. Gauge conversion also on
this
route.

Chennai-Rameswaram-Madurai-Quilon-Palghat-Pollachi-Palani-Dindigul all
fabs I tell you.

Will get back to you with more details later, viz:scenics, layouts etc;

Bye.

anand i.s.

>From: Vijay Balasubramanian <VBalasubramanian@Softrax.email
>To: "'irfca@cs.email <irfca@cs.email
>Subject: Need railfanning tips
>Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 13:21:52 -0500
>
>Folks,
>
> Am eagerly looking forward to my forthcoming India trip since I plan
to
>engage in quite a bit of IR travel. This is the first time I would be
>traveling with my daughter and forays to the door may be less frequent
that
>I would like it to be. So I am hoping that the windows on my AC
coaches
>would not be translucent :-( Plan to extensively use my camcorder (do
I
>really need to have official permission?). I definitely want to
capture
>as
>many unique liveries as possible. What are the unique-liveried trains
on
>the following sections that I can look forward to - Panvel-Nagercoil,
>Tirunelveli-Egmore, Chennai-Howrah, Howrah-Mughalsarai and
>Mughalsarai-Kurla? Of course, I am aware of certain liveries such as
>Dark+Light Blue on quite a few trains, Light Blue with red(?) stripes
on
>the
>Mumbai-Madgaon Exp. In addition, I would appreciate any other
interesting
>info. about these routes such as junction points, station yard layouts,

>loco
>sheds, scenic stretches, etc. - along the lines of what Rajan
described.
>
> Since we could not get confirmed berths on the Kanyakumari-Chennai
Exp.
>(AC
>2 tier), I have opted to catch the Nellai Exp. at Tirunelveli and
proceed
>to
>Chennai. Is the Kanyakumari Exp. the ONLY train to be hauled by a
WDP2?
>If
>so, I'll be missing out on WDP2 action. Oh well, some other time.
>
>Thanks,
>Vijay
>

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From: anand i.s. <>

Subject: Re: Who am I?

Date: 13 Nov 1999 13:54:27 -0500


Hi sundar,

How are you old chap ? Ran away from me because you owe me 500 bucks +
int. Let me catch you on your return.Get me helluva lot of models.

Sure boy, no offense. Biological needs are best taken care off with
railway
interests !!! And it is Divine Bliss !. plus no messing around.

The Lord be praised ! How many more Anand's ? As they say in Hindi
"Anand Hi Anand", and if its going to be in rly interest.

Boss your WCM-5s are sure come to the end of the line. IT is max WCAMs
now,
except for the odd WCM-5, and WCM-1 !!!

Anyway,nice to have caught you

Cheers and enjoy the mammoths Of USA rlys.

anand i.s.








>From: Sundar Krishnamurthy <sundar@spyring.email
>Reply-To: "sundar@spyring.email <sundar@spyring.email
>To: "'irfca@cs.email <irfca@cs.email
>Subject: Re: Who am I?
>Date: Fri, 12 Nov 1999 18:03:04 -0500
>
>Hello Folks
>
>That pic <sparklinwam.jpg> was indeed from my site - as Anand Krishnan
>rightly pointed out. Its been a while since I got back to the list -





































isawcm1@hotmail.email

I.S.ANAND
F-6, ' BALAKA '
Swastik Park
Chembur-Mumbai
400-071

INDIA

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From: anand i.s. <>

Subject: Re:Fw: [PR - WDM/1 lookalike]

Date: 13 Nov 1999 14:17:05 -0500


Shankar dear,

JFA is also our IRFCA member, an extreme close and dear friend of mine,
plus
above all an expert/veteran of rail travel, esp. in Pak., Myanmar,
Srilanka,
i.e wherever the British-Indian connection lies not to speak of IR and
rest.

anand i.s.


>From: shankar s <shankaronline@netscape.email
>To: irfca@cs.email
>Subject: Fwd: [PR - WDM/1 lookalike]
>Date: 13 Nov 99 01:23:07 PST
>
>Hello,
>Just some additional info I received about the Pak railways from one of
>the visitors to my site.
>Thought you might be interested.
>Cheers.
>Shankar
>
>____________________________________________________________________
>Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at
><A HREF="http://webmail.netscape.com">http://webmail.netscape.com</A>.
><< ForwardedMessage >>

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From: San-Ind <>

Subject: Re: What is Foot-Plating ?????

Date: 13 Nov 1999 20:05:55 -0500


Dear Shankar,
Thanks, for telling me about Foot-plating......

About maps again...... Recently i'd grab some detailed 1:250,000 topo
maps
of Udaipur area..... Ghat sections between UDZ-MArwar & UDZ-Himmatnagar
are
covered on them...... these are around 2-3 sheets.... But if u want i
can
send u scanned portions of Ghat sections..... by studying them ..... i'd
cleared some questions about those lines.... I've also got Map of
Ghat-sections between Bhopal-ET-Nagpur.......

Regards
Sandeep Sharma
E-mail: docqcs@nde.email sandeep@docpl.email
Web: www.docpl.com

From: San-Ind <>

Subject: My Kangra Valley Trip Part-2......

Date: 13 Nov 1999 22:29:25 -0500


Dear Gang,
As i was at Ludhiana during my last mail...... We'd reached Pathankot
passing by my Village....As my home is quite visible from the
train.....Wish there is a station(but its not possible practically) at
around 7.55 approx. 30 minutes late .... but this is almost standard
time
of Jammu Mail...... Pooja Exp. was crossing Chakki River bridge...late
that
day & when i was crossing Chakki bridge on the way to my home... I've to
come back from PAthankot for around 5-6 kms.....we'd celebrated Diwali
.....

Next Morning on 8th I'd to go to Kangra..... But in morning there's no
good
trains for there & these are also very slow...... So i'd taken a Bus for
Kangra & reached there at 10.30 in 3 hrs. only...... But when i'd
reached
there i'd got to know the Institution is closed due to Vishwkarma Day
Holiday..... Then i've no way to go back Ptk for that day..... I'd
checked
my TT & saw theres 2PBJ at 12.45 to PTK...... Then i'd enough time... to
visit famous temple of Goddess Brajeshwari.....After that from a local
dhaba igot my lunch packed and rushed to station by Auto......There are
2
rly. stations there. The nearest station is KAngra MAndir.... 'coz
KAngra
station is in Old Kangra city.... & 7-8 kms. from New City.......... The
Mandir stations is also 3 kms. down the hill....... Basically Kangra is
on
the west banks of Baner River...... but this river make a deep george
between Old Kangra & New Kangra..... One thing which i wasn't know that
Kangra Mandir Station is on East Bank of Baner River.... So a beautiful
Cable strayed foot bridge over the river on path to Rly.St. from road
its
around 300 mtrs...... the bridge is an old one .... & on a stone had
written 1949.....
As soon as i entered the station and saw the TRain-timing Board..... I
just
felt amazed 'coz the train time mentioned in TT at 12.45 was at 11.30 &
it
was almost 12.00.... Soon i'd rushed to ASM ..... then he say the train
is
late & come at around 13.00 then i'd got a relief..... Actually due to
new
KAngra Queen Exp.... they had changed times of all day trains...... and
almost many people are unaware of these timings..... & new timings are
also quite bad.... e.g. 2pbj which reach at PTk around 17.30 now reach
there at 16.50.... People use this train as connection to 4034 Jammu
mail.... So people are really suffering from these times..... I don't
why
Govt. run Luxurious trains..... in these sectors........ And this Kangra
Queen is totally a failure....'coz the fare is to much... and local
people
cant' able to travel on that .....between KAngra & PTk the ord. fare is
Rs.
16 & in this around Rs.450.00.... And about tourists..... its not much
convenient..... 'coz For going to famous Hill st. Dharamshala &
Manali....
they had again to get a bus or taxi ..... For my surprise..... when I'd
seen this train reaching Ptk .... There wasn't a single passenger on
it..... And it is hauled by two ZDM-3, one in front & other on rear....
One
Ist class coach, one 2nd class coach & one Pantry + Gaurd...... This is
just a political Stunt train only ..'coz this train ply between Palampur
&
Pathankot.. Palampur is the parent town of the new Cabinet Minister of
Indian Govt. ... It can successful if the fare is adjusted to around
Rs.100-200.00....
These are the thoughts of the public..... whom i'd a talk about this
thing.........
Now comeback to my trip.... Kangra Mandir is a beautiful station built
on a
Hilly curve... its just a halt station.... I 'd enough time to have my
lunch.... but when i'd tasted the Rajmas... the taste was very bad.....
So
i'd got Boiled Black Channas from station Tea shop.... these were quite
tasty.... and u'll got them on every big station... U can have them with
bread..... The a-one Lunch.... So i'd them with my Tandoori
Rotis....which
i'd got them from the Dhaba..... Then i'd take tea..... and meanwhile
the
train has come at 12.50..... I'd get on 2nd last coach.....before Guard
&
brake van..... but the train was crowded so i'd just manage to stand on
Door...... between Kangra-mandir(655m.sl.) & Guler(472m.s.l.) is the
best
section of KVR.... lot of Landscapes.... Ascent-decent..... There's a
great
Ascent for Kangra st(686m.s.l.)....... 'coz its on a high Mountain....
crossed to High Level bridges.... It was really hillarious..... Then
stopped at Kangra St.... U can have a look at Kangra fort in ruins ...
Brajeshwari Temple & New City......on west of Baner River..... then had
crossed Daulatpur Tunnel and a great descent of before entering
Kopalarhar
st (510m.s.l.)..... then again a tunnel.... Dhundhni tunnel..... &
reached
J.mukhi road st.(579m.s.l.) at 13.35.... Its a big station.... & the
best
station served by Bus-connections to each part of Kangra Valley... Then
again passing through deep georges we reached Guler Station at14.04
.....
From here the Pong lake has started..... and its on new alignment which
had
submerged after const. of Pong Dam.... After Guler station we can see
piers
of old dismantled bridge on a river merging in Pong dam.... the existing
bridge & alignment is on quite height compare to old bridge..... At
Guler
station we'd given cross to BAijnath bound passenger train.... we headed
towards NAndpur Bhatauli(halt) at 14.34..... Now only Nandpur village is
there.... Bhatauli is submerged into Pong lake..... We can a get
Magnificient views of Pong lake..... The alignment is almost on the
banks
of lake.... up to HArsar Dehri(418ms.l.) station.....at NAgrota
Suriyan...
there's a long bridge at Gaj Khad merging into lake.... Its a beautiful
site..... the Harsar dehri station is just banks of LAke.... the lake is
hardly 100mtrs. from the st.....at 15.19 we headed towards Jawanwala
Shahar
st. crossing a big river called Dehar Khad.... from here... the lake is
left behind..... Its not much beautiful.... but full of greenery.... Big
jungles on North side.....we had again given cross to another Passenger
train......and left at 15.44..... via Bharmar(halt) talara at 16.22....
After Talara station there's a great descent from 549m.sl. to 402m.sl.
at
Nurpur Road st...in 3-4kms. stretch..... we reach here at 16.38 & after
giving crossing to 7PB passenger we headed towards Pathankot.....
meanwhile
we had stopped at Kandwal Halt (last station of Himachal Pradesh).....
crossed Chakki River..... Its a very long bridge..... After crossing it
for
my great surprise a new Railway Station at Haryal/Chakki village in the
name of DALHOUSIE ROAD.... 10km.s of PAthankot..... from here a road
goes
to Famous Hill st. Dalhousie... so they named it..... Basically its a
crossing station 'coz between Nurpur Road & Ptk the distance is 25kms...
&
only a halt station at Kandwal is there & Kandwal not had enough space
due
to Hilly area.... So this crossing station was very necessary.... Its a
very beautiful station on a big barren piece of Land..... 'coz next day
i'd
a look from Main road.... So my journey at Ptk ended at 17.50..... I met
there with my brother who was waiting for Jammu mail for returning
Delhi...
We had to come back together ....but my Kangra Work was not finished....
So
my program has changed & i've to board Pooja Exp. on 9th as per
rescheduled
program..... Thank God the PAthankot had a quota of Full bogie in
2404...
so i was able to get a confirm reservation....... Meanwhile we had went
to
well maintained Restaurant of Northern Railway.... we had got some
tea.....
at 18.15 Jammu Mail has come.... and i'd see off my brother.... and got
back to my home...... Next day i'd again went Kangra & finished my work
&
return to PAthankot at 18.00 (by bus only) I'd made round of Pathankot
Jn.
station.... and discovered that the Ticket-window from NArrow Gauge
Platform was eleminated..... Even there wasn't a single board of Train
Timings for KVR trains..... So if one have to catch a train in hurry its
difficult to purchase a ticket...... Then i went to my relative's place
to
collect my luggage which my wife has put there... 'coz i didn't bring my
all luggage to Kangra.... at 19.30 i was at Chakki Bank Station for
catching 2404 pooja exp.... at sharp 19.55 it had came gracefully.....
hauling by to Two nos. WDM2A of Ludhiana.... Coach composition was
......
12 sleeper class, 1 Tatkal Coach(Sleeper Class), 1 compo. 1st AC+2nd AC,
2nos. AC-2T, 2nos.
ABOUT 2 PBJ which i'd travelled had 7coaches 1 lugg/brake van, One Ist
Class, 5 IInd class coaches... hauled by ZDM3......

The rescheduled train timings effective from 1.8.99.. are as below:
Departure from Ptk :
1PBJ 2.00
1PB 3.55
3PB 6.40
3PBJ 10.40
5PB 12.50
7PB 15.40
1JP 18.10
1PP KANGRA QUEEEN 8.20

2JP 8.10
2PB 10.30
4PB 14.30
2PBJ 16.50
6PB 20.30
4PBJ 22.35
8PB 00.05
2PP KANGRA QUEEEN 18.00


E-mail: docqcs@nde.email sandeep@docpl.email
Web: www.docpl.com

From: Anne Ogborn <>

Subject: Indian Module - 78cm line

Date: 13 Nov 1999 23:18:01 -0500


For those of you not familiar with the term, a 'module'
is a piece of model railroad (usually about 2 ft x 4 ft)
with the tracks running across and exiting at the ends
in predefined places. Modular clubs set up a number of
these modules end to end. Usually the the club has a pair of
half-circle end pieces, so the modules can be set up as
a loop. The individual members create the modules.

I'm already part of a new modular club that models
HOn30 (1:87 scale models of 78cm lines), and I've
committed to building a module for them.
Also, I already have quite a bit of European prototype
"stuff" in HOn30 - actually, this is Decauville style
industrial railway equipment, used all over the world.

Went to a train show today, and met a group I wasn't
aware of.
The "European Train Enthusiasts" are a group here in
the US that models european prototype railroads.
I knew about the group, but had had little contact.
What I didn't know until today was that they have
a modular layout - OO under catenary.
So, now I've decided that my latest project (and
this time, folks, it's far more likely to be completed)
is to create a module I can use with either the
European group or the HOn30 group. When the HOn30
group is exhibiting, I'll connect the HOn30 tracks, and
switch or park a rake on the broad gauge track.
When the european group is exhibiting, I'll switch or
park equipment on the HOn30 track and run the "broad gauge"
(forgive me - more 4-8 1/2 Indian trains).
Of course, I'm going to set it in India - probably around
Delhi simply because that's where I know well.

As a result, I've got some questions.

1. I have some choice of scale. My small tracks are
9mm gauge, and my larger ones are 5/8" gauge.
Now, depending on what scale I decide I'm modelling in,
I can have:

9mm track is 5/8" (HO) track is scale
78cm 4'-8 1/2" HO (1:87)
68cm 3'-11 1/2" OO (1:76)
95cm 5'-6" Indian Rly (1:106)

So, what gauges are "narrow gauge" prototypes for India?
Can I find a prototype that's near 68, or 78cm? Obviously
the idea of modelling to 1:106 is incredibly tempting - I'd
have proper track gauges for meter gauge (ok - shy 5 cm)
and proper broad gauge. The problem is that while 1:87 and
1:76 are close enough to the same size that one can
use many of the same detail parts, 1:106 is a complete oddball -
I'd have to use east european TT parts. In addition, my module
would be a different scale than the rest of the ones in the layout.
And of course, it's fantasy enough to have German trains rolling through
India, but to have oversized German trains is beyond the pale.
It's either 68 or 78cm.

2. Given a gauge, can someone suggest an appropriate prototype?
It would preferably be -
a) Well documented (that is, somebody has pictures, and has some
sense when/where
it ran)
b) Should still be running in some form, or at least until
recently. This so
I don't have to struggle with figuring out when autoriksha's
appeared in Delhi,
etc.
c) It should run through some urban area, and not be a "plant"
railroad - I want
to show India, not "a jute mill in India".
d) less important - it would use an 0-6-0 steamer or 6 wheel
rigid frame diesel,
as those are the locos I have.

3. I bought a 1:87 model of a Russian Zil 151 truck
at this show since it looked like my memories of Indian trucks.I can get
models of
various Russian army trucks, so I may be able
to convert them to Indian trucks. Are the trucks in India descendants of
Russian
designs? If so, what?

I'm thinking of doing an urban area - maybe some flat blocks with
hutments near the tracks.
If I have the space I'd like to do the crews quarters that are a
commonplace thing along
the right of way.

Anyway, if anybody can help with these questions, or suggest a
prototype,
I'd be interested. Thanks,

Annie

From: San-Ind <>

Subject: My Kangra Valley Trip Part-2......

Date: 13 Nov 1999 23:26:32 -0500


Dear Gang,
As i was at Ludhiana during my last mail...... We'd reached Pathankot
passing by my Village....As my home is quite visible from the
train.....Wish there is a station(but its not possible practically) at
around 7.55 approx. 30 minutes late .... but this is almost standard
time
of Jammu Mail...... Pooja Exp. was crossing Chakki River bridge...late
that
day & when i was crossing Chakki bridge on the way to my home... I've to
come back from PAthankot for around 5-6 kms.....we'd celebrated Diwali
.....

Next Morning on 8th I'd to go to Kangra..... But in morning there's no
good
trains for there & these are also very slow...... So i'd taken a Bus for
Kangra & reached there at 10.30 in 3 hrs. only...... But when i'd
reached
there i'd got to know the Institution is closed due to Vishwkarma Day
Holiday..... Then i've no way to go back Ptk for that day..... I'd
checked
my TT & saw theres 2PBJ at 12.45 to PTK...... Then i'd enough time... to
visit famous temple of Goddess Brajeshwari.....After that from a local
dhaba igot my lunch packed and rushed to station by Auto......There are
2
rly. stations there. The nearest station is KAngra MAndir.... 'coz
KAngra
station is in Old Kangra city.... & 7-8 kms. from New City.......... The
Mandir stations is also 3 kms. down the hill....... Basically Kangra is
on
the west banks of Baner River...... but this river make a deep george
between Old Kangra & New Kangra..... One thing which i wasn't know that
Kangra Mandir Station is on East Bank of Baner River.... So a beautiful
Cable strayed foot bridge over the river on path to Rly.St. from road
its
around 300 mtrs...... the bridge is an old one .... & on a stone had
written 1949.....
As soon as i entered the station and saw the TRain-timing Board..... I
just
felt amazed 'coz the train time mentioned in TT at 12.45 was at 11.30 &
it
was almost 12.00.... Soon i'd rushed to ASM ..... then he say the train
is
late & come at around 13.00 then i'd got a relief..... Actually due to
new
KAngra Queen Exp.... they had changed times of all day trains...... and
almost many people are unaware of these timings..... & new timings are
also quite bad.... e.g. 2pbj which reach at PTk around 17.30 now reach
there at 16.50.... People use this train as connection to 4034 Jammu
mail.... So people are really suffering from these times..... I don't
why
Govt. run Luxurious trains..... in these sectors........ And this Kangra
Queen is totally a failure....'coz the fare is to much... and local
people
cant' able to travel on that .....between KAngra & PTk the ord. fare is
Rs.
16 & in this around Rs.450.00.... And about tourists..... its not much
convenient..... 'coz For going to famous Hill st. Dharamshala &
Manali....
they had again to get a bus or taxi ..... For my surprise..... when I'd
seen this train reaching Ptk .... There wasn't a single passenger on
it..... And it is hauled by two ZDM-3, one in front & other on rear....
One
Ist class coach, one 2nd class coach & one Pantry + Gaurd...... This is
just a political Stunt train only ..'coz this train ply between Palampur
&
Pathankot.. Palampur is the parent town of the new Cabinet Minister of
Indian Govt. ... It can successful if the fare is adjusted to around
Rs.100-200.00....
These are the thoughts of the public..... whom i'd a talk about this
thing.........
Now comeback to my trip.... Kangra Mandir is a beautiful station built
on a
Hilly curve... its just a halt station.... I 'd enough time to have my
lunch.... but when i'd tasted the Rajmas... the taste was very bad.....
So
i'd got Boiled Black Channas from station Tea shop.... these were quite
tasty.... and u'll got them on every big station... U can have them with
bread..... The a-one Lunch.... So i'd them with my Tandoori
Rotis....which
i'd got them from the Dhaba..... Then i'd take tea..... and meanwhile
the
train has come at 12.50..... I'd get on 2nd last coach.....before Guard
&
brake van..... but the train was crowded so i'd just manage to stand on
Door...... between Kangra-mandir(655m.sl.) & Guler(472m.s.l.) is the
best
section of KVR.... lot of Landscapes.... Ascent-decent..... There's a
great
Ascent for Kangra st(686m.s.l.)....... 'coz its on a high Mountain....
crossed to High Level bridges.... It was really hillarious..... Then
stopped at Kangra St.... U can have a look at Kangra fort in ruins ...
Brajeshwari Temple & New City......on west of Baner River..... then had
crossed Daulatpur Tunnel and a great descent of before entering
Kopalarhar
st (510m.s.l.)..... then again a tunnel.... Dhundhni tunnel..... &
reached
J.mukhi road st.(579m.s.l.) at 13.35.... Its a big station.... & the
best
station served by Bus-connections to each part of Kangra Valley... Then
again passing through deep georges we reached Guler Station at14.04
.....
From here the Pong lake has started..... and its on new alignment which
had
submerged after const. of Pong Dam.... After Guler station we can see
piers
of old dismantled bridge on a river merging in Pong dam.... the existing
bridge & alignment is on quite height compare to old bridge..... At
Guler
station we'd given cross to BAijnath bound passenger train.... we headed
towards NAndpur Bhatauli(halt) at 14.34..... Now only Nandpur village is
there.... Bhatauli is submerged into Pong lake..... We can a get
Magnificient views of Pong lake..... The alignment is almost on the
banks
of lake.... up to HArsar Dehri(418ms.l.) station.....at NAgrota
Suriyan...
there's a long bridge at Gaj Khad merging into lake.... Its a beautiful
site..... the Harsar dehri station is just banks of LAke.... the lake is
hardly 100mtrs. from the st.....at 15.19 we headed towards Jawanwala
Shahar
st. crossing a big river called Dehar Khad.... from here... the lake is
left behind..... Its not much beautiful.... but full of greenery.... Big
jungles on North side.....we had again given cross to another Passenger
train......and left at 15.44..... via Bharmar(halt) talara at 16.22....
After Talara station there's a great descent from 549m.sl. to 402m.sl.
at
Nurpur Road st...in 3-4kms. stretch..... we reach here at 16.38 & after
giving crossing to 7PB passenger we headed towards Pathankot.....
meanwhile
we had stopped at Kandwal Halt (last station of Himachal Pradesh).....
crossed Chakki River..... Its a very long bridge..... After crossing it
for
my great surprise a new Railway Station at Haryal/Chakki village in the
name of DALHOUSIE ROAD.... 10km.s of PAthankot..... from here a road
goes
to Famous Hill st. Dalhousie... so they named it..... Basically its a
crossing station 'coz between Nurpur Road & Ptk the distance is 25kms...
&
only a halt station at Kandwal is there & Kandwal not had enough space
due
to Hilly area.... So this crossing station was very necessary.... Its a
very beautiful station on a big barren piece of Land..... 'coz next day
i'd
a look from Main road.... So my journey at Ptk ended at 17.50..... I met
there with my brother who was waiting for Jammu mail for returning
Delhi...
We had to come back together ....but my Kangra Work was not finished....
So
my program has changed & i've to board Pooja Exp. on 9th as per
rescheduled
program..... Thank God the PAthankot had a quota of Full bogie in
2404...
so i was able to get a confirm reservation....... Meanwhile we had went
to
well maintained Restaurant of Northern Railway.... we had got some
tea.....
at 18.15 Jammu Mail has come.... and i'd see off my brother.... and got
back to my home...... Next day i'd again went Kangra & finished my work
&
return to PAthankot at 18.00 (by bus only) I'd made round of Pathankot
Jn.
station.... and discovered that the Ticket-window from NArrow Gauge
Platform was eleminated..... Even there wasn't a single board of Train
Timings for KVR trains..... So if one have to catch a train in hurry its
difficult to purchase a ticket...... Then i went to my relative's place
to
collect my luggage which my wife has put there... 'coz i didn't bring my
all luggage to Kangra.... at 19.30 i was at Chakki Bank Station for
catching 2404 pooja exp.... at sharp 19.55 it had came gracefully.....
hauling by to Two nos. WDM2A of Ludhiana.... Coach composition was
......
12 sleeper class, 1 Tatkal Coach(Sleeper Class), 1 compo. 1st AC+2nd AC,
2nos. AC-2T, 2nos.AC-3T, 2 LUGGAGE/BRAKE VAN, 4NOS. IInd class.... at
20.05
the Train has started & we reach JRC at 21.50, 10 minutes before
schedule..... We reach Ludhiana at 22.55 and departed at 23.15... I
wasn't
able to check out that from LDh it hauled by WDM's or WAp...... But
speed
is really incredible & we reach Delhi at 4.20 sharp...... And on
Thursday
night same train had a bomb-blast..........


ABOUT 2 PBJ which i'd travelled had 7coaches 1 lugg/brake van, One Ist
Class, 5 IInd class coaches... hauled by ZDM3......

The rescheduled train timings effective from 1.8.99.. are as below:
Departure from Ptk :
1PBJ 2.00
1PB 3.55
3PB 6.40
3PBJ 10.40
5PB 12.50
7PB 15.40
1JP 18.10
1PP KANGRA QUEEEN 8.20

2JP 8.10
2PB 10.30
4PB 14.30
2PBJ 16.50
6PB 20.30
4PBJ 22.35
8PB 00.05
2PP KANGRA QUEEEN 18.00


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
E-mail: docqcs@nde.email
Web: www.docpl.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: San-Ind <>

Subject: Bomb-blast in Pooja Express !!

Date: 13 Nov 1999 23:28:00 -0500


dear Vijay,

Hi !!

Just returned from the Shimla trip.......
On thursday night (11.11.99) in 2403 there was a big bomb blast.......
roughly 20 persons died & lot of injured.... It was happened after
departure of Pooja express at 20.28, 2 kms. after Chakki Bank station in
2nd coach near my native Village...... I'd also came Delhi by this train
on
Tuesday night....... and i think i'll also come by it next week....
Kashmiri Militants are after this bomb-blast .... Maximum people who are
died are Army-men going to their vacations.....

Regards

Sandeep Sharma
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
E-mail: docqcs@nde.email
Web: www.docpl.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: Jayant S <>

Subject: Re: Indian Module - Trucks

Date: 13 Nov 1999 23:44:30 -0500



> Are the trucks in India descendants of Russian
> designs? If so, what?

Indian commercial vehicles are mostly descended
from German Mercedes Benz types (the Telco range).
Ashok Leyland variants evolved from Leyland trucks
of Britain. In addition, Dodge and GM (Chevy and
Bedford) trucks were seen through the 50s, 60s and 70s.

If you are modelling, say, the 60s, you can probably
find something close to these trucks in HO scale.
Herpa (www.herpa.de) seem to have a model of the
Mercedes truck that was common in India, though
the Indian Telco versions typically had wooden
cabs and bodies. Another type that might be
easy to source was based on the US Cheverolet
pickup truck of the 50s, though in India they
ran with larger wooden bodies and cabs. The US
version should be available there. There were
also Fords and others, though I have not identified
these. Herpa even made a model of the Hanseat Tempo
3-wheeler truck which is still seen in parts of India
as a semo-urban passenger carrier.

Anyone on this list with model names and further
identification ?

As far as I know, only the Indian Army uses 6x6
Russian trucks for field gun haulage. Tank transporters,
on the other hand, are based on Tatra 8x8 vehicles.

I'll try to chase down a few types and specs, and if
I get anything more I'll let you know.

--
JS
--

From: San-Ind <>

Subject: Bad Day Nov.8 for Northern Railway !!!!!!

Date: 14 Nov 1999 00:19:41 -0500


4 bogies Derailed :
Rohtak, HAryana, Nov.8,
The 4 bogies of 1 DRB DELHI-BHIWANI PASS. DERAILED between Kalanaur &
Lahli.... There's no news of extensive damage.....This was due to bad
rail
track.... There were 7 bogies in train.... This happened just after the
train had crossed a Canal-bridge before Kalanaur.....

Engine Derailed :
Jalandhar, Punjab, Nov.8, In evening
A Diesel Locomotive got derailed Near Jalandhar City Yard during
shunting..... So the traffic on Dn. line between Jalandhar-Amritsar
section
distrupted for almost 5 hours......

Traffic disrupted
as wagons derailed :
BARNALA, Punjab, Nov 8 -- Following
the derailment and breaking of nine
wagons, loaded with coal, of a
goods train of Eastern Railway on
Monday morning the rail traffic on
the Bathinda-Dhuri section was dis-
rupted as routes of all trains on this
section had to be diverted either
from Dhuri or Bathinda.
The derailed train started from
Barora railway station on Monday
morning and was bound for Lehra
Mohabbat thermal unit, about 8 km
from Barnala railway station.
Mr Vijay Kumar, Divisional
Railways Manager, Ambala, who
was himself supervising rescue and
relief operations on the site, said the
wagons derailed inbetween Sekha
and Barnala railway stations.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
E-mail: docqcs@nde.email
Web: www.docpl.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From: Jayant S <>

Subject: Re: Indian Module - Trucks

Date: 14 Nov 1999 01:36:14 -0500


> Busch makes the Tempo. It's been on my "usable in Indian scene"
> list for years.
I've seen the Tempo and the MB truck in the Albedo range,
but I'll have to locate my catalog. Herpa shows the MB
on their home page, though I haven't yet located the model
number. The US version of the 1950 Chevy pickup can be
sourced from:
<A HREF="http://www.ermodels.com/new583a.htm">http://www.ermodels.com/new583a.htm</A>
Nos 583-48207 & 583-48208 represent Chevy trucks
seen in India in the 50s and 60s, though here they
had wooden bodies and cabs, and were usually fitted
with dual rear tyres.

> If memory serves, there were two main types. One had
> virtually no "hood", the other had a fairly short hood.
The old MB had a long hood, while its successor from
Telco has a much shorter hood. Full-forward types
are also common. The Bedford and Dodge heavy trucks
had short hoods, with the Dodge being fairly common
in Police applications for many years.

> The big old "packard" like cars that were virtually the
> only passenger car until 1994 or so.

Car types:
Hindustan Ambassador = Morris Oxford (UK-1954)
(this MUST be that big old car you mention)
Premier Padmini = Fiat 1100 (Italy-1965)
Standard Herald = Triumph Herald (UK-1959)
Mahindra = Willys Jeep (US-1950s)
Maruti = Various Suzukis (Japan-1980s)

Choice of region will also influence the types
of vehicles.

Up to the 50s there was a smattering of assembled
Chrysler and GM cars as well. Would not hurt to put
in a VW bug, every city still has at least one !

Indian models for some of these exist, but are
badly turned out and probably way off-scale too.

European models of the previous-generation Iveco
Cargo truck probably exist: this truck is being sold
in India as the Ashok Leyland Cargo since 1995. The
Tempo Traveller van is the old Mercedes T1 series (1990
or so), and its MB truck equivalent can pass for the
Tata 407. Two types of 1950s Dodge pickups from the US
used to be sold in India as trucks and buses, serving
till quite recently as distinctive postal vans (probably
an old Dodge Ram ?). US sources may exist. If you find
pictures on the web let me know, and I can authenticate
them for you. The distinctive MAN army truck from Germany
became the equally distinctive Shaktiman here: Herpa
may have a model. The old Dodge Power Wagon can make a
reasonably decent Nissan Indian Army truck.

> Maruti vans. Is that a mercedes?
No: it is a Suzuki Carry van from Japan. UK sources
may yield a model. A very similar Daihatsu van also
exists in the UK market.

> I'm pretty much resigned to making autorikshas my self.
Check Italian sources: they may have RTR models of Piaggio
products from the past, which will be similiar to Vespa/Bajaj
rickshaws and scooters in India. British models of old
motorcycles might just include the Enfield Bullet 350.

> Oh, and what's a bailghari modelled after??? ;c)
Could make quite a modelling project in itself !
The bullock cart differs from region to region. The
traditional Gujarati cart was an exquisite vehicle,
with lots of intricate carved woodwork. Other places
would have interesting variants too.

--
JS
--

From: Anne Ogborn <>

Subject: Re: Indian Module - Trucks

Date: 14 Nov 1999 01:48:54 -0500


Jayant S wrote:
>
> > Are the trucks in India descendants of Russian
> > designs? If so, what?
>
> Indian commercial vehicles are mostly descended
> from German Mercedes Benz types (the Telco range).
> Ashok Leyland variants evolved from Leyland trucks
> of Britain. In addition, Dodge and GM (Chevy and
> Bedford) trucks were seen through the 50s, 60s and 70s.
>

> If you are modelling, say, the 60s, you can probably
> find something close to these trucks in HO scale.
> Herpa (www.herpa.de) seem to have a model of the
> Mercedes truck that was common in India, though
> the Indian Telco versions typically had wooden
> cabs and bodies. Another type that might be
> easy to source was based on the US Cheverolet
> pickup truck of the 50s, though in India they
> ran with larger wooden bodies and cabs. The US
> version should be available there. There were
> also Fords and others, though I have not identified
> these. Herpa even made a model of the Hanseat Tempo
> 3-wheeler truck which is still seen in parts of India
> as a semo-urban passenger carrier.
>

Busch makes the Tempo. It's been on my "usable in Indian scene"
list for years.
They also make a Mercedes Benz truck.
IHC makes a "U-Haul" truck. Real U-haul trucks look a lot like
the snouted Indian trucks.

If memory serves, there were two main types. One had
virtually no "hood", the other had a fairly short hood.

> I'll try to chase down a few types and specs, and if
> I get anything more I'll let you know.

Great - I appreciate it. Other cars/trucks I can probably get/make
models of, if I knew what they were based on -

The big old "packard" like cars that were virtually the
only passenger car until 1994 or so.

Maruti vans. Is that a mercedes?

I'm pretty much resigned to making autorikshas my self. In the
US there's a vehicle called a "cushman" (the company that makes them),
which looks quite similar. They're used by the police (the "meter
maids")
who enforce parking regulations. Unfortunately I haven't found a model
of
a Cushman either.

Naturally have to have a couple motorcycles, some Vespas, and some
bicycles.

Oh, and what's a bailghari modelled after??? ;c)

Today I was telling the guy I bought the russian truck from what I was
going to do with it, and about how Indian truck drivers decorate their
trucks. As I was doing it, I wondered if the custom descended from the
'rang' mahout's apply to elephants?

I'm gonna have fun with this. If we set up someplace where I won't
get mobbed, I'll set up a hotplate and serve chai!

I have an eraser on a pencil, and an X-acto knife with me. I just
finished
carving little hands in the end of the eraser. I'm going to dip it in
paint
and stamp doorways. 8c)

Guess I'll paint the truck in civilian colors,
letter it in English, and slip it onto the club layout. Wonder if anyone
will
notice?

Anyway, thanks for the info, I do appreciate, but don't go out of your
way.
I fear I'm going to have to ask you all a LOT of questions over the next
few months!
It's incredibly difficult for me to remember things, I'm suddenly
discovering.

I'm thinking of doing a newer style building, an older building with
jali's, and
some hutments. And I want to show the little Indian "shops".
I may be making the module a bit of a caricature of India, but I
know I'll get a lot of questions, so I want to include everything.
the wonderful little parks, and the colorful hoardings. The women in
saris, the large number of men in khaki uniforms,

Anyway, thanks for the information,

Annie

From: Shankar <>

Subject: Re: Howrah - Madras Mail during pre-independence

Date: 14 Nov 1999 10:13:34 -0500


Hello,
Most interesting. I'm becoming an IR history freak, thanks to you. I
spent several hours scouring the irfca archives for IR history posts. I
mostly came up with yours and those of the irfca's walking
encyclopaedia, the most learned Dr. K.J.Walker. I've printed them for
future reference. Your snippets from old IR sources are real gems. Why
don't you put it up in word format like you did with your links page?
Preferably classified year-wise.

Two points: Vishakapatnam was always Vishakapatnam. I think its Waltair
that has been re-named Vizianagaram. At least thats what R.R.Bhandari's
'Blue Chip Railway' says. I know an Andhraite who says that Waltair
station still exists, but there is a new station close by, Vizianagaram.

Second, you will observe that halt patterns have undergone quite a
change since yesteryear.Barring politically motivated halts, you will
observe several halts dropped. The duration of halts has reduced
considerably too. Barring stations like Allahabad or Ahmedabad where 90%
of trains halt for no less than 30 minutes, or Poona, 20 minutes (some
trains had this reduced to 15, both the 15 min trains are now diverted
via the Konkan Railway, so all trains halt for 20 mins now), you will
find five to eight minutes the duration in most cases.

SOme significant duration reductions are: New Delhi/Delhi: from 1hr (or
even more) to 35 mins. Some trains halt at Delhi for a mere 20 mins. Of
course, there are exceptions like the Golden Temple and Kalka Mails with
frightfully long halts, over an hour.
Nagpur, Wadi, Guntakal: no more than 10 mins. So also Patna. Daund has
reduced from 10 mins to 5, and some trains halt there for 2 mins, or
skip Daund altogether.
Even Howrah (for Bhubaneswar Rajdhani) and Madras Central (for Rapti
Sagar and others) mean a halt of a mere 20 mins. Coimbatore: 5 min only.
Even important towns like Itarsi and Bhopal, a mere 8 mins.

The reasons are many.

1. In those good old days of steam, there were so many halts needed for
changing the engine, taking on water, crew changes etc. Plus waiting for
connections. No direct trains like now. (eg Puri-Okha, Rajkot-Trivandrum
etc.For say Rajkot to Trivandrum, you'd have had to do Rajkot-Ahmedabad
mg, Ahmedabad-Bombay bg, Bombay-Madras bg, and Madras-Trivandrum mg.)
Certain intermediate stations were connection stations, necessitating a
halt there. A classic example is Daund.
2. Mail carrying trains (mails) too needed long halts due to the
extensive RMS operations.
With modern electrics and diesels, the speeds are higher, virtually no
need for engine change (only crew change) (unless there is a traction
change or a ghat section where the diesel has to be replaced with a
short hood leading one), more direct connections mean less people
transhipping at major stations. RMS operations only mean
loading/unloading mail sacks, just like parcels.

3.Multifold increase in road transport, both for parcels as well as
passengers mean that several passengers opt for this more convenient,
more frequent and faster mode of travel. With dwindling traffic at
smaller stations, those stations can be skipped altogether.

4. More flexible inter-zonal deployment of locomotives mean those many
fewer operational halts.

5. Due to extensive competition from road, the railways are actually
ENCOURAGING people to take to the buses for short or medium distance
traffic. (I actually read this in an IR year book). The railways prefer
to concentrate on long distance traffic alone.
This coupled with cost cutting (the railways are still heavily
subsidized) mean smaller intermediate halts can be skipped altogether.To
attract more passengers to the trains for long distnance travel means
faster trains with shorter, less frequent stops.
I still remember as a student my fascination at express trains (usually
diesel hauled) running non stop for two or two and a half hours at a
stretch between stops. In the days of steam, there was a halt every few
minutes.

6.Large scale deployment of pantry cars and the abolishment of
restaurant cars (attached/detatched en-route) reduce number of halts
required for catering requirements.

7. Modern signalling and operational techniques mean trains can run for
longer periods without halts or without running into each other, or
fighting for space on a single block section, so those sorts of halts
are reduced too.
Crossings too have reduced considerably, though you can still see
several of them.

8. Even stopping passenger trains run at almost express speeds between
stations. That coupled with more effective traffic management mean that
halts to let trains pass etc. are drastically reduced.

And so on and so forth.

On routes where road competition is steep, one sure way of getting an
edge over road transport is by speeding up the trains. One sure way of
speeding up is to modify the halt pattern.

I can still state several reasons,but that would mean pure guesswork on
my part!! (admittedly). So I'll sign off here.

Cheers.

Shankar


Vijay Balasubramanian wrote:
>
> Folks,
>
> Continuing on my ramblings on the pre-independence scene on IR -
>
> Howrah - Madras Mail
> dep. Madras Central 20.30 arr. Howrah 10.28 (3rd day). Calcutta
time
> 10.52 (was Calcutta in a different time zone those days?)
> dep. Howrah 19.10 arr. Madras Central 8.35
> So, there has been a major speed-up of 3 - 4 1/2 hrs. (Kumar should
be
> pleased :-) ). I suspect that diesization has played a major role in
this.
> After all, this mail was the first train to be dieselized on IR.
>
> Halts - Kharagpur, Contai Rd., Rupsa, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur Rd.
(now
> Jajpur Keonjhar Rd.), Cuttack, Bhubaneswar (rather insignificant
station,
> only dep. times shown), Khurda Rd., Balugan, Rambha, Chatrapur,
Berhampur,
> Ichchapuram, Somapeta, Palasa, Naupada (both arr. and dep. times
shown),
> Chicacole Rd. (now Srikakulam Rd.), Dusi, Chipurapalle, Nellimarla,
> Vizianagaram, Waltair (now Visakhapatnam), Anakapalle, Yellamanchili
(now
> Elamanchilli), Narasapatnam Rd., Tuni, Pithapuram, Samalkot,
Dwarupudi,
> Rajahmundry, Godavari, Kovvur, Nidadavolu, Tadepalligudem, Ellore (now
> Eluru), Nuzvid, Bezwada (now Vijayawada), Tenali, Nidubrolu, Bapatla,
> Chirala, Chinna Ganjam, Ongole, Bitragunta, Nellore, Gudur,
Nayadupeta,
> Sullurupeta, Basin Bridge
>
> Quite a few halts have been removed - Contai Rd., Rupsa, Rambha (a
tiny
> little station at present with only the Hwh-Tirpuati Exp. halting
here),
> Dusi (again an insignificant station), Elamanchilli, Narsipatnam Rd.,
> Pithapuram, Dwarupudi, Godavari (now insignificant), Kovvur, Nuzvid,
Chinna
> Ganjam, Bitragunta (no more steam), Nayadupeta, Sullurupeta
> Only Annavaram has been added.
>
> What causes certain stations to pale into insignificance? Stations
such as
> Bitragunita used to have major clout during steam days. How about
others?
> Is it something to do with a population shift?
>
> Vijay

From: Shankar <>

Subject: Re: Timetables

Date: 14 Nov 1999 10:26:00 -0500


Hello John and others,

The url to the timetable collectors' site you'd forwarded earlier:

<A HREF="http://www.aatc.org.au">http://www.aatc.org.au</A>

does not work.

It says there is an error. I've tried several times on several occasions
and days. No luck.

On another note,dDoes anyone on the list have an old Bradshaw to spare?

I used to buy one on every trip to India without fail, and used to love
to savour the book bit by bit.

I could have cried at the station on my Nov. 1997 visit to India when I
heard that the Bradshaw is not published in its original form any more.
The 'Newman's Indian Bradshaw' he showed me was a more crudely printed
version of TAAG.

I'd like to have one of the original detailed Bradshaw for its archieval
value. I do understand I'll only get an old one. That will do: I do not
want to live with the feeling that I will never see a detailed Bradshaw
again. I curse myself for having dumped the one I had, ust before
leaving for India,in anticipation to my buying a new one in India. The
book has been in publication since the early 1900s, and I could never
imagine it will stop coming out in its original form altogether.

If anyone of the list feels he wants to dump an old one, or feels he can
spare one for this helpless (more hapeless!)old soul, I'd be very
greatful.

I'll be happy to pay a price, and also pay for the postage.

Cheers.

Shankar

From: John Lacey <>

Subject: Re: Timetables

Date: 14 Nov 1999 11:14:47 -0500


Apologies. I'd left out a "t".
The correct url is


<A HREF="http://www.aattc.org.au">http://www.aattc.org.au</A>

-John Lacey

Shankar wrote:

> Hello John and others,
>
> The url to the timetable collectors' site you'd forwarded earlier:
>
> <A HREF="http://www.aatc.org.au">http://www.aatc.org.au</A>
>
> does not work.
>
> It says there is an error. I've tried several times on several
occasions
> and days. No luck.

From: Anne Ogborn <>

Subject: Re: Indian Module - Trucks

Date: 14 Nov 1999 12:15:44 -0500


I wonder how important it is to get the exact right truck if
I'm going to be changing the body.
I rmemebered the big square cabs on Indian trucks, but I guess
I wasn't aware they were wood!

Silly question - presumably these trucks came with a steel cab?
Why would they have replaced it?

There's so many vehicles now that it's getting confusing.
I've made a web page

<A HREF="http://www.idiom.com/~anniepoo/vehicles.html">http://www.idiom.com/~anniepoo/vehicles.html</A>

to try to make some order out of it.

You refer to various US pickups. A pickup truck is a smaller
vehicle than the usual Indian truck. The only pickups I remember
were a couple of army ones, obviously US imports.

I don't think I want to include army vehicles, so we can forget those.

> Tempo Traveller van is the old Mercedes T1 series (1990
> or so), and its MB truck equivalent can pass for the
> Tata 407.

You mean the Mercedes-Benz passenger van can pass for a Tata 407?

I'd thought the Tata van might be a VW license. Certainly they look
close.

Annie's gotta make a bunch of shoes for the undercarriages...

I would guess that the bodies of Indian buses are locally made.
Be fun to have a red line bus.

UPS uses exactly the same trucks in India that they do here.

> US sources may exist. If you find
> pictures on the web let me know, and I can authenticate
> them for you.

Is the Shaktiman only used for army?

And what are the 4 wheel taxis based on?

I remember a fair number of "SUV" or "Jeep" type vehicles, and not
just the old "army jeep" style.

There's some sort of land rover in fair numbers.

> > I'm pretty much resigned to making autorikshas my self.
> Check Italian sources: they may have RTR models of Piaggio
> products from the past, which will be similiar to Vespa/Bajaj
> rickshaws and scooters in India.

OK - finding Italian modelling sources may be interesting.

> traditional Gujarati cart was an exquisite vehicle,
> with lots of intricate carved woodwork. Other places
> would have interesting variants too.

moan - "intricate carved woodwork"

Other cool stuff - camel cart?? Piled with an incredible amount of hay.
Not really in urban area, but...

cows in streets...

Gotta have a sadhu. Somewhere stuffed in a box is a set of airfix
"Muslim guerillas" - amongst them is a Sikh leader (how HE got in there
I don't know) with a sword and big turban.

speakers on phone poles.

more-or-less left hand driving.

One ancient wall amongst modern stuff.

The little angle iron fences.

People sitting on charpois outside.

Figures! Figure there's got to be some 500 figures on a 2' x 4'
urban module. I have to find some way of making various poses in
a sari - maybe carve a master sari flat, cast it in rubber, and glue
to western figures?

antennas and wires everywhere. Hoardings in a mix of Hindi and
misspelled English. Laundry laying on roofs.

a chaiwalla - maybe a little post shed dhaba

An ad for a sex clinic.

People cooking in unlikely places.

brickwork with untucked mortar.

The fancy curlicues on the facades of houses.

Trees... gotta think about trees.

grass - the grass in India always looks fried.

Still looking for prototypes.


oooh... I'm getting into this.

enuff for now,

Annie