Toy Train Rezendevous

NRL NDM1 #502 brings in the afternoon service from Neral. (Harsh Dinesh)

The morning service from Matheran is about to enter Neral while the Khalasi stands coolly in its path. (Jattin Bhavsar)

The gangman manning the brakes of the toy train. (Jattin Bhavsar)

NDM6 is about to pull into Jummapatti with the 604 passenger in tow. (Jattin Bhavsar)

While one arrives, the other is set to go. Location is Jummapatti on the Neral-Matheran line. (Jattin Bhavsar)

A proper side profile of the NDM1A at Matheran. (Jattin Bhavsar)

Reflection of us railfans on the loco's headlight. (Jattin Bhavsar)

Wooden wedges secure the loco in place at Matheran. The loco is in-charge of the 14:10 service to Neral. (Jattin Bhavsar)

The interiors of the 2S coach of the toy train. (Ashwin Rao)

IRFCA Pune members posing alongwith NRL NDM1A #550. Railfans from L to R: Jattin Bhavsar, Raj Bhavsar, Dinesh Hukmani(standing) and Harsh Dinesh(kneeling). (Ashwin Rao)

While the shutterbugs face off, NDM6 acts as a good spectator. (Ashwin Rao)

A catch siding at Water Pipe stn along the Neral-Matheran route. (Ashwin Rao)

Another typical example of life as usual at Matheran. (Dinesh Hukmani)

Gangmen pushing a first class coach into the pit line while the NDM1A to the right takes rest after bringing in the 10:15 service from Neral. (Dinesh Hukmani)

The station bell at Matheran made in 1907 by J.Warner Company way back in 1907. (Dinesh Hukmani)

NRL NDM6 #603 prepares for departure with the 8:50 service to Matheran (Harsh Dinesh)

Let the journey begin.... (Harsh Dinesh)

The cute little wheels of the cute little toy train. (Harsh Dinesh)

MDM1A #550 reverses back into Neral DLS for refuelling. (Harsh Dinesh)

A fully functional 0-4-0T steam loco sleeps off at Neral DLS. This loco is used only for chartered trips. Note the coal in the tender just behind the boiler. (Harsh Dinesh)

The driving cab of the steam loco parked at Neral DLS. (Harsh Dinesh)

NDM1A negotiates the tight twists, turns and an enormous grade on its way to Matheran. (Harsh Dinesh)

A semaphore hand overlooks the mountains. (Harsh Dinesh)

NDM1A #550 waits at Jummapatti for a crossing. The passengers take this opportunity to reconnoiter around. (Harsh Dinesh)

On the rails to heaven...... (Harsh Dinesh)

Finally, we reach Matheran. The NDM1A takes a good rest after climbing a huge grade over a distance of 20kms. (Harsh Dinesh)

The brakes of the Neral-Matheran rolling stock. These levers are controlled by gangmen who dangle between the 2 coaches. The synchronisation by which they perform is worth watching. Right now the brakes are fully applied. (Harsh Dinesh)