 |
This the accident relief rake of Daund. It consists of a
materials van, tools van, 65 tonne steam crane, medical relief van
and crew carriages. It must be 'stabled' on an 'open' line whose
both ends are free of any other 'loads', thus allowing quick setup
if a mishap were to occur. One of the details visible in this
picture is the yellow 'Ground Exhauster' pipe near the BFR flat
wagon. The 'Ground Exhauster' is a feature of all great marshaling
yards. It is connected to a vacuum plant and simulates the
exhauster of a locomotive to adjust the brake system of a freight
rake before it is sent on a run, specially down a ghat where good
brake power is vital. Daund Jn. has only 'island' platforms
(surrounded on all sides by tracks) and the long overbridge leads
the sleepy town to their star attraction, their vibrant
station. |
 |
Blast from the past - a non 'integral' coach (built up on a
frame) coupled just behind the medical relief van. These coaches
are vintage 1950s-60s and found only on such irregular rakes. What
must be the function of the rod that is below the frame? It seems
to have an adjustment of sorts. In the immidiate vicinity other
accident relief rakes are available at Byculla (Mumbai), Guntakal,
Secundrabad and Bhusawal. |
 |
The famous ' Veer Bhimsen', the 65 tonne Cowen & Sheldon
steam crane of Daund Jn. The view of the front part of the crane
showing the four wheeler (quite an antique by its own right) that
rests the jib. The TK tank wagon holds the water required by the
crane's boiler. Note the flexible water pipe between the TK and the
boiler visible near the buffers. To fire up and attain working
pressure takes 4 hours, thus the Veer Bhimsen and many other steam
cranes are scheduled to be replaced by modern self propelled Diesel
cranes from Gottwald. |
 |
The boiler of the crane: When the Daund breakdown crew goes to
work, the lead loco honks its horns as does the Veer Bhimsen which
has its own steam whistle. |
