IRFCA Mailing List Archive
Messages 2121 - 2140
From: sank <sank@telco.email
Subject: Disc Brakes ?
Date: 23 Jan 1998 18:22:00 -0500
Hi All:
A week ago, while coasting to a halt on the Pragati Express from
Pune at Dadar, I saw a CR suburban rake pass in the opposite
direction on the slow line which appeared to be fitted with
disc brakes. Is there any further information about this ?
--
Jayant S*ID Studio*TTIL*TELCO
Pimpri*Pune 411 018*INDIA*tel:91-212-774261 exn 2534
Email me at "sank@telco.email. Do NOT use your "reply" button !
From: sank <sank@telco.email
Subject: Re: WP Steam Locos
Date: 23 Jan 1998 19:11:00 -0500
H.Hubbert wrote:
> >
> > Last year, in May, I saw two withdrawn WP locos on a siding outside
> > Haridwar station (towards Dehradun). I do not know if they are still
> > there.....can anyone confirm ?
> > Right!
> Henry, your observation goes along with other sources.
> This should be the WPs from Moradabad and the board (especially the
> Transport Museums) has still plans for a aconversion to
> light-oil-firering.
>
> Heinrich
I am not sure if these are the locos which would be converted to
oil-firing: last year in October I saw a WP/P at the Rail
Museum (would this be one of the original Baldwin-built
prototypes ?); maybe this is what they intend to convert ?
Also, what would be the feasibilty of such a conversion ?
--
Jayant S*ID Studio*TTIL*TELCO
Pimpri*Pune 411 018*INDIA*tel:91-212-774261 exn 2534
Email me at "sank@telco.email. Do NOT use your "reply" button !
From: VIRAF P.. MULLA <sncf@godrejnet.email
Subject: Re: WP Steam Locos (fwd)
Date: 23 Jan 1998 23:10:00 -0500
==========================
Viraf Mulla
C-20/14, Jeevan Bima Nagar,
Borivali (West)
Mumbai 400103
Tel: +91-22-8954510
E-mail: sncf@godrejnet.email
==========================
From: poras p.saklatwalla <pps@godrejnet.email
Subject: Re: WCAM 2P /3
Date: 24 Jan 1998 02:31:00 -0500
I would like to share my opinion on the above with you friends. I like
these locos but for a few things these locos are a misfit for a few
trains. Like on the WR the Rajdhani Express is hauled by a WCAM 2P which
is totally disgusting as compared to the WDM'S hauling it. Infact the
beauty of the Rajdhani was the double headed engine it had. Moreover I
guess after Ratlam or Baroda this loco is replaced by another one which if
I am not mistaken is WAM 1 OR 2. However on the other trains like the
Frontier and Paschim and Swaraj it is O.K. if it has the speed. Also just
imagine the Shatabdi Express for Ahmedabad started with a beautiful double
headed WDM, & later on it was changed to WCAM 1, WHICH WAS INDEED HORRIBLE
ON A TRAIN LIKE SHATABDI EXPRESS. Now I believe they attach WCAM 2P, Which
is slightly better if not as good as the WDM.
Coming to the WCAM 3 which is used on majority of the trains on CR, it is
slightly larger in size than the ones used on WR (WCAM 2P) BUT I wonder
the very Idea of introduction of these locos on the Bombay - Igatpuri -
Bhusawal section. As far as I Was made to believe that these locos would
not have to change to give way to WAM 4 on the Igatpuri -Bhusawal
section, which I am doubtful whether they have tried running it or the
locos have failed to deliver the goods.
On a recent trip from Bombay to Calcutta by Gitanjali Express, I was told
by the person who removes the loco from Bom and attaches another one, that
WCAM3 HAS FAILED MISERABLY ON THE Igatpuri-Manmad- Bhusawal line.
In Calcutta I got to see a Beautiful loco WAM 1 ON THE New Delhi- Calcutta
Rajdhani Express. Wonder whether it was the ABB loco recently imported as
I could not speak to the driver. It was White with a red stripe in the
middle and looking very good. \
On the CR the 1005 DN VIDHARBA EXPRESS FOR NAGPUR has been given a new
look with a green and blue livelry n a grey and white dash in the middle.
Occassionaly I see the train with an ugly maroon coloured bogie in between
spoiling the whole show. Normally this train is headed by a WCAM 3.
The KR 0111 IS having a horrble colour and wonder who finalises colour
scheme for trains in the Rail Bhavan ? I also feel that the Pune Shatabdi
Express should be hauled by a WDM of the same colour as the train is
having only seven coaches and there is no need for an Iron horse like a
WCAM 2P/ 3 TO HAUL IT. Infact if need be a double headed Shatabdi would
look great on the Ghats and then onto Lonavla and Kamshet and Pune.
Imagine one Standing on the Hill near Kamshet to shoot a Double headed
Shatabdi approaching from a distance and then passing by you at a speed of
100KMPH.
Will get back with more info later, do write your views and let me know.
From: H.Hubbert <hubbert@cww.email
Subject: Re: WP Steam Locos
Date: 23 Jan 1998 01:06:00 -0500
>
> Last year, in May, I saw two withdrawn WP locos on a siding outside
> Haridwar station (towards Dehradun). I do not know if they are still
> there.....can anyone confirm ?
> Right!
Henry, your observation goes along with other sources.
This should be the WPs from Moradabad and the board (especially the
Transport Museums) has still plans for a aconversion to
light-oil-firering.
Heinrich
From: poras p.saklatwalla <pps@godrejnet.email
Subject: Re: WCAM 2P /3
Date: 24 Jan 1998 02:31:00 -0500
I would like to share my opinion on the above with you friends. I like
these locos but for a few things these locos are a misfit for a few
trains. Like on the WR the Rajdhani Express is hauled by a WCAM 2P which
is totally disgusting as compared to the WDM'S hauling it. Infact the
beauty of the Rajdhani was the double headed engine it had. Moreover I
guess after Ratlam or Baroda this loco is replaced by another one which if
I am not mistaken is WAM 1 OR 2. However on the other trains like the
Frontier and Paschim and Swaraj it is O.K. if it has the speed. Also just
imagine the Shatabdi Express for Ahmedabad started with a beautiful double
headed WDM, & later on it was changed to WCAM 1, WHICH WAS INDEED HORRIBLE
ON A TRAIN LIKE SHATABDI EXPRESS. Now I believe they attach WCAM 2P, Which
is slightly better if not as good as the WDM.
Coming to the WCAM 3 which is used on majority of the trains on CR, it is
slightly larger in size than the ones used on WR (WCAM 2P) BUT I wonder
the very Idea of introduction of these locos on the Bombay - Igatpuri -
Bhusawal section. As far as I Was made to believe that these locos would
not have to change to give way to WAM 4 on the Igatpuri -Bhusawal
section, which I am doubtful whether they have tried running it or the
locos have failed to deliver the goods.
On a recent trip from Bombay to Calcutta by Gitanjali Express, I was told
by the person who removes the loco from Bom and attaches another one, that
WCAM3 HAS FAILED MISERABLY ON THE Igatpuri-Manmad- Bhusawal line.
In Calcutta I got to see a Beautiful loco WAM 1 ON THE New Delhi- Calcutta
Rajdhani Express. Wonder whether it was the ABB loco recently imported as
I could not speak to the driver. It was White with a red stripe in the
middle and looking very good. \
On the CR the 1005 DN VIDHARBA EXPRESS FOR NAGPUR has been given a new
look with a green and blue livelry n a grey and white dash in the middle.
Occassionaly I see the train with an ugly maroon coloured bogie in between
spoiling the whole show. Normally this train is headed by a WCAM 3.
The KR 0111 IS having a horrble colour and wonder who finalises colour
scheme for trains in the Rail Bhavan ? I also feel that the Pune Shatabdi
Express should be hauled by a WDM of the same colour as the train is
having only seven coaches and there is no need for an Iron horse like a
WCAM 2P/ 3 TO HAUL IT. Infact if need be a double headed Shatabdi would
look great on the Ghats and then onto Lonavla and Kamshet and Pune.
Imagine one Standing on the Hill near Kamshet to shoot a Double headed
Shatabdi approaching from a distance and then passing by you at a speed of
100KMPH.
Will get back with more info later, do write your views and let me know.
------- End of Forwarded Message
From: poras p.saklatwalla <pps@godrejnet.email
Subject: Hi ! Test message
Date: 24 Jan 1998 17:14:00 -0500
this is just to check whether the mail reaches you and the address is
correct. thanks,
PORAS P. SAKLATWALLA.
TEL NO. 577 3535/577 3636
EXTN. 4226/4232/4237.
E-MAIL. pps@godrejnet.email
From: P. Christener <PChristener@metronet.email
Subject: Re: WAM 1 loco on Delhi-Calcutta Rajdhani
Date: 24 Jan 1998 19:46:00 -0500
>You wrote ...
>
>In Calcutta I got to see a Beautiful loco WAM 1 ON THE New Delhi- Calcutta
>Rajdhani Express. Wonder whether it was the ABB loco recently imported as
>I could not speak to the driver. It was White with a red stripe in the
>middle and looking very good. \
>
I wonder if you have realy seen a WAM 1 locomotive, since the rest of the
clause matches perfectly to the 10 imported WAP 5 locomotives, which are
doing duty on the New Delhi - Calcutta Rajdhani-Expresses.
P. Christener
From: Jishnu Mukerji <jis@fpk.email
Subject: Re: From poras p.saklatwalla
Date: 24 Jan 1998 18:52:00 -0500
> In Calcutta I got to see a Beautiful loco WAM 1 ON THE New Delhi- Calcutta
> Rajdhani Express. Wonder whether it was the ABB loco recently imported as
> I could not speak to the driver. It was White with a red stripe in the
> middle and looking very good. \
>
Aren't those ABB high speed 3-Phase AC motors called WAP5 or WAP6 or
some such. I seem to recall that the ABB loco that I saw on the Howrah
Rajdhani was a WAP6 last February, but then my recollection of the exact
class designation may be wrong.
Jishnu.
From: Jishnu Mukerji <jis@fpk.email
Subject: Re: From poras p.saklatwalla
Date: 24 Jan 1998 18:52:00 -0500
> In Calcutta I got to see a Beautiful loco WAM 1 ON THE New Delhi- Calcutta
> Rajdhani Express. Wonder whether it was the ABB loco recently imported as
> I could not speak to the driver. It was White with a red stripe in the
> middle and looking very good. \
>
Aren't those ABB high speed 3-Phase AC motors called WAP5 or WAP6 or
some such. I seem to recall that the ABB loco that I saw on the Howrah
Rajdhani was a WAP6 last February, but then my recollection of the exact
class designation may be wrong.
Jishnu.
From: Prakash Tendulkar <prakash@jps.email
Subject: Konkan Rly finally gets on tracks
Date: 24 Jan 1998 17:28:00 -0500
Konkan Rly finally gets on tracks
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
MUMBAI, January 24: The massive Konkan Railway link cutting across
the Western Coast is finally complete with the total project cost
mounting to Rs 3,370-cr, a considerably high debt servicing burden
and even higher expectation of future profitability.
After too many hiccups, Konkan Railway engineers removed the last
hurdle by completing the Pernem tunnel in North Goa opening up the
760-km-long rail link between Roha and Mangalore. On January 26, a
DMU train would wind its way between Ratnagiri in Maharashtra and
Karwar in Karnataka.
The ambitious project undertaken on Build Operate and Transfer
(BOT) basis now enters the second and crucial phase of operation.
The operating phase begins with about Rs 210-cr debt servicing
burden and a challenge of raising working capital till the time
Konkan Railway Corporation begins to break even.
The whole project cost was initially estimated at around Rs 1042-
cr but delays and topographical difficulties effected the
Corporation spending Rs 3370-cr and the debt/equity ratio has
exceeded 4:1. Now the corporation would need to generate about Rs
300-cr every year to run its operations.
According to KRC's managing director B Rajaram, the corporation
would have to raise funds through short term loans from financial
institutions to bridge the revenue-outflow gap. As per today's
projections, the Corporation would be generating Rs 25 to 30 lakh
per day through passenger traffic and about Rs 90 lakh a day from
diverted freight traffic. The Corporation is expected to break
even in two years time, Rajaram said.
The Konkan railway is merely a corridor to take traffic diverted
from the existing long route on the South Central Railway. Yet
another problem that the KRC may face is the availability of
rolling stock. The Corporation does not have a rolling stock of
its own. It would have to depend on the Ministry of Railways to
procure wagons on lease. The zonal railways have been finding it
tough to get wagons in time.
However, according to Rajaram, the Konkan Railway would contribute
towards easing the wagon shortage as the corridor promises to
reduce the travelling time between North and South. For passenger
traffic the KRC has promising future plans. At present five trains
are running between various stations on the Konkan route. In
addition, Mumbai-Managalore/Kochi Netravati Express,
Rajkot/Gandhidham-Kochi/Trivandram Express, New Delhi Mangalore/
Kochi Mangala Express and Hazarat Nizammudin-Trivandram Rajdhani
would be diverted on the Konkan route. Besides, Mumbai-Goa
Shatabdi Express would also start once the trials are completed.
From: steven brown <able@ricochet.email
Subject: Re: Konkan Rly finally gets on tracks
Date: 24 Jan 1998 18:51:00 -0500
How will the rerouting of trains via Konkan Rly affect the fare structure?
As I understand it the distance tables are adjusted to show greater distance
than actual,the same as is done in the case of certain short distance
tourist oriented branch lines. Does this mean that fares will go up for
certain journeys even though the actual distance decreased. In some cases
will passengers have a choice of 2 routes and 2 fares? Does this also mean a
net loss in revenue to IR ? I'm not unhappy with the Konkan Rly I just
want to understand the effects especially since there is a posssibility of
further privatization in the future .
_______________________________________________
Steven Brown
Indian Railways Homepage <A HREF="http://www.trainweb.com/indiarail">http://www.trainweb.com/indiarail</A>
-----Original Message-----
From: Prakash Tendulkar <prakash@jps.email
To: India Railways <irfca@cs.email
Date: Saturday, January 24, 1998 9:36 PM
Subject: Konkan Rly finally gets on tracks
>Konkan Rly finally gets on tracks
> EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
>
>MUMBAI, January 24: The massive Konkan Railway link cutting across
>the Western Coast is finally complete with the total project cost
>mounting to Rs 3,370-cr, a considerably high debt servicing burden
>and even higher expectation of future profitability.
>
>After too many hiccups, Konkan Railway engineers removed the last
>hurdle by completing the Pernem tunnel in North Goa opening up the
>760-km-long rail link between Roha and Mangalore. On January 26, a
>DMU train would wind its way between Ratnagiri in Maharashtra and
>Karwar in Karnataka.
>
>The ambitious project undertaken on Build Operate and Transfer
>(BOT) basis now enters the second and crucial phase of operation.
>The operating phase begins with about Rs 210-cr debt servicing
>burden and a challenge of raising working capital till the time
>Konkan Railway Corporation begins to break even.
>
>The whole project cost was initially estimated at around Rs 1042-
>cr but delays and topographical difficulties effected the
>Corporation spending Rs 3370-cr and the debt/equity ratio has
>exceeded 4:1. Now the corporation would need to generate about Rs
>300-cr every year to run its operations.
>
>According to KRC's managing director B Rajaram, the corporation
>would have to raise funds through short term loans from financial
>institutions to bridge the revenue-outflow gap. As per today's
>projections, the Corporation would be generating Rs 25 to 30 lakh
>per day through passenger traffic and about Rs 90 lakh a day from
>diverted freight traffic. The Corporation is expected to break
>even in two years time, Rajaram said.
>
>The Konkan railway is merely a corridor to take traffic diverted
>from the existing long route on the South Central Railway. Yet
>another problem that the KRC may face is the availability of
>rolling stock. The Corporation does not have a rolling stock of
>its own. It would have to depend on the Ministry of Railways to
>procure wagons on lease. The zonal railways have been finding it
>tough to get wagons in time.
>
>However, according to Rajaram, the Konkan Railway would contribute
>towards easing the wagon shortage as the corridor promises to
>reduce the travelling time between North and South. For passenger
>traffic the KRC has promising future plans. At present five trains
>are running between various stations on the Konkan route. In
>addition, Mumbai-Managalore/Kochi Netravati Express,
>Rajkot/Gandhidham-Kochi/Trivandram Express, New Delhi Mangalore/
>Kochi Mangala Express and Hazarat Nizammudin-Trivandram Rajdhani
>would be diverted on the Konkan route. Besides, Mumbai-Goa
>Shatabdi Express would also start once the trials are completed.
>
From: Prakash Tendulkar <prakash@us.email
Subject: Re: Konkan Rly finally gets on tracks
Date: 26 Jan 1998 14:26:00 -0500
Steven
As I recollect from old days, one always had a choice to elect the
route when there were more than one. For example, one could travel
from Bombay to New Delhi either via Western Railway or Central
Railway. However, in case of Konkan Railway, things may change. If
they route a specific train on Konkan Railway tracks, there may or
may not be an easy alternative (unless someone is willing to change
the train 2 or 3 times.
Whether this will result in higher fare? Possible! I had heard that
to pay the huge debt, fares on Konkan Railway would be higher, even
though distances would be shorter. It did not matter so far because
the destinations covered by KR, never had a chance to see a train.
Can anyone shed light on fare structure of KR?
Prakash
Notes Address: Prakash Tendulkar/Santa Teresa/IBM@IBMUS
VM Address: IBMUSM50(PRAKASH)
Internet Address: prakash@us.email
Phone: (408)463-3536
able@ricochet.email on 01/24/98 06:07:28 PM
Please respond to able@ricochet.email @ internet
To: irfca@cs.email @ internet, prakash@jps.email @ internet
cc:
Subject: Re: Konkan Rly finally gets on tracks
How will the rerouting of trains via Konkan Rly affect the fare structure?
As I understand it the distance tables are adjusted to show greater distance
than actual,the same as is done in the case of certain short distance
tourist oriented branch lines. Does this mean that fares will go up for
certain journeys even though the actual distance decreased. In some cases
will passengers have a choice of 2 routes and 2 fares? Does this also mean a
net loss in revenue to IR ? I'm not unhappy with the Konkan Rly I just
want to understand the effects especially since there is a posssibility of
further privatization in the future .
_______________________________________________
Steven Brown
Indian Railways Homepage <A HREF="http://www.trainweb.com/indiarail">http://www.trainweb.com/indiarail</A>
From: sank <sank@telco.email
Subject: Re: From poras p.saklatwalla
Date: 27 Jan 1998 18:53:00 -0500
> ..................the Rajdhani was the double headed engine it had.
> Moreover I
> guess after Ratlam or Baroda this loco is replaced by another one which if
> I am not mistaken is WAM 1 OR 2.
On 15 Jan I took the Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express. It ran
withoutstopping up to Vadodara, and on this section the WCAM 2P touched
140 kmph on the AC section (I timed it using the trackside distance markers).
Also, from Vadodara it was replaced by one of the WAP series (didn't find
out which one as my car was in the rear, but it had the general slant-nose
look).
> The KR 0111 IS having a horrble colour and wonder who finalises colour
> scheme for trains in the Rail Bhavan ?
I agree !! We seem to be losing all sense of liveries on IR over recent
years.The Rajdhanis still look great though. Up to the 70s, on the NFR, some
rakes
used to have a brilliant blue livery (anyone remember the MG Avadh-Tirhut
Mail ?) rather than the ubiquitous dirty IR maroon). All have gone now.
--
Jayant S*ID Studio*TTIL*TELCO
Pimpri*Pune 411 018*INDIA*tel:91-212-774261 exn 2534
Email me at "sank@telco.email. Do NOT use your "reply" button !
From: sank <sank@telco.email
Subject: reply to poras p.saklatwalla
Date: 27 Jan 1998 18:55:00 -0500
>..................the Rajdhani was the double headed engine it had.
Moreover I
> guess after Ratlam or Baroda this loco is replaced by another one
which if
> I am not mistaken is WAM 1 OR 2.
On 15 Jan I took the Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express. It ran
withoutstopping up to Vadodara, and on this section the WCAM 2P touched
140 kmph on the AC section (I timed it using the trackside distance
markers).
Also, from Vadodara it was replaced by one of the WAP series (didn't
find
out which one as my car was in the rear, but it had the general
slant-nose
look).
> The KR 0111 IS having a horrble colour and wonder who finalises
colour
> scheme for trains in the Rail Bhavan ?
I agree !! We seem to be losing all sense of liveries on IR over recent
years.The Rajdhanis still look great though. Up to the 70s, on the NFR,
some rakes
used to have a brilliant blue livery (anyone remember the MG
Avadh-Tirhut
Mail ?) rather than the ubiquitous dirty IR maroon). All have gone now.
--
Jayant S*ID Studio*TTIL*TELCO
Pimpri*Pune 411 018*INDIA*tel:91-212-774261 exn 2534
Email me at "sank@telco.email. Do NOT use your "reply" button !
From: sank <sank@telco.email
Subject: [Fwd: Mysore Iron & Steel Works #10
Date: 27 Jan 1998 18:56:00 -0500
--
Jayant S*ID Studio*TTIL*TELCO
Pimpri*Pune 411 018*INDIA*tel:91-212-774261 exn 2534
Email me at "sank@telco.email. Do NOT use your "reply" button !
From: sank <sank@telco.email
Subject: [Fwd: E-mail group
Date: 27 Jan 1998 18:56:00 -0500
--
Jayant S*ID Studio*TTIL*TELCO
Pimpri*Pune 411 018*INDIA*tel:91-212-774261 exn 2534
Email me at "sank@telco.email. Do NOT use your "reply" button !
From: Siddhartha Joshi <siddha@phy.email
Subject: Re: reply to poras p.saklatwalla
Date: 27 Jan 1998 19:35:00 -0500
Hi All,
The Rajdhani has WCAM2p power till Baroda and WAP5/6 from there on.
Siddhartha
________________________________________________________________________________
On Tue, 27 Jan 1998 sank@telco.email wrote:
> >..................the Rajdhani was the double headed engine it had.
> Moreover I
> > guess after Ratlam or Baroda this loco is replaced by another one
> which if
> > I am not mistaken is WAM 1 OR 2.
>
> On 15 Jan I took the Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express. It ran
> withoutstopping up to Vadodara, and on this section the WCAM 2P touched
> 140 kmph on the AC section (I timed it using the trackside distance
> markers).
> Also, from Vadodara it was replaced by one of the WAP series (didn't
> find
> out which one as my car was in the rear, but it had the general
> slant-nose
> look).
>
> > The KR 0111 IS having a horrble colour and wonder who finalises
> colour
> > scheme for trains in the Rail Bhavan ?
>
> I agree !! We seem to be losing all sense of liveries on IR over recent
> years.The Rajdhanis still look great though. Up to the 70s, on the NFR,
> some rakes
> used to have a brilliant blue livery (anyone remember the MG
> Avadh-Tirhut
> Mail ?) rather than the ubiquitous dirty IR maroon). All have gone now.
>
> --
> Jayant S*ID Studio*TTIL*TELCO
> Pimpri*Pune 411 018*INDIA*tel:91-212-774261 exn 2534
> Email me at "sank@telco.email. Do NOT use your "reply" button !
>
>
>
From: Siddhartha Joshi <siddha@phy.email
Subject: Last of Steam.
Date: 27 Jan 1998 19:42:00 -0500
Hi All,
Yours truly and Bharat Vohra have just returned from a
fascinating trip to Mhow. A detailed report will follow, for now, here is
an important piece of info..
The steam shed will close down officially on the 31st of March.
However, the railways will begin getting rid of the stock anytime from
now on. At present there are 10 odd YP/YG's at Mhow shed, some in very
good nick indeed and some in dire need of help. Anyone interested in
restoration must get in touch with the relevant authorities asap.
The railways has no, repeat, no plans as of now to keep any of
these beauties running. They will be scrapped.
Siddhartha.
________________________________________________________________________________
From: steven brown <able@ricochet.email
Subject: Re: Steam Locos (continued)
Date: 27 Jan 1998 06:56:00 -0500
To continue this thread:
Regarding the idea of private effort to preserve steam locomotives: Here in
the US and also in Britain it seems
that most efforts started with the simple idea of saving certain types or
classes of locomotives, often the equipment was stored on private propery
for years before a permanent location could be found. In some cases it may
have taken as much as 20 years to find a permanent home and usable
trackage. The railways administration's attitude about steam locomotives
operation on main line track has also been variable. Some railways
initially took a very negative attitude, claiming that steam locomotives
might break down and delay other trains. Other railways were always
supportive of steam locomotive preservation efforts such as Union Pacific ,
Southern and Norfolk and Pacific. In Britain there was a flipflop on the
issue initailally the answer was "no steam on the main lines" but now steam
can be seen running into and out of London. If you don't get the answer you
want then
you haven't asked the question often enough!!! As for IR, it's a
hypothetical issue at this point, but there is no reason to assume that it
would be a problem. In some ways perhaps the better option is seperate
museum line,
perhaps parallel to a new broad guage line, that could operate as self
supporting tourist attraction. Here in the US most self supporting
operations use small locomotives, often on narrow guage. Large locomotives
only see active duty on special occasions.
India is fortunate to have it's 2 government operated railway museums, this
is more than most countries have. We should support and encourage the
existing effort, but at the same time if our efforts can save a locomotive
then I for one would be willing to donate $200(us) towards saving a
locomotive in danger. I would estimate/guess that the meter guage
locomotives would sell for as little as $2000 or $3000 ! Does anyone have an
accurate idea? I am assuming that steel might be worth about $100/ton.
__________________________________________________________________________
Steven Brown
Indian Railways Homepage httfp://www.trainweb.com/indiarail
-----Original Message-----
From: Siddhartha Joshi <siddha@phy.email
To: irfca@cs.email <irfca@cs.email
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 1998 12:41 AM
Subject: Re: WP Steam Locos
>
>Hallo Everybody,
>
>This is with reference to Shankar's mail.
>
>>> 1. You forget, my friend, India is as yet a DEVELOPING nation. There
>>> are n number of railfans in India, in fact, quite a few people
>>> regularly send "letters to the editor" in all leading
>>> newspapers,lamenting tragedies like hasty disposal of steam, railways
>>> in general etc.
>
>Our being a developing nation has nothing to do with it. More like the
>mindset that too many of us seem to have. We have a
>number of enthusiasts in every field spending large sums of money on their
>interests. What probably keeps (potential) steam loco enthusiasts from
>following working on restoring and running these steamers are land
>restrictions. To run even a short (say 10 - 30 km) line requires
>procurement of a large amount of land. What we require is a little
>innovation on the part of the railways. They could offer an incentive in
>providing some stretches of (maybe now unused ) rail track for running
>restored locos. Facilities will already exist. It makes absolutely no
>sense bringing a steam loco to working order and then putting it in a
>museum. A working loco belongs on the tracks.
>
>There was a line about procuring coal. There's no shortage of that either.
>And remember, we are not putting all the steam back on the tracks, just a
>handful of working locos.
>
>>> Last but not the least,info about rolling stock is very limited in
>>> India. Believe it or not,much of what I know about of India's railways
>>> is info gathered from FOREIGN BOOKS With that base,you start nosing
>>> around.
>
>Well, kudos to those guys who take the trouble to find out about our
>railways and write about them. No one here seems to have made the effort.
>So like it or not, FOREIGN BOOKS are the main source of our info.
>About private operators running these routes, I certainly hope they do !!
>That will be a better beginning than any.
>
>>> 3. Maybe YP (meter gauge passenger) locomotives are still around, a
>>> handful of them,as you say.The question is about the WP (broad gauge)
>>> engines,most of which were takenoff the rails ages ago.I really hope
>>> and pray that at least one is found somewhere,by miracle!
>
>YP's are still very much around. Running Ratlam, Indore, Mhow and the
>Rajkot-Verawal lines.
>
> Siddhartha.
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