Poochi shoots the smoke screen thrown up by our steed, the Erode WDM 2 # 17543. (KK)

Listen to the soundtrack on this video clip: Erode's WDM 3D # 11107 brings in the 1014 CBE-LTT express at Sivadi. (Vivek)

Our train, the 572 passenger is halted at Baiyappanahalli (BYPL) to allow this train, the 6731 Tuttukodi- Mysore Express to arrive on the same tracks as the ones we are about to take. The 6731 is hauled by Erode’s WDM 3D # 11108. (Apurva)

The 572 passenger departs from Baiyappanahalli - the train crosses all the way to the other side. While this is a short rake, a longer train could take as many as four points while diverting to the BYPL ramp. Again with a longer rake, the head of the trai

A view facing forward on the mainline to Chennai: The BYPL ramp exit is the second track on the right side. The bridge in the distance carries is the line Yesvantpur-Salem line : YPR – on the left, SA on the right. Even after the MG-BG gauge conversion

As the 572 passenger climbs the ramp, the IRFCA cameras are out in full force at each coach door. The YPR-SA line can be seen in the distance. If the “403” stone is a gradient marker, then why is half-buried in the ground, obscuring the critical detai

Rumour has it that the line was deliberately laid away from the towns to avoid threatening the bus wallah’s trade. Lack of urban scenery makes for a really great journey!

The halt at Sivadi to allow the 1014 CBE-LTT express to cross our train which is headed by the superb sounding Erode WDM 2 # 17543. (Apurva)

After a long wait, the Erode’s WDM 3D # 11107 hauling the 1014 arrives on the main line. (Apurva)

A detailed view of the Erode 11107. The hills ahead have a ghat section in which the train going in Salem’s direction is required to halt for a safety check.

At Salem, the metamorphosis of the 571 is quite simple – the loco reverses, new crew and guard takes charge, the LV board is attached to this end of the rake. (Apurva)

The 571’s SLR carries the cash collected at each station on a daily basis to the headquarters. The station master places the cash receipts in a leather pouch, seals it with shellac and drops it into this traveling safe via a rotating handle mechanism on

The Pune WDG 3A # 14815, now relieved of the short freight seen earlier waits at a wayside station for the 571 to cross. (Apurva)

Erode’s WDM 2 # 17543 thrashes the 571 through the curves. (Apurva)

A view of the guard’s cubicle. The half height grill on the left is the animal cage. The space in the middle contains emergency items: Stretcher, fire extinguishers, wheel wedges and emergency flood lights with self contained energy source. (Apurva)