This is LPG

This is an LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) special probably coming from Loni petrol receiving station towards Mumbai.

Tank1.jpg (65107 bytes) This train seems to be a composite of two independent rakes, half the train is four-wheeler tank wagon and the rest are eight-wheeler tank wagons. This is one of the 'brakeless' trains that run on short level sections between Daund and Lonavala. The term 'brakeless' refers to the absence of a guard's van (known as brake van) rather than a lack of devices to stop the train. The guard rides in the cab of the loco!
Tank2.jpg (64546 bytes) All hazardous trains (handling inflammable or explosive material) have at least one 'ordinary' wagon marshalled at both the ends of the train. The 'non-hazardous' wagon is supposed to handle the impact of any collision from either end. Note the 4-wheeler closed wagons marshalled directly behind the twin WDM2s of Pune shed for the same purpose.
Tank3.jpg (62850 bytes) Lack of a high platform forces the parcel guys to dump your precious goods right from the SLR (guard and parcel van in the passenger rake) onto the ground. An eighteen-coach train on platform 2 end at this point.
Tank4.jpg (78841 bytes) Detailed view of the leading loco. The long train proceeding towards the Mumbai-side Up yard.
Tank5.jpg (53854 bytes) Note the unequal spacing of the wheels of the WDM2. The larger gap contains two traction motors and the smaller gap has only one.
Tank6.jpg (57450 bytes) Speed restriction of crossover behind them, the locos now set out to gain speed. Note the guard sitting in the slave loco's cab.
Tank7.jpg (62570 bytes) String of four-wheeler LPG wagons going thud — thud on the rails.
Tank9.jpg (56141 bytes) The four wheeler section over, there are two flat cars (BFRs) to separate the rakes. Now the eight-wheeler section begins. The sound is thud thud — thud thud.
Tank8.jpg (64630 bytes) One more pic!
Tank10.jpg (59299 bytes) The last BFR forming the end of the train. The tail of BFR is adorned with the round "LV" plate and a red light. The 'LV' represents 'Last Vehicle'. The presence of this plate is proof that the train is intact and the wayside station staff make it a point to 'sight' this board. Absence of this board is treated like an emergency situation as it indicates that the 'load' has 'parted' and may be runaway or obstructing the track.

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