The emergency items are locked using a ‘one time use’ lock – it can be forced open without a key but cannot be re-closed. The guard is required to make an entry in his log book if he forces the lock open due to any reason. The text engraved on the l

To the right of this place is the guard’s toilet. The guard’s loo door always has a clear window, through which he could watch the brake pressure gauges even if he in the act. (Apurva)

The hand wheel in the guard’s cubicle that operates the mechanical brake for the SLR – this is the reason the SLR is also known as the “brake van” or just the “brake”. (Apurva)

The guard’s walkie-talkie has a whistle attached to it! This helps in the driver hearing his ‘guard right’ while working very long rakes. Notice the immaculate record keeping in the guard’s log book, even for a stopping passenger like the 571. (Ap

As the day ends, the guard switches on the various coach lights. The SLR does not have lighting switches except with the guard. This switch panel also controls the tail lamp and the side lamp (the front and rear facing lamps above the guard’s door). (Ap

Erode’s WDM 2 # 17543 snorts its defiance prior to descending the BYPL ramp to join the electrified mainline at the lower level. (Apurva)

Advait making sure if there's enough fuel in the beast to do the trip ;-) (Poochi)

Chief and Assistant share a light moment while conducting mandatory checks. (Poochi)

Acknowledging the BPC... (Poochi)

Anxious passengers await our arrival at Rayakottai (Poochi)

One of the picturesque spots enroute. The distant Mountain Range is part of the great Western Ghats near Hogenekkal. (Poochi)

A young railfan eagerly looks for the loco up front...! (Poochi)

Ready for the sound of the beast :-) This family had to wait for a while for that blessing! (Poochi)

At Dharmapuri, The Great -Three together... Apu, Srinivas and 17543 wait for the crew. (Poochi)

Sivadi-Ghat panorama. Looking towards Salem. (Poochi)