Driving cum control panel in the cab of a Plasser TTM.While some machines have a separate cab for the tamping operation in the middle of the vehicle almost at rail level,this machine had a combined cab. ()

These rollers are used to grip and lift the rails while the tamping operation is in progress.Some machines also use a hook like arrangement for gripping the rails. ()

Rake of Mobile Bridge Inspection Unit was stabled at Khadki, recently. It had a carrier vehicle and a coach. The coach is used for resting the crew and has the power pack for propelling the rake. Control cabins are present on both ends of the rake. Power

The carrier vehicle has two cranes and a power pack that provides required power for operating the crane ()

This crane is useful for taking the observer right below the bridge ()

This crane is used for inspection of bridges from the side and for painting them as well, I was told ()

One of a pair of Relieving Bogies which are coupled to both ends of the crane when it is being moved on the mainline.The crane's own suspension is not fit for high-speed operation and these bogies are used to carry most of the weight of the crane during r

Side profile of Kankaria based crane at work in Surat yard.Note the laterally extended jacks and the rail gripping clamps in the red circle. (Khalid Kagzi)

Kankaria based crane taking a much needed rest after replacing the girders of two lines in Surat yard.The boom was probably kept raised as lowering it would have needed its special ballast BFR which was further down the line with other wagons in the middl

Universal maintenance vehicle on a flat wagon spotted at Chatrapur station. The details of this are available on this website (Lalam)

On the 21st and 22nd Feb.the railways operated a jumbo block in Surat yard for the replacement of girders of a rail under-bridge at the north end of the station.This has been a long pending demand of the public as the bridge is very leaky with discharges

The crane rearing up against a cloudy sky as if readying itself for an attack. (Khalid Kagzi)

Plasser India Machine is at work near Nemilichery on MAS-AJJ down line. Note the materials on the vehicle, required for carrying out the task. (Ramesh)

MG Steam Crane Hercules at Regional Museum Chennai:
Manufacturer: M/S Cowan Sheldom Pvt Ltd, Year: 1935
Boiler Type: Vertical Coal Fired, Capacity: main hook: 35 tonnes
Auxillary Hook: 5 tonnes; Railway Parent Shed: SR/Madurai (MDU)

Data plate of the VM 170 Jumbo . Igatpuri on 11th February 2008. ()