Desert Skies, Tokens and Semaphores

Date: 2019-10-28
Owner: Shashanka Nanda
Size: 14 items
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Sunset at Shri Bhadriya Lathi - These are the twilight days of the semaphore. The section between Phalodi and Jaisalmer being one of the last remaining sections on BG to feature semaphore signalling.

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At Jetha Chandan, the pointsman is rock steady as he prepares to hand over the token to a passing express train

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The split second before the token is whipped out of the pointsman's hand!

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The token hoops are sometimes picked up using the hook attached to the side of the loco. They are affixed to poles by the trackside.

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The Ponitsman and Assistant Loco Pilot watch carefully as the hook catches the hoop with inch perfect precision!

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The Milky Way is resplendent in its glory over the semaphores at Jetha Chandan.

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Seq 1/3 - The train approaches

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Seq 2/3 - The hand and the token connect

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Seq 3/3 - And the token is whipped away!

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.... and raises a defiant cloud of dust as it heads straight for the storm

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The Runichha Express screams its way through the desert; which is turned green with recent thundershowers....

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One last look at the lovely skies, and the growing light pollution below them! Come 2020 - this scene will be gone forever

Jaisalmer Fort

The daily Express train to Lalgarh, Bikaner from Jaisalmer chugs out hauled by the Abu Road homed WDM3A#18797. The impressive semaphores adds to the alco glory while In the horizon is one of the most iconic landmarks, the living fort of Jaisalmer. (TRAYAM

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The semaphores at the exit of Jaisalmer is an imposing structure. It dwarfs even the hunk of an erupting alco and a rake being lead by it. (TRAYAMBAK OJHA)