Pune - Chennai trips (Sept 2000 and June 2001) [page 2]

WDG2 locomotives

wdg2.jpg (81040 bytes) A pair of Gooty shed WDG2s approach the fuel pit at Guntakal.
wdg2_1.jpg (76580 bytes) The WDG2s are hardworking and unassuming diesel freight powers of the IR. These design of these locos are based on the WDM2 but features many modifications to optimise the characteristics for freight use.
wdg2_2.jpg (70323 bytes) Some of the modifications are: 3100 HP prime mover, AC/DC transmission, high-adhesion bogies, left-hand seating, high-capacity fuel and lube oil tanks, better suspension, wheel-type throttle…
wdg2_5.jpg (85854 bytes) wdg2_4.jpg (102099 bytes) wdg2_3.jpg (90266 bytes) At the south east exit of Guntakal Jn. — Most are kept sparkling clean and well maintained.
wdg2_6.jpg (56847 bytes) wdg2_7.jpg (82456 bytes) wdg2_8.jpg (89888 bytes) Locos, usually working as a multiple united pair along the route.
wdg2_9.jpg (67275 bytes) wdg2_10.jpg (109667 bytes) The earlier 'balding forehead' version. The new locos have the standard angular hoods.
wdg2_11.jpg (52011 bytes) At the entrance of Renigunta. Almost all the WDG2s are in this orange or red livery. Exceptions can be seen from the Erode shed, which sport the standard gray and red livery of that shed.

Pics around Gooty

wds6.jpg (93869 bytes) A WDS6 of the Guntakal shed waits outside Gooty shed. This 1200 HP loco carries the 6-cylinder Alco inline of the YDM4, and consequentially has the same guttural purr. At 126 t, it is heavier than the 114 t of the WDM2! There are steel and concrete blocks in the loco frame to increase the weight. This is essential for its role as a heavy shunter.
wdg4.jpg (71526 bytes) The big boy in the section, the 4000 HP, AC/AC transmission equipped WDG4 (EMD GT46 MAC). These locos can stay on duty for 90 days at a stretch compared to the 10 days of a standard WDM2. Standing alongside a pair of WDG2s at Cuduppah.
gy.jpg (61866 bytes) The simple triangle used by the Gooty shed for reversing locomotives, located at the Guntakal end of the shed.
gy1.jpg (77669 bytes) Gooty WDM2 # 16716 moves into the fueling section of its home shed.
gy2.jpg (89846 bytes) From the yellow decal below the cab, it is evident that this is a Briganza ghat special locos equipped with 'auto emergency brakes'. Most of the GY WDM2s have been transferred to the GTL shed. Today the GY shed holds a large population of sparkling WDG2s.
gyexit.jpg (78110 bytes) The 6011 power opens up after reaching the main line, southbound from Gooty.

WDP1 at Guntakal

wdp1.jpg (88974 bytes) This is the Kazipet WDP1 # 15056 which has hauled in the short Hyderabad - Guntur - Guntakal passenger.
wdp1_1.jpg (78775 bytes) More 'balding forehead' short hoods — the WDP1 was advertised as a "fast 2300 HP intercity express locomotive", it lacked the dynamic brakes. The lack of a grill in the short hood front and top for the blower emphasizes the the ugly short hood even more.
wdp1_2.jpg (77080 bytes) Barely visible in the earlier and this pic are the odd single wheel sets — this is a BOBO with single wheels and lacks the fluid grace of a WDM2 or a WDG2 bogie/truck. Note the reversed seating arrangement (driver's glass on the left, door on the right in the direction of the travel).
wdp1_3.jpg (80933 bytes) This model was not very successful, due to bogie and frame problems. The midrange power does not find much use today, except for maybe the HYB - GNT - GTL passenger :-)

Rock formations along the railway line

land.jpg (77162 bytes) Lonely barren hills near Raichur. The trip has many lofty, barren mountains along side.
land1.jpg (43008 bytes) land2.jpg (57086 bytes) More hills near Puttur. That place has the traditional bone setters of the area. With hills such as these, I suppose orthopædic accidents must be common which has led to development of the traditional skills to cure them.

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