The Last Semaphores Of Malnad : Shimoga - Talaguppa Sojourn
IRFCAians Pawan Koppa, Kunal Doddanavar, Shishir Jairam and Santosh Kulkarni had been on a trip on the 24th of December 2011 to cover the only remaining semaphore section in Karnataka that exists between Birur and Shimoga. This must be the only line in IR which presents an exclusive opportunity to shoot EMD's under sempahore territory apart from alcos in a pure-diesel section.
We also covered the newly converted to BG Shimoga-Anandapuram-Sagar-Talguppa section which once was a MG line with a sole railbus service.
Presenting to you - DP4s and Semaphores - A Shimoga - Talguppa Sojourn!
The station building of Masarahalli retains its old MG charm - something that can never be replicated by BG. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
The now defunct Masarhalli Cabin - the structure is in good shape. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
Masarhalli station and track layout with Upper-Quadrant Semaphores guarding the entry/exit of trains. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
The station master and Khalasi of Masarahalli are all set as they await the incoming Shimoga-Bangalore Intercity Express. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
The star of the day arrives - The Shimoga-Bangalore Intercity "ICE" Express hauled by a bright headlamp lit WDP-4 #20031 slows down as the token is lifted up to be collected. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
The "Flying Baton with Token". (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
Here it is,the Legend raises it's arms for the SMET-SBC Intercity Express at Masarahalli. (Shishir Jairam)
The first action for the day, SMET - SBC Intercity passes Maserhalli, as the semaphore shows a Proceed Aspect. (Sant Kulk)
The quaint surroundings of Shivapur station just after Birur on the line towards Shimoga where the Semaphores begin. The old style now defunct cabin on the right is also soon. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
Same train - different station. After successfully chasing the Shimoga-Bangalore Intercity from Masarahalli to Shivapur, the train is welcomed once again by the Station Master and Khalasi who gives us a curious look. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
The ALP is all set to accept the "Token and Baton" from Khalasi. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
While one token flies in the air after being thrown by the ALP, the other is ready to be collected as it is raised by the Khalasi. Shivapur. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
A close look at the arm of the Semaphore signal of Main line with 3-Aspects. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
A close look at the arm of the Semaphore signal of Main line with 2-Aspects. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
The semaphore at Shivapur which says "Entering CLS (Color light Semaphore) territory". 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
Old Technlogy[Upper Quadrant Sempahore] blends well with the new communication tower at Shivpura. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
The old rustic settings of Shivapur station. (Shishir Jairam)
The Legendary Baton or the Token Holder at Shivapur Station. (Shishir Jairam)
The advanced starter of Shivapur is at "Proceed" for the Birur-Shimoga Passenger which was set to depart. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
The 56272 Birur-Shimoga Passenger hauled by KJM WDG-3A #14639 pulls into Shivapur as the Khalasi sheilds his eyes from the the harsh morning sun ready to pass on the token. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
The token about to be handed over. (Pawan Koppa)
The ALP collects the Token at Shivapur station.The train is RRB-SMET Passenger led by KJM WDG3A 14639. (Shishir Jairam)
KJM WDG3A starts from Shivapur with the RRB-SMET Passenger in tow. (Shishir Jairam)
The Passenger rolls downhill as the advanced starter sempahore arm stands at proceed. (Pawan Koppa)
KJM DG3A leads a passenger service out of Shivpur towards SMET. (Sant Kulk)
The token ring with its token leather packet kept separately at Shivapur. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
Various token rings at Shivapur. (Pawan Koppa)
Recent comments
Very Beautifully Compiled, made me recall many old defunct MG structures still present on MMR-SC line, thank you for sharing these pics...:-)
Posted by Kaushik Dharwadkar on 2012 Jan 26 11:06:42 +0000
Wonderful pictures. Great coverage.
Posted by Vivek Mishra on 2012 Jan 26 02:47:47 +0000
Great coverage!!! Wonderful pics!!!
Posted by Bhaveen Patel on 2012 Jan 23 09:30:53 +0000