Trip to Nilambur

Our train to Shoranaur, Sabari Express pulls in behind the last original WDM 2 loco allotted to SR - 16885. Built in July 1998, originally homed at GOC, later transferred to ERS. Photo by Sandep Mohan

16885 up close. Photo by Sandep Mohan

For a change - here is SR's oldest WDM 2, 18209, 37 years older to 16885, built in 1961 by ALCO, originally homed at Gooty, later transferred to Erode in 1969 after creation of SCR. Still going strong. Seen here hauling Mangalore-Trivandrum Parasuram Ex

Our train approaches Wadakkanchery station. Very scenic station situated on the hills betwen Trichur and Shoranaur. Photo by Sandep Mohan

A taste of Kerala hills after Wadakkancherry. Photo by Sandep Mohan

An unusually overflowing Bharathapuzha, just before Shoranaur.

WAP 4 hauled Sabari negotiated the Shoranaur Triangle as it enters Shoranaur Station. Photo by Sandep Mohan

Train no. 643 - Palghat Town-Nilambur Passenger waits behind Erode WDM 2 18598. Please don't mind the looks of the loco - she was a real performer. We had about 45 minutes to explore SRR station. Photo by Sandep Mohan

Kerala's most beloved train, Trivandrum bound Venad Express wait to depart behin Erode WAP 4. Photo by Sandep Mohan

A BG Travelling steam crane TSC - 732 named "Cowans Shelon" at Shoranaur. The crane has a max load of 65 tons and a speed of 8 kmph. Photo by Sandep Mohan

Who else would have inspected the crane more thoroughly than Sandep Mohan as he walks around the strange railway vehicle

A Long welded rail carrying rake

Thats time for both of us to join for a snap in front of a NWR BCNA HS

Here roams the ghosts of more than 81 steam locos. The SRR Steam Shed, one of the biggest in SR, housing WG, WP and WL locos was located here. Now some parts of the shed has been converted to a coach care facility. Photo by Sandep Mohan

Onwards to Nilambur. The track on left leads to Mangalore via Calicut. Note the doubling work in progress

One of the typical small stations enroute. This is Valappuzha. Is this the SM or his son? BTW, who cares, he has to raise this flag only thrice daily

Sandep Mohan immersed in railfanning

Semaphore signals enroute.

Railways has planted teak trees along the whole route. This makes photography extremely difficult

Neverthless, we get time to click some great scenery enroute

More scenery, nature blending with mankind

Some beautifull bridges...

And thick rain forests....

And to add to he romantic charm, a lady carries the token....

This semaphore has been blacked out. Instead a board with stripes has replaced it. We found such blank semaphores and such boards at so many places enroute

A busy station enroute. This is Angadipuram, the station for a town called Manjeri

The crowds that throng into the train. Makes you wonder whether you are on a main line