tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87263506533751513492024-03-13T12:02:47.617-07:00RAILWAYS OF THE RAJRavindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-56600084573133100232022-09-15T21:15:00.001-07:002022-09-15T21:16:50.103-07:00The Narrow Gauge Rail Museum of Nagpur<p> FOR MANY PEOPLE Motibagh is synonymous with the former South Eastern Railway's establishment here in Nagpur. Coming down from Kadbi Square you couldn't help being so much a part of the railway and its doings : there was the South Eastern Railway Health Centre, the Railway Institute, the workshop and the diesel loco sheds, the railway quarters and the stadium. Motibagh is set in railwayland ; it lies at the junction of a network of criss-crossing rail tracks some laid above the others, and not far from the ever present D-cabin that lies on the main line to Bilaspur and easily seen from the roadway. It can all be seen from the road itself -- even the steam loco shed of the South Eastern Railway. </p><p>This was how things stood many years ago. Then came the move to do away with steam power and the old steam shed was left to itself, abandoned, forlorn and uncared for. When I had been to see the crumbling edifice a long time back there were no locos in sight, but I could see plaster peeling from the walls, and a list of engine types and numbers which went to make up the holding of the shed.</p><p>That was how the steam shed of Motibagh stood some two decades back. Today the building still stands but bears an altogether different look. The structure was renovated years ago, the yard was demolished and landscaped, a fountain was installed, trees and shrubs planted. This great centre of steam motive power never did vanish altogether ; it was made into a receptacle worthy to house relics belonging to the narrow gauge railway network of the Satpura Lines. The snore and heave and clang of steam have long since vanished ; today in its place we find a quiet public park with lawns and gravel pathways, soft music pouring from loudspeakers, and a modest collection of narrow gauge rolling stock and engines on display. This is the South East Central Railway's Narrow Gauge Museum in Nagpur.</p><p>Notwithstanding the visitors' book which heaps lavish comments on the collection held by the museum, the true heritage enthusiast is going to be somewhat disappointed with the exhibits he finds here. And with good reason too, for no matter what one may say, the heritage buff looks upon a rail museum as the repository of a variety of steam locomotives, and the Nagpur museum is lamentably poor in this respect. Besides a diesel hydraulic loco housed indoors you have two -- just two steam locos in possession of the museum. But this could perhaps be an intentional feature. Had a dozen or more steam locos been brought in for display, this would hardly have served to promote the place as an evening resort, and the Nagpur museum brings in a greater part of its revenue from families and groups who arrive to spend an evening in the amusement park. The railway is only of incidental interest here ; for the great majority of people who throng the place, the exhibits only serve as a bonus attraction, something that is viewed as a curiosity and nothing more.</p><p>Moving on then to more specific details, the principal indoor exhibit is a 0-6-4 Bagnall No. 5 narrow gauge tank engine built in 1916 by Bagnall Limited of England. Enthusiasts love this old tank and some, armed with cameras, have even been seen to climb up on chairs to get a proper view of the Ramsbottom safety valve high up on the boiler.</p><p>Outdoors we find a 4-6-2 Class CC No. 677 built by the North British Locomotive Company of Glasgow in 1907, and this together with the Bagnall held indoors completes the steam loco collection of the museum. A few more steam locos would certainly have been an added attraction. ZEs were extensively used on the Satpura Lines and one of this kind reposes in the Motibagh workshop next door, while a Class BS 615 leads a solitary existence within the gates of the narrow gauge diesel shed not far away, both of which were eminently suited to occupy a place in the museum yard.</p><p>But let it not be supposed that the museum is entirely without charm on this account. The designers were indeed imaginative and if one will but step behind the CC 677 he will find a delightful water column erected at the precise spot for the locomotive to have its drink. There is beauty and innovation here amidst apparent frugality.</p><p>In the matter of rolling stock, however, the narrow gauge museum does exhibit a remarkable variety. Besides an oil tanker we may find here a steam crane of Italian make, a narrow gauge covered bogie wagon built by Pickering & Company of Glasgow in 1915, and of still older vintage, a 4-wheeler covered wagon of tare weight 5 tonnes built by the Bengal Nagpur Railway in 1904. Passenger carriages include a postal van and a first class carriage both dating back to 1958 and built at the Motibagh workshop itself, and a royal saloon once used by the Maharaja of Paralakimedi and manufactured by Orenstein & Koppel in 1899.</p><p>Ths enthusiast is going to be delighted with the tiny narrow gauge "yard" here complete with turnouts and a level crossing gate where these items of rolling stock are laid out on parallel tracks. Nearby loom trees and shrubs, an undulating landscape with a well laid out lawn, water taps -- this is the spot for picnickers and families. Indeed the goods brake van in the yard proves to be the ideal spot for lunch and some of the museum staff regularly retire to the convenience of the brake in the afternoons for this very purpose.</p><p>The most extensive range of railway paraphernalia may however be found only indoors at the Nagpur rail museum. The visitor who steps inside is confronted with a vast collection, and indeed, the very first impression we get is of a bewildering array of artefacts arranged in showcases in a set of galleries. The whole railway were, as it were, taken apart, even dissected into bits and pieces and laid out for all to see.</p><p>But even amidst the chaos that reigns here there is beauty for the beholder. Whilst steam engine details make very little sense to the uninitiated, there is this charming little blackened wick lamp from the house of A. C. Wells & Company that once gave its light when the boiler of an engine had to be inspected from within. Amongst builders plates we may come upon names such as "Stableford & Company Limited, Carriage and Wagon Builders, Leicester" and "The Metropolitan Amalgamated Railway Carriage and Wagon Company Limited, Birmingham". For the collector of railway memorabilia, the indoor galleries provide an endless source of pleasure. There are surveying instruments used in bygone times and various kinds of mechanical signalling equipment including a pair of semaphore arms and a spectacle plate carrying red and green glasses ; we find vintage carriage electric lamps and fans ; and besides there is a vast collection of signalling lamps used for a variety of purposes all working on kerosene and so delightful to behold. The railways have certainly done a good job of salvaging precious old relics from the heap of rubble that lay accumulated as the old gave way to the new ; one can even find Edmondson ticket machines on display here, an entire ticket booking window salvaged from some old station, a pretty ticket tube, and telephone and telegraph equipment dating back to the days of steam.</p><p>It would take a whole booklet to catalogue the full collection held by the Narrow Gauge Rail Museum of Nagpur. We remarked at the outset that it is a rather unfortunate state of affairs that the museum has on display but two steam locomotives and no more. However, what a dozen or more idle steam engines on display could not bring about in the mind of the heritage enthusiast has been amply achieved by the exhibits on display indoors : the permanent way inspector's trolley, waiting room chairs, refreshment room chinaware, and vintage photographs -- these and a hundred other aretefacts serve to bring alive the quaint charm of India's steam age here as no assemblage of steam locomotives standing in a yard by itself could have done.</p><p>..............................</p><p><i>Ravindra Bhalerao</i></p>Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-51207377470664515882019-09-17T22:39:00.000-07:002019-09-17T22:46:05.922-07:00Bombarci : The Early Days<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dear Mr.
Bhalerao,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
rummaging through a deceased uncle's trove of old photos, I came across a
photograph of the "Bombarci", the BB&CI Rly Agent's bungalow that
my great uncle supervised the construction of. The photograph is dated June
1926 and is annotated with the legend: From Sir Earnest and Lady Jackson to B.
P.Oka, supervisor in charge of construction of Bombarci". Please note that
the agent (General Manager, in those days) was Sir Ernest Jackson, who played a
vital role in the formation of the BB&CI ( today's Western) Railway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A copy of
the photo is attached. Perhaps, not the best copy, the photo having been taken
with a smartphone and then copied to a laptop, but it is the best I have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I was
wondering if you could shed some light on the building, its history and its
present condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Warm
regards,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Koustubh
Oka</span><br />
<br />
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<br />Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-79696265446684151302018-07-04T05:05:00.000-07:002018-07-04T23:29:57.920-07:00Twenty Years of Indian Steam<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Steaming
On </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> edited by J. L. Singh and Abhimanyu Shaunik; Indian Steam Railway Society, New Delhi; 2017; pages 230. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">..................................................</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">ONE REASON
WHY MANI'S VISITS are something to look forward to is that he has been
something of a Santa Claus of late. Each time Mani (or Shri Abhimanyu Shaunik,
if you like) drops in my hometown, he gets along something that whets my
appetite for the railways and its doings. Its amazing to see how it can act as
a catalyst in my never ending quest for discovering yet another facet of the
Railways of the Raj.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgtgMnWY83U/Wzy8kBYC9iI/AAAAAAAADpM/e5WpFyo60qYXyR_1o5v2mSP5SrNFpUxDACLcBGAs/s1600/shaunik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgtgMnWY83U/Wzy8kBYC9iI/AAAAAAAADpM/e5WpFyo60qYXyR_1o5v2mSP5SrNFpUxDACLcBGAs/s200/shaunik.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Having
dubbed him as Santa, let no one imagine that Mani arrives here at Christmas
time dressed in a red cape with white fur trim. Nothing of the kind. Shri
Abhimanyu is a top class businessman ; as General Manager of Palas Software
Private Limited he is at times required to be on the move, often taking along
with him a team of company executives to assist him in his work. Last time he
was here he brought along a pair of large coffee mugs imprinted with the Rail
Enthusiasts' Society logo. This time it was something more substantial. It was
a book called "Steaming On" , a 230 page treatise that would cheer
the heart of any steam train buff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Steaming
On</i> couldn't fail to delight me as has every other bit of railway memorabilia Mr
Shaunik has got along for me. Here is a book that has not been authored by a
single individual ; rather it is a collection of writings that have appeared in
the dozen or more issues of the Indian Steam Railway Society's journal. Among
its contributors may be found engine drivers and General Managers, writers and
photographers, college professors and historians. Each one writes using his own
slant, each exhibits his own specialized interest, his own fascination within
the limitless vistas of the field known to us by the name of railway heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Consequently,
<i>Steaming On</i> is free of the monotony we have come to expect in works authored by
a single person. Steaming On is a lively voice, a tremendous entertainment
where each piece of writing appears to be elbowing out the others in an effort
to get the reader's attention. And what a marvellous collection of topics maybe
found here! Here at one end we have the scholarly figure of Ranjit Mathur who
sets out the facts and figures pertaining to the varied classes of steam
locomotives that once ran on Indian soil. If this sounds too technical, we may
skip over pages to find members of the Darjeeling Hill Railway Society
chattering excitedly over a rare streamlined baby engine that once made its
appearance on the DHR many years ago, while still another is here to tell us of
his adventures high up in the hills looking for the grave of his icon, the
legendary Barog saab who was assigned the task of building the famed Kalka
Simla Railway. There is no lack of variety here. Peter Foster may be heard chirping
from afar expresing concern over the government's proposal to rename A. H.
Wheeler, while Tathagata Chatterji prefers to pen an ode to the BNR Hotel of
Puri. Others like the late Mr Kashyap are more down to earth ; having been a
driver himself he finds his supreme pleasure in telling us of the long road to
travel before a newcomer to a steam shed could hope to man a mainline express
engine. And Siddhartha Joshi and Bharat Vohra -- don't they come across as
excited youngsters jumping onto the Frontier Mail hoping to catch a glimpse of
the last remnants of steam in Mhow? These two boys are desperate ; they are in
earnest, and their enthusiasm spills over into theirs writings.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are
others who seem to be calm and collected as they write their memoirs. I liked
Harshvardhan's "The End of an Era" where this veteran enthusiast
tells us in his own quiet way the tale of two enginemen he knew. Or yet again,
we have the late Mr Sinha taking us back on a nostalgic tour of the days when
as a trainee officer on the Indian Railways, he would receive practical
training on board the footplate of the mighty engine that pulled the Grand
Trunk Express.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Indian
Steam Railway Society has been around for over two decades, a sure haven for
all those souls who found India's fast disappearing fleet of steam locomotives
gave them cause for distress and anguish. The opening chapter of the book tells
the tale of how it all began, how a group of enthusiasts met in a hotel room
and decided that something needed to be done to rescue the steam age from
slipping away into oblivion unsung. Present amongst the group was Shri Ashwani
Lohani, then Director of the National Rail Museum, and a keen heritage
enthusiast himself. Under the able leadership of this ambitious and enterprising
railwayman, then, was born India's first railway heritage society. It was named
the Friends of the National Rail Museum as it was conceived as a group mainly
concerned with the preservation of the exhibits at the museum. It soon became
apparent, however, that the interests served by the newly formed society were
confined to a dismally narrow sphere of activity, and that if the cause of
railway heritage was to be furthered, it could only be done effectively through
an agency whose professed aims went far beyond those adopted by the FNRM.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Consequently,
a few years down the line a new society came into being ; it was named the
Indian Steam Railway Society and its objectives were to bring together
enthusiasts, disseminate knowlege of railway heritage and insofar as it
was possible, help the railways to see the immense potential that lay in
running steam services on its tracks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Like the
FNRM, membership of the newly formed steam society never really swelled to
large numbers ; it would always remain a small band of loyal followers who sang
their ditties to the rails of old. But the society brought out an adorable
four-page newsletter crammed with interesting findings in the world of steam
locomotion. There were reports on the latest engines being shunted out of duty,
memoirs, technical articles, besides various other pieces dealing with sundry
railway memorabilia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The ISRS
newsletter was at this time being edited by Shri Harshvardhan, of whom it has
been said that he was the "backbone of the steam preservation
movement" in those days. Harshvardhan was a keen aficionado of steam
railways, a near authority on all that was happening in the world of steam, and
his newsletter kept us pretty well informed of anything that took place worthy
of note.</span><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmnzFm10bAE/Wz2zqJJ1jHI/AAAAAAAADqE/CgZmGKfOz6UkVc_yjYomum5HGej2eICcACLcBGAs/s1600/Arrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="820" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmnzFm10bAE/Wz2zqJJ1jHI/AAAAAAAADqE/CgZmGKfOz6UkVc_yjYomum5HGej2eICcACLcBGAs/s320/Arrival.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harshvardhan was a steam engine researcher<br />
and a keen observer of everything<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">that happened on the steam scenario</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">At about
this time we were also to make a startling discovery ; for the steam railways
of India seemed to have cast a spell of charm that went far beyond the
geographical boundaries of the country, and there were quite a few living in
far away lands who rejoiced, even gloried, in our steam trains. We had David
Barrie and Terry Martin of the DHRS arguing persuasively for steam services on
the Darjeeling Hill Railway ; there was John King educating us on the varied
features of Edmondson tickets to be found in different railway zones across the
country ; and who would not be delighted with the memoirs of Reginald Sowler
who kept a diary of his rail travels while he served here as a private in
the army during World War II ? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
railway movement had now begun to gather momentum. Members of the ISRS met
together at the National Rail Museum each month, and when November came round,
everyone looked forward to a fun-packed 3-day steam convention held at the same
venue. When Shri Tathagata Chatterji took over as editor, the society
newsletter had grown from a puny four page printed handout to a 12 page
publication. The time seemed ripe for better things and the society decided to
have a proper magazine befitting its status as the country's premier railway
society.</span><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACdEB4J_m7w/Wzy9tmLBKWI/AAAAAAAADpk/xpaR9gP5Ggs6hMRz5bybHRKjJe-qKydGACLcBGAs/s1600/FORM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACdEB4J_m7w/Wzy9tmLBKWI/AAAAAAAADpk/xpaR9gP5Ggs6hMRz5bybHRKjJe-qKydGACLcBGAs/s400/FORM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Form of application for membership of the<br />
Indian Steam Railway Society</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
"Indian Steam Railways Magazine" got off to a flying start and there
were plans initially to sell copies aboard the Rajdhani express trains. It is
worth noting that the ISRS magazine was named in tribute to a well respected
publication called the Indian State Railways Magazine which thrived in the
1920s and 30s dedicated to railway matters and tourism ; and indeed, the new
magazine carried a feature known as the Treasure Hunt which reproduced in
facsimile some of the more striking writings from the latter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the
heritage enthusiast these years were undoubtedly a time of great excitement.
Shri Ashwani Lohani's labours had borne fruit resulting in the Fairy Queen
being reconditioned to run tourist specials from Delhi to Alwar, and equally
significant, Lohani had conceived and directed the transformation of the
disused shed in Rewari into a top class steam loco maintenance facility. These
remarkable accomplishments would further spur enthusiasm, and the Indian Steam
Railways Magazine faithfully reflected the upbeat mood. Besides the usual
features a steam glossary was added to the magazine ; this would be in addition
to two very pretty features newly introduced, namely, a half-page devoted to
rail humour, and a charming little section called "Echoes of the Past"
where readers could send in any railway pictures from their personal archives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Browsing
through old issues of the ISRS journals is an enriching experience opening up a
window to railwayland when steam led the way in all its might and glory. That
glory and splendour have long since vanished never to return, and yet we may
think over it in moments of quiet solitude and rejoice. We may inspect what is
being done on the preservation front, we can visit railway museums and heritage
galleries, take a trip on steam run tourist specials. Or we may turn instead to
books devoted to heritage and history to savour the richness of India's steam
age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Steaming
On</i> is a delightful compilation of writings that have appeared in the ISRS
journals over the past twenty years, and has been prepared with this object in
view. Both the opening of the Rewari Steam locoshed and the launch of the
Indian Steam Railways Magazine were important events in the history of the
ISRS, and in Steaming On we have yet another milestone we can be proud
of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some books
have a message, others inspire hope. Steaming On seems to do both. As India's
steam age drew to a close, it left many distraught, and there were a great many
who looked upon the change as a great irreparable loss. To all such folks
Steaming On beckons invitingly to share in the adventure. The pretty Darjeeling
engine on the front cover speaks to us, inspiring hope : "Never mind what
has happened, I will keep Steaming On..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QoapPrISA4s/Wz20DTl9o5I/AAAAAAAADqM/TWCv8mcMBkQmurpHZvLGdsPrlbN0ng4vwCLcBGAs/s1600/Advt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="991" height="236" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QoapPrISA4s/Wz20DTl9o5I/AAAAAAAADqM/TWCv8mcMBkQmurpHZvLGdsPrlbN0ng4vwCLcBGAs/s320/Advt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">...................................</span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ravindra Bhalerao</span></i>Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-56998190245561485552018-06-25T22:39:00.001-07:002022-03-05T06:48:29.134-08:00Portrait of a Model Railway Enthusiast<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">THE YOUNG LAD STOOD before the towering 'wada' that stood next to his home. He had but to
step out of his home to spend an evening with his friends who lived in the wada
belonging to Jhandelwal saab. His boyhood was spent in the idyllic surroundings
of the wada, amidst cries of play and the long silences of evening. Today
as he gazed up at the palatial home his heart missed a beat. For it was Ganpati
Utsav time, and Sitalamata Bazar where he lived was alive with color and
excitement. The 'jhankis' or colourful tableaux set up during these days were a
great favourite with the kids, but this time Jhandelwal saab had set up the
most unusual jhanki in his home. It was a model rail jhanki -- a live
exhibition featuring an HO gauge electric train set he had brought from
England. How dazzling were the lights shining onto those coloured trains and
engines as they playfully purred along on the oval track! It was a show that
enthralled both children and grown-ups alike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4TjmLTSdGs/WzyvZlzs4jI/AAAAAAAADnk/_SnLcF2BrRY7EhV7cdZrNM9_D7V53zzmQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bang.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4TjmLTSdGs/WzyvZlzs4jI/AAAAAAAADnk/_SnLcF2BrRY7EhV7cdZrNM9_D7V53zzmQCLcBGAs/s200/Bang.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The city
of Indore where Narsingh Das grew up was a quiet place in those days, a far cry
from the malls, the multiplex cinemas and expressways that are now so much a
part of city life. Traditionally Indore has been the seat of great cultural
activity. The excitement reached a crescendo at Ganpati festival time when a
never ending string of performances -- the mushairas, kavi sammelans, and
various other programmes were staged by Ganpati Mandals spread across the city.
The whole town wore a festive air during those ten memorable days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A notable
feature of the ongoing celebrations was the 'jhanki' -- colourful tableaux done
up with great taste, each depicting a theme and lit with bright incandescent
lamps. These jhankis were hugely popular and families could be seen strolling
at leisure till as late as midnight in the market place moving along from one
jhanki to the next.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Growing up
in a place so vibrant with art and culture had a decided influence on the young
boy. Today as he stood watching the model train staged in Jhandelwal saab's
wada he was entranced. The trains, diminutive in size, whizzing along tracks
and halting at tiny stations on the way, captured his imagination as
nothing else had done before. Already a train enthusiast, young Narsingh Das
was siezed with an irresistible desire. He decided that one day not far in the
future he must go on to set up his own model railway show. He would not be a
mere spectator, but would own his own model railway and would hold his own
shows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Narsingh
Das Bang was but a lad of 15 when he dreamed his great dream. He was born in a
business family living in the Sitalamata Bazar area of Indore. His father Shri
Ramakishanji Bang was an industrious man who owned a wholesale kirana business
in Siyaganj Mandi, a business area of the town. Narsingh Das finished school
and went on to join Holkar Science College graduating with a degree in Science
in 1966. It was thought that like his brother Narayan Das who held a master's
degree in Commerce, Narsingh Das would go on to take higher education but
things did not work out as planned and this together with family constraints
made the young man abandon plans for further education and instead he joined
his father and brothers in the family owned wholesale kirana business. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Over the
next forty years Shri Bang would remain in Indore doing business. His work
ethics and fairness in dealings made him a highly respected member of the
business community of the town. During his career as a wholesale merchant
he has been the recipient of several honours ; in 1990 he was elected to the
much coveted chair of President of the Siyaganj Wholesale Kirana Merchants'
Association.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A year
after he joined the family business, Narsingh Dasji's world revolved around one
overriding concern, and this was to excel in business. The turning point in his
life came when his elder brother Purushottamji presented him with a battery
operated HO gauge train set made by Crown Railway of Bombay. The year was 1975
and for Narsingh Das it was long cherished dream come true. It was a memorable
year in his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The train
set could not have come at a more opportune moment. It was Ganpati Utsav time
and Narsingh Das and his brothers lost no time in setting up their show using a
plywood baseboard measuring 6 feet by 12 feet which was erected in front of the
home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It was
full fledged tableau. When evening came and the lights were switched on,
visitors were delighted to see a colourful panorama of a toy train threading
its way through points and crossings, making its way through stations, and
rumbling over bridges and viaducts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVwW55Pre-g/WzywVnCE1AI/AAAAAAAADn8/OOkklKG_q00x2w4Rn_a6pkB3WqoLMtOHwCLcBGAs/s1600/Crown7879.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="628" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVwW55Pre-g/WzywVnCE1AI/AAAAAAAADn8/OOkklKG_q00x2w4Rn_a6pkB3WqoLMtOHwCLcBGAs/s320/Crown7879.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crown Railway jhanki held at Ganpati<br />
festival in 1978</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The jhanki
was a runaway success, drawing 'oohs' and 'aahs' from the crowds who thronged
the stall throughout the evening. It was truly a novel idea, for nowhere in
town would you come upon a tableau at festival time with a train as its theme.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The model
train diorama gave its owner as much pleasure as it did to the visitors to the
stall. Narsingh Das Bang's mission was now clear. He knew he must hold his
exhibition each year when festival time came round. He would use his model
railway both to entertain visitors as well as to impart to them a knowledge of
the way a railway was run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Narsingh
Dasji's fascination with staging model rail dioramas has never waned and with
each passing year he has added improvements to his layout. Beginning with a
Crown Railway train set, he has now moved on to Marklin which is known for its
authentic detail and fine workmanship. He now owns an impressive layout in his
home complete with figures, homes and streets.</span></div>
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<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EYOMdK50Q0/WzyxVKgRhMI/AAAAAAAADoQ/vhmxTPkSQtU4TZwU3zApVWXjA9dhQnDEQCLcBGAs/s1600/jhanki8081-H.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="663" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EYOMdK50Q0/WzyxVKgRhMI/AAAAAAAADoQ/vhmxTPkSQtU4TZwU3zApVWXjA9dhQnDEQCLcBGAs/s1600/jhanki8081-H.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Much of
what Shri Bang owns today on his model railway originated in two purchases he
made in the early 1980s. He loves to recall how he discovered Marklin :
"In 1982 I had been to Bombay where I visited the Crown Railway factory in
Andheri and met the owner Mr Ashwin Mehta. Mehta's unit produced battery
operated HO gauge train sets copying certain English designs. My meeting with
Mehta proved to be fruitful and he soon became a friend. He even gave me a copy
of a Marklin model train catalogue he had with him."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The model
catalogue deeply impressed Narsingh Das and he began to hope he would be able
to get a Marklin train set for himself. Fortune seemed to favour him for barely
had a few months passed after his return to Indore when the phone rang in his
home. It was Ashwin Mehta on the line and he had good news to share about a
Parsi family in Bombay who wished to sell their HO gauge Marklin train layout.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And so
Narsingh Dasji found himself in Bombay once again. He visited the Parsi home
where he inspected the layout and its rolling stock and locomotives. The model
railway seemed to be in good order and he purchased the whole set for a sum of
Rs 7000. He was now the proud owner of a top grade HO model railway !<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He was now
on very close terms with Mehta. "I was new to the world of model railways
and Mehta gave me my first lessons in this fascinating hobby," he tells
us. "Mehta also gave me addresses of 15 German model train manufacturers.
I wrote to all these firms and ordered their catalogues. " <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Correspondence
with Germany revealed that Marklin had its distributor in Hong Kong. In 1985
Narsingh Dasji planned a trip that would help him pick out the precise models
he was looking for. He had a relation staying in Hong Kong working for the
diamond trade with an office in Bombay. He bought $ 3000 from his relation at a
rate of Rs 17 per dollar (the exchange rate at that time was only Rs 12). Thus
armed with finances Narsingh Dasji was able to make a trip to Hong Kong and
finally returned with all the model railway parphernalia he had wished to have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">On his
return to India Shri Bang turned his attention to staging shows on a large
scale. He was now in possession of an extensive collection featuring both HO
and 1 gauge layouts. In 1986 residents of Indore were startled by newspaper
reports of a grand model railway exhibition to be held in the Sitalamata Bazar
area of the town. This time the jhanki was quite different from the ones he had
staged thus far ; it was larger in scale, and it was inaugurated by the Mayor
of the city himself in a glittering function attended by prominent citizens and
important personalities. "My show was open for the general public for a
whole month," remembers Narsingh Dasji. It was a momentous event, one that
townsfolk would remember for a long time to come. 'Jhanki wale' they would call
him, for Narsingh Dasji had established his reputation as the lovable model
railway showman of the town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6IHGKg6EuE/Wzyy_v0o9PI/AAAAAAAADok/AXBJbVYnGYsb3GxM4pkuO03gv6CsyZ87ACLcBGAs/s1600/MarkSehoreColl8283.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="657" height="144" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6IHGKg6EuE/Wzyy_v0o9PI/AAAAAAAADok/AXBJbVYnGYsb3GxM4pkuO03gv6CsyZ87ACLcBGAs/s200/MarkSehoreColl8283.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Collector of Sehore at the<br />
rail exhibition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Invitations
asking him to stage his shows elsewhere soon began to pour in. "A group of
people had arrived in Indore to see the model railway all the way from
Sehore," remembers Narsingh Das. "They were greatly pleased with the
rail jhanki and asked me if I could arrange a show in their own town."
And so when Navratri came along Narsingh Dasji and his friends packed up
their boxes and carried the whole set to Sehore not far from Bhopal for a 10
day show. "Transportation and boarding cost nearly Rs 10,000 which was
borne by our hosts," he recalls. "As in Indore, my show here proved
to be a popular attraction and the whole town turned up to watch the jhanki.
Amongst the visitors was Virendrakumarji Saklecha, a leading politician.
Everthing went well as planned and the show turned out to be a grand
success."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-pXgvRZ_WY/WzyyufP0rNI/AAAAAAAADoc/3DqRRLfAT7QHaSE-xZmYJxBOHyXzvXYSQCLcBGAs/s1600/MarkSehore8283yard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="650" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-pXgvRZ_WY/WzyyufP0rNI/AAAAAAAADoc/3DqRRLfAT7QHaSE-xZmYJxBOHyXzvXYSQCLcBGAs/s400/MarkSehore8283yard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shri Bang's Marklin layout created<br />
a sensation in Sehore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Narsingh
Dasji Bang is no longer a kirana wholesale merchant today. This ambitious
enterpreneur has moved to Nagpur and is in the manufacturing business. Working
in collaboration with his son-in-law, he has factories in Borgaon manufacturing
water pipelines and automatic gates used on irrigation dams. Nagpur was home to a rail museum and would open up further avenues for him to put his model railway to good use. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">"I
visited the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum here in Nagpur but although the museum
houses an amazing collection, I found there was nothing of railway interest
here that would appeal to children," says Bang. What better way of
treating youngsters to the joy of model trains than by displaying his layout in
a rail museum !</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">With this
thought in mind Narsingh Das went to the Divisional Railway office in Nagpur.
He was doubtful if his idea would be received favourably, but when he met the DRM of the S. E. C. Railway and
told him of his model railway, he was pleasantly surprised to find the official
as enthusiastic over it as he himself was. Official permission was granted and
in February 2010 Shri Bang's model room was formally inaugurated in the railway
museum. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Over the
next two years Shri Bang's model layout would delight hundreds of visitors
arriving at the rail museum of Nagpur. School children loved his trains, and
Bang tells us that during the two years he was at the museum, his rail layout
was visited by nearly twenty schools.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A
dedicated model railway enthusiast, Shri Narsingh Das Bang's vision remains
clear as before. Beginning with a Crown Railway train set nearly forty years
ago, he has held 10-day rail exhibitions at Ganpati festival each year ever
since. The crowds can still be seen thronging his model room in his home at
festival time ; school children accompanied by teachers find it a tremendously
exciting adventure. And Narsingh Dasji is always present on these occasions to
offer instruction in railway operation to eager eyed learners. "My model
railway is meant to both educate and entertain," he says.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">----------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buv2-xOhdGo/Wzy0bIcepFI/AAAAAAAADo0/0RbGRDCztccg0iCPsPIcQewBBtJX2F6UQCLcBGAs/s1600/NGRM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="684" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buv2-xOhdGo/Wzy0bIcepFI/AAAAAAAADo0/0RbGRDCztccg0iCPsPIcQewBBtJX2F6UQCLcBGAs/s320/NGRM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">..................................</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Ravindra Bhalerao</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><i></i></span>
<br />
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</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-74299265769258650372017-10-06T01:29:00.000-07:002017-10-06T02:21:43.911-07:00The Master Locomotive Craftsman of India<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There is in Iqbal Ahmed's creations a flavour that is reminiscent of
applied mechanics in the the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, bringing to
mind the names of Watt, Cugnot, Henry Ford, Trevithick and others of that time,
men whose spirit of adventure and experiment brought about the revolution in
industry and transport. We associate that age with clocks and escapements,
Hargreaves' spinning jenny, Daguerreotype photographs, and Faraday's
discoveries in the science of electricity and magnetism. Iqbal's creations,
though sparkling new, hark back to those times. He uses his skills in fine
mechanical engineering to create wonders from an age long past, the age when
steel was beginning to come into use for ships, when the steam engine was
coming into its own, providing the impetus for progress in nearly every other
field of endeavour.<br /><br />
That pioneering age of discovery and invention is brought alive when we take a
peek into Mr Ahmed's living room. If you wish to relive the age of steam road
rollers, beam engines, and early motor cars, a visit to Iqbal's home is
recommended. He lives at one end of Residency Road in Nagpur where he has
remained busy crafting an amazing variety of mechanical gadgets dating back to the
days when the industrial revolution had begun to sweep across the world. And he
is willing to let anyone with an interest in vintage machines visit his place
and inspect his collection.</span></div>
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There are two things that strike one as being remarkable when we think of
Iqbal's creations. To begin with, his workshop is equipped only with a lathe
which means that each of his mechanical gadgets has been hand-crafted with the
aid of only a single machine tool. Secondly, he has no fascination for static
models; he does not believe in creating models only for display. Each of his
models is a working piece. Each is capable of performing with effortless ease
the task intended for it.<br />
<br />
Iqbal has been into constructing steam engines since a long time: stationary
steam engines, beam engines, locomotives, road rollers. It is a passion for him
and he believes in turning out each piece with perfection. He had his first
experience in model building when he constructed a Swiss electric HO gauge
train in 1962. This was followed by a palm-sized stationary steam engine a few
years later. Knowing about his fascination for working models, friends often
give him books on model engine making and loco construction. "Often the
dimensions listed in the book would lead to a model too large, so I generally
scale down the parts proportionately," he tells us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">While the steam road roller pictured above is large and heavy, his passion for
miniaturization led him to build a stationary steam engine so small it could
fit onto a thumbnail. When fed with steam from a separate boiler, this engine
worked splendidly, and being the smallest engine of its kind in the world, it
soon became a celebrity. It earned Iqbal a place in the Guinness Book of World Records
as the maker of the world's smallest stationary steam engine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">There are other honours he has received. Although his engine which earned him a
place in the Guinness Records is too small to be pictured here in detail, we
may inspect his miniature lathe below. He has been regularly entering his miniatures
in the Sherline Machinist's Challenge Contest held in the United States, and
has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 conferred by the
Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship. His models of a Sherline
lathe and milling machines won first and second prizes, a gold medal, citation,
as well as a cash award in these contests, and he has been declared as one
among the six top craftsmen of the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Despite the honors he has received, Iqbal remains a quiet and unassuming person
calmly going about his daily pursuits, spending the larger part of the day in
his workshop on Residency Road. Amongst his recent creations is a 1:4 size
model of a Ford Quadricycle dating back to 1896 complete with carburetor and
petrol engine and running on solid rubber tyres ; and an equally fascinating
model of a Benz Motor Wagen of 1886, again equipped with both propulsion and
steering. Parked in a corner of his living room, one would think these quaint
looking automobiles of a bygone age were made to order for a customer, such is
the degree of realism and detail he has succeeded in achieving.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji8njgI-7Zc/Wdc62sd9_eI/AAAAAAAADkk/eBN2ty2cIAM_OaHFFE2cDb88zhgJur9wwCLcBGAs/s1600/Ford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji8njgI-7Zc/Wdc62sd9_eI/AAAAAAAADkk/eBN2ty2cIAM_OaHFFE2cDb88zhgJur9wwCLcBGAs/s400/Ford.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ford Quadricycle of 1896 is a scaled down version<br />
of the original.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8TzFe4vvwg/WddEvUsaeWI/AAAAAAAADlo/0KcdLR3y3lAubCI2FdpY57Ay1Ps3jM3CwCLcBGAs/s1600/Lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="996" height="356" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8TzFe4vvwg/WddEvUsaeWI/AAAAAAAADlo/0KcdLR3y3lAubCI2FdpY57Ay1Ps3jM3CwCLcBGAs/s400/Lamp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This charming lamp of the Ford Quadricycle was<br />
crafted by Iqbal himself.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carl Benz Motor Wagen. Iqbal constructed the full engine<br />
for both these motor cars complete with ignition,<br />
carburetor and steering.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Another noteworthy mechanical contrivance crafted by Mr Ahmed in his workshop
is the "Mary Beam Engine" we see here, representing an early form of
steam engine that was developed and put into use in the 18th century. When
Thomas Newcomen devised his beam engine in 1712, it was not his object to
arrange for steam powered transport—this would have to wait for another 90
years when Richard Trevithick introduced high pressure steam in a cylinder to
propel a road vehicle carrying passengers. Newcomen's engine was large and
unwieldy: steam at atmospheric pressure was admitted into a cylinder and
allowed to condense. The resulting vacuum caused the piston to move down under
the action of atmospheric pressure acting on its top. The slow to-and-fro
movement of the piston caused a transverse walking beam to oscillate, imparting
its motion to a pump used to empty out water from a coal mine.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mary Beam Engine is one of Iqbal's<br />
most charming creations. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The "Mary Beam Engine", although resembling Newcomen's invention, is
not an identical copy, but is based on the modern principle of using steam at
pressure in a cylinder, causing the beam to oscillate thereby setting a
flywheel into rotation.</span></div>
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Among Iqbal's many creations, "Mary" stands out as a touching example
of one of the earliest attempts made by man to employ steam to perform useful
work in the service of humankind.<br />
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It is going to gladden the heart of any rail heritage enthusiast to know that
Mr Ahmed having dabbled all along with loco construction, has gained a
remarkable degree of skill in building miniature working steam locomotives from
scratch, and is now in a position to fabricate a model locomotive on order for
anyone who is keen on possessing one.<br />
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Step into Iqbal's home and you will be pleasantly surprised with the sight of
two pretty steam locomotives quietly lying side by side on the floor of his
living room. The first of these (seen to the right) is a 0-6-0 tank engine,
dubbed "Indian Glory", measuring 34 inches in length, 10 inches wide
and 14 inches tall. Standing next is the "Fairy Queen" of similar
dimensions, being an exact replica of the legendary Fairy Queen 2-2-2
locomotive of 1855 vintage which has been reconditioned to haul tourist
specials from Delhi Cantonment to Alwar during the winter months.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YS4AU0ljLDo/Wdc7VtlH-tI/AAAAAAAADks/voSLsPDHP-cugdmOVJIQHF3vnHmeXz1MACLcBGAs/s1600/two-locos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YS4AU0ljLDo/Wdc7VtlH-tI/AAAAAAAADks/voSLsPDHP-cugdmOVJIQHF3vnHmeXz1MACLcBGAs/s640/two-locos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locomotives ready to steam out</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Each weighing about 55 kgs, Iqbal's steam locomotives are heavy, and develop
enough tractive force to haul along 5 or more adults seated on specially built
open cars running on an oval rail track. "When </span><i style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Indian Glory</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> was first built, I was doubtful if it would haul along
even a single person, but this engine has amazed us all by its load carrying
capacity," he says.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">His engines operate optimally within a steam pressure range of 60 - 70
lb/sq.inch, and a safety valve is provided maintaining steam within a safe
limit of 120 lb/sq.inch. Each is equipped with a blower, gauge glass, pressure
gauge, and cylinder drain cocks. Iqbal's care and attention to detail can be
seen in the design of each small part that contributes to the performance of
the machine : he provides the piston with a pair of piston rings with gaps
staggered to prevent a straight line of escape of steam from one side to
another, and his cylinders are kept steam tight with asbestos gland packings.
The locomotives work on superheated steam : one large flue tube among 13
smaller smoke tubes provides ample room for the superheater element within,
thereby effecting economy in the use of steam.<br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Both engines are coal fired, the flue gases rising in the firebox and passing through
a set of smoke tubes set in a 3.2 mm thick copper boiler. A special pump
delivers motor car engine oil to the cylinders for lubrication, whilst an axle
pump brought automatically into operation when the engine is set into motion,
forces water held in the tank into the boiler, this latter action being capable
of being bypassed with a suitably designed valve when the gauge glass shows a
full boiler.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v05Y--gieso/WddJwvT_M0I/AAAAAAAADmI/0Zx2I11qGrQVHqdsRdr0fmP1k7AFs8bWACLcBGAs/s1600/valve-gear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1092" height="419" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v05Y--gieso/WddJwvT_M0I/AAAAAAAADmI/0Zx2I11qGrQVHqdsRdr0fmP1k7AFs8bWACLcBGAs/s640/valve-gear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walschaerts valve gear of the Indian Glory locomotive</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fairy Queen, being a scaled down replica of the full-sized engine, employs
Stephenson's link motion to actuate the valves. How did Iqbal design
Stephenson's motion for his engine? "While at the National Rail Museum of
Delhi, I closely studied the working mechanism of the Fairy Queen, and even
took photographs. My model is based on these photos and what I learned while at
the museum," he tells us. </span><i style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Indian
Glory</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">, on the other hand, works on the more familiar Walschaerts valve
gear. Both machines use plain D-slide valves with external admission for steam
distribution, and are capable of running in both forward and reverse gear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Iqbal's locomotives have given entirely satisfactory performance until now, and
day-long demonstrations have been held at the National Rail Musuem in Delhi, as
well as various other venues. Has he ever had occasion to replace a working part
of the locomotive? "Wear is minimum here," explains Iqbal. "The
cylinder, piston rings, and connecting rod bushes are made of gun metal which is
wear resistant. If a connecting rod bush wears away, I only need to replace it
with a new one, but so far there has been no need for this. All external
working parts are kept well lubricated manually with an oil can before a
run."</span></div>
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Perhaps the only thing lacking is the facility for boiler inspection and
washout. "From time to time, I clean out the smoke tubes to rid them of
the accumulated soot, but there is no way you can open out the boiler for
removing scale. All we can do is fill up the boiler and empty its contents
through a blow down valve," he says.<br />
<br />
And so Iqbal’s collection stands, a poignant reminder of the industrial
revolution and of those adventurous times when men were tinkering with
mechanical innovations, and physics had begun to unravel the secrets that
underlay their successful operation. His hand-crafted miniature models
constitute a unique collection that is bound to be of tremendous interest both
to steam engine enthusiasts and students of industrial history alike.<br />
<br />
Does he have plans to work on any new models? "At the moment, I am
preparing a full-size model of the 1886 Benz Motor Wagen," says Iqbal. As
for future plans, there are none in sight as yet. "When something
interesting presents itself, I will begin to work on it," he says.<br />
<br />
Perhaps something interesting <i>will</i>
turn up. Having made a great variety of engines both large and small, it is
hoped that he will turn his attention in due course to other innovations that
made their appearance during the early years of the industrial age. Who knows
what lies in store ahead—perhaps one day, Iqbal will surprise us with a model
of an early printing press, a spinning jenny, or maybe even Lumiere's
kinematograph !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gamrd66iSNo/Wdc9SXmQbuI/AAAAAAAADlQ/1jJJ4wC9PLg5xT51MQtFaACHV8aX2LIYgCLcBGAs/s1600/engineering-skill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="1238" height="203" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gamrd66iSNo/Wdc9SXmQbuI/AAAAAAAADlQ/1jJJ4wC9PLg5xT51MQtFaACHV8aX2LIYgCLcBGAs/s640/engineering-skill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The master craftsman is at work currently on an elecrically<br />
driven locomotive model.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">....................................</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ravindra Bhalerao</span></i></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-89178042692697636882017-09-25T23:02:00.001-07:002017-09-25T23:35:10.951-07:00Speed Consistent with Safety<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Speed Consistent With Safety is the Motto of
Every Railwayman”</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
was the catchphrase you found on early railway timetables. It was heard so
often that it sounded like a cliché, yet it was an all important rule every railwayman
had to, and still has to follow.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
catchphrase was <i>Speed is the Cry of the
Day, but Safety First Must be the Paramount Consideration</i>. The message was blared out on the very first
opening page of the Working Timetable of a long time back. And there followed
instructions for drivers, guards, station masters, controllers, signal
inspectors and other operating staff detailing important procedures which if
followed conscientiously would go a long way in ensuring safety. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here are
excerpts from this precious old time table. They give us an idea of what was
involved in running trains with <i>speed
consistent with safety</i>, which was expected to be the motto of every
railwayman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">DRIVERS</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Here are a
few questions based on the most important prevalent causes of accidents.
Compliance with the ideas contained in these questions may develop your safety
habits.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Do you
test the engine automatic vacuum-brake apparatus before leaving the shed and
also check the brake-power of your train at the first down gradient to ensure
that you have got adequate brake power ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Do you
check before starting that you have got the correct authority to proceed and
that correct signals are shown and that the line before you is clear of all
visible obstructions ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Do you
exchange signals with the Guard when ---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> a) Starting
from a station,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> b) Starting
after stopping outside station limits, and,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> c) Running
through a station ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4. Do you
ensure that your train has stopped clear of all fouling marks while stopping at
a station ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5. Do you
anticipate signals presuming they are lowered for you, or keep a sharp look out
for signals and remain always vigilant and cautious ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6. Do you
observe speed restrictions between stations and while entering or passing
stations—particularly over loop lines and non-interlocked facing points ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">7. Do you
make reverse movement over burst points and spring points without the points
properly set and secured ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">8. Do you
perform shunting at a station making sure you are in possession of the correct
shunting authority, badge, or a written permission of the Station Master on
duty, and supervised by an authorized person ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">9. Do you
book repairs of your engine correctly at the end of your run ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">10. Do you
take adequate rest when off duty to be watchful and worthy on duty ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">GUARDS</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Here are a few questions based on the most important prevalent causes of accidents. Compliance with the ideas contained in these questions may develop your safety habits</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. While
taking over a train do you ensure that the –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> --Train is
properly marshaled and coupled<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> --Train the
provided with the prescribed brake power<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> --Doors of
all carriages and wagons are in proper working order and closed and fastened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> --Train carries
all the necessary last-vehicle indicators and brakevan lamps, and that such
lamps are lighted and kept burning brightly during the prescribed hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> --Train communication
between you and Driver is in proper working order, and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> --Generally,
as far as you can ascertain, the train is in a state of efficiency for
travelling ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Do you
remain vigilant while on the run and exchange signals with your Driver and the
Station Master as prescribed by the rules ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Do you
ensure that on arrival at a station the last vehicle of your train clears the
fouling marks of all points, crossings and lockbars ? If not, is the Station
Master informed at once ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4. Do you
personally conduct shunting at roadside stations ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5. Do you
follow the procedure of protecting the train in the block section rigidly when
required ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6. Do you
take adequate rest when off duty to be watchful and worthy on duty ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">STATION
MASTERS</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Your primary
duty is to get trains away with the least possible delay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Tokens
should be sent to the Drivers without delay and shunting to be done should be
attended to promptly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Shunting
staff should be kept ready at the point where shunting has to be done, before
the arrival of the train. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4. Particular
attention should be paid to signal lamps to see that they are kept burning
brightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5. Trains
which are arranged to run through stations without stopping should always do so
on the straight line. When the straight line is blocked, a train may be passed
on the loop at a speed not exceeding 15 km per hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6. Check your
clocks daily to ensure that they exhibit the right time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">7. Packages
must be ready in the correct place and loading and unloading done
expeditiously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">TRAIN
EXAMINING STAFF </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Stop
boards must be kept on for the minimum possible time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Vacuum
test must be carefully and quickly done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Vacuum
brakes must be released whenever an engine is detached from a train.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3zwybt4iQZA/WcnsefSYHxI/AAAAAAAADjE/anrPnpTB1IcR7icyHdSCQ_nAXMbApxyTwCLcBGAs/s1600/BNR-Loco.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1109" height="377" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3zwybt4iQZA/WcnsefSYHxI/AAAAAAAADjE/anrPnpTB1IcR7icyHdSCQ_nAXMbApxyTwCLcBGAs/s640/BNR-Loco.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-83458566382195126882017-09-24T23:02:00.000-07:002017-10-17T00:20:29.808-07:00Amla Junction<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Clunk-thud</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> went the ticket dating machine behind the counter. The coins were passed through the window and the man at the head of the queue emerged with a look of relief with two tickets to Itarsi. Next it was the turn of an old lady who wanted a ticket to Maramjhiri. The booking clerk yelled, "Amma, this train won't halt at Maramjhiri. You had better board the Passenger in the evening!" The old woman had misjudged the train; she withdrew her coins and turned back looking crestfallen. When my turn came, I found Shivshankar the booking clerk was amused. "How many tickets?" he asked. He knew we rarely bought tickets for any station other than Betul. In Amla, railwaymen and their families were a closely knit community. No one can remain aloof here for long, everyone knows each other. As I counted out the coins, the booking clerk drew out four card tickets. Four times the machine went clunk-thud before the tickets were passed on through the window.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Brave little card tickets! As children we collected these bits of pasteboard, played games with them, built pyramids reaching to the skies only to be toppled over by the slightest breeze that came in through the window. I have several of these pretty railway tickets lying around the home to this day :<br /><br /><i>Amla Junction - Betul<br />Itarsi - Amla Jn<br />Itarsi Junction – Khandwa</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i></i><br />Back in those days the ticket machine behind the window was a mystery for me. I could only look upon it as a printing press in miniature which printed out the names of the starting station and destination. I was dismally wrong. The mystery was cleared when we boys trooped into the booking office one day. Shivshankar knew the gang collected card tickets, and he was careful not to let us have access to his ticket tube. This was a small wooden cupboard with pigeon-hole partitions carrying stacks of tickets for various destinations. We discovered the tickets already had the names of the stations printed together with the fare. Shivshankar's ticket machine merely served to emboss the date of issue on the piece of card.<br /><br />So here we were at Amla station on a lazy summer’s day, Abhay and I, with cousin Nidhi and mother alongside, with tickets to Betul. Despite mother's stern warnings, we walked over to the edge of the platform and craned our necks. The tracks gleamed in the sun, and some distance away, a row of carriages could be seen stabled on a line. At any moment we could expect to see a smoke billowing engine pulling into the station bringing the train along with it. I can still remember these trips to Betul as a regular feature during our stay in Amla. Mother had a sister staying in Betul, and she would pack up a few things and take us along to spend a day with Supriya aunty. Sometimes we would watch a movie while in Betul, or indulge in a bit of shopping. For lower middle and poor class folks, the district place of Betul provided all the trimmings anyone could dream of.<br /><br />Forty minutes later, we had alighted from the train at Betul, and boarded a rickshaw that would take us to aunt Supriya's home deep within the town. These family gatherings were a great event; mother and her sister would take to a charpoy spending hours reminiscing over the month's events, and exchanging the latest family news. While the elders were deep in conversation, we kids were left to our own devices. Bholu, Abhay and I, and Nidhi and little Sonam took to the outdoors. Next to the home was an old tree with gnarled branches, and Abhay and I took turns to the climb up the tree while little Sonam , full of delight, cheered from below. At other times we played with a ball. Then came lunchtime. Aunt Supriya made us sit in a row, and served <i>dal, chawal, aloo subzi</i> and <i>achar.</i> The Sunday lunch was always followed by <i>bundi-ke-laddoo</i>, so tempting, and so very sweet to the taste.<br /><br />There were things to be bought and we would make our way to the bazaar to buy a hurricane lantern, a new baba-suit for Abhay, or a box of colour pencils. The afternoon went by dreamily with more gossip of the elders, and more games for the kids till it was time for us to prepare to leave. A day well spent brings a glow of satisfaction, and mother would pack up her bags for the return journey. Travelling back by rail would have meant a long wait at the station late in the evening, so we often took a bus instead. A two-hourly bus service run by a private operator provided reliable transport between the two towns, and for most residents of Amla this was the preferred mode of transport.<br /><br />As boys our days were spent in pleasant, idyllic surroundings with the railway an ever present influence permeating our lives. Amla was a not-too-important junction 20 kilometers from Betul, and midway between Itarsi and Nagpur. Here father worked in the Parcel Booking Office. The actual parcel traffic for Amla town was small, but there were a sizeable number coming from various places and bound for Chhindwara. Father and his men would unload these parcels from incoming trains and after duly entering records, would load them into parcel vans of passenger trains for nearby Parasia. The little goods office at Amla station did brisk business most of the time. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Amla had a goods yard and locomotive shed ; it was the seat of an Air Force unit, and a branch line took off from the station leading to Parasia close to the district town of Chhindwara. All this meant that every train, no matter how important, would halt at this little junction. The Grand Trunk Express halted here as did the Dakshin Express. And so did the Jammu Tawi - Madras Janata Express. <br /><br />The station consisted of two island platforms, one of which carried the main station building, with access to the rickshaw stand by a foot overbridge. On this platform could be found the station master's office, the parcel booking office, a canteen, waiting room, and the train examiner's room and train lighting section. Next to the station master's office was a row of fire-buckets, a necessity at every railway station, the bright red adding a cheerful dash of colour to the station. Sawarkar's refreshment stall did brisk business when a train arrived; he would serve <i>aloo-bondas</i>, coffee, and<i> idli-sambar</i> to hungry passengers eager for a quick bite. Close by hung a huge clock which always had a solemn air about it as it looked down from its lofty perch. Posters could be seen hung at intervals brightening up the station with their pictures : <i>This is your railway—help to keep it clean</i>, said one, while another exhorted, <i>Avoid haste at level crossings</i>... <br /><br />We lived in the railway colony where gangmen's quarters and those of other Grade D employees were laid out in rows. It was here that we lived and played and grew up. The boys - there were eight in my group - saved up pocket money to spend on roasted peanuts when the mumfali-wala came round pushing his handcart. A fifty gram paper cone held enough peanuts for a boy's evening treat, and we would sometimes stroll into the station, each holding his cone carefully. The shells had to be tossed away over the track, but one day two of my companions decided the platform was as good a place as any to toss away roasted groundnut shells. Amidst a constant stream of idle chatter and laughs we kept munching away until our paper cones were emptied of their contents and a pile of shells lay strewn at our feet. I looked down at the mess we had made; it somehow just didn't look right. It looked disturbing. It was not quite the proper thing to do, and I am sure the boys were debating in their minds on what to do next. Just then a sharp yell was heard coming from down the platform. We turned and found the station jamadar charging at us, letting out a stream of choice words. We had done wrong and were guilty. We took to our heels !<br /><br />Winter came along and it was freezing cold in Amla, time to get into our sweaters and mufflers. Often an engine would be seen standing in the yard nearby and the good mothers of the colony, with small buckets in hand, would go to fetch<i> garam pani</i> -- waste water which the driver did not need anyway, and which was such a luxury, indeed a blessing for us in the winter months. Womenfolk could also be seen scavenging the track collecting as they went along bits of coal and unburnt cinder which was loaded into a small sack to be brought home as a prized find. I had accompanied mother on several such expeditions. I soon made the discovery that with some patience and a willingness to explore, it was possible to recover a good amount of cinder -- cinder that was destined for the <i>sigri </i>at home where it would give up the last remnants of its heating value and help ease the burden of the monthly fuel bill.<br /><br />Diwali brought along with it school holidays, and was always a time of great fun and merriment. There would be firecrackers and sparklers, and homes everywhere were lighted up with <i>diyas,</i> tiny clay bowls with a lighted wick dipping in oil. A Durga Pooja had been organized by a resident of the colony and the boys volunteered to help. It was exciting to be a part of the organizing team. The very first task assigned to us was a manual job containing an element of risk. A two feet high<i> murti</i> weighing several kilos had arrived by rickshaw at a place across the railway and we were asked to fetch the murti and install it in Somnath's home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />The boys-- there were eight of us--heaved and panted and amidst cries of “<i>Are, samhal ke...</i>” the murti was unloaded from the rickshaw. It was a prettily made idol. The colours were breathtaking, so bright and eye-catching, with sunlight glinting off the corners. As the rickshaw moved away, we stood admiring this work of art. The men who had crafted this object of beauty must have been truly skilled artists, we thought.<br /><br />But there was work to do ahead. As we stood by the tracks, Dakshin Express steamed out of the station with a great clatter and din. On the loop stood a goods train, the long line of 4-wheeled wagons stretching away in each direction to infinity. The obstruction was immovable; it was static and would not move out for ages, we knew. Carrying the murti to the lineside quarters across the yard would involve an arduous trek along the tracks, make a U turn around the stationary train, and carry the fragile load the same distance back. We shuddered at the thought of performing this herculean feat.<br /><br />If railwaymen are known to extend a courtesy to a soul in need, they are also known to be ingenious in working out a solution to a problem. As we stood with the murti, looking around in dismay, an engine was seen about fifty meters away letting out steam idly as it stood awaiting orders for shunting. Three of us strode up to the locomotive. There was no one in the cab but we found the fireman and driver standing next to a coupled brake van with pointsman Malwe standing beside. We walked up to the men and explained the matter, hoping that they would agree to shunt the train out of the way. After a bit of deliberation amongst themselves, the matter was finally settled. Without a shunting order, the goods train could not be touched; but there was nothing to stop them from arranging transport using engine power. True, it was against the rules, but a certain amount of ‘amicable working’ or cooperation would do no harm. It was an accepted part of railway working.<br /><br />And so it was that goddess Durga seated atop a striped tiger found a place on the goods brake behind an engine on that day. We clambered onto the brake and with a merry whistle, and amidst clouds of steam heralding this singular event, we set off. The engine steamed on steadily till we were past the stationary goods train and beyond the trailing points. Here we slowed down and halted. Malwe got off the brake, the points were reversed, and we began our journey back, this time taking the line that ran next to the gangmen's quarters, bypassing the stubborn line of wagons that had refused to budge. <br /><br />Word quickly spread in the colony : <i>goddess Durga has arrived by train</i>, they said. It left behind a lasting impression on me. To a little boy's mind it was a day of victory. It was a day which saw the most unusual consignment being transported in the most innovative way.<br /><br />Although a junction of medium size, Amla doubled as a train examining station. Other than the customary checks, one of the most important tasks of the Train Examiner here was to check the brakes on the train. The procedure was crucial ; no train was allowed to leave Amla unless the TXR had satisfied himself that it possessed enough brake power. The reason for this is not hard to find : close to Amla lay Betul, and a bare 9 kilometers ahead was the awesome Maramjhiri - Dharakoh ghat with the line winding its way through wooded hills in a steep downward gradient. Allowed to roll down on its own, a train would acquire a dangerously high speed, so brake power was all important--even more important here than engine hauling power.<br /><br />If travelling down the Maramjhiri grade was fun, a train ride up through the ghat was even more fun; it was exciting to have a extra engine pushing the train from the back. Here we were at Ghoradongri station one day, some 15 kilometers short of the ghat with the slow Passenger train showing no signs of wanting to move on. A tiny country station, Ghoradongri was provided with a small yard with space enough to hold two or more full length goods trains and sundry wagons besides. The first sight that met my eye when we pulled into Ghoradongri was a steam engine standing in readiness in the yard. I was to discover later that no train could make the grade that lied ahead with a single locomotive, so a banking engine was stationed here for good, to assist trains up the ghat.<br /><br />The Nagpur Passenger halted long enough for my father to alight and have a leisurely chat with the station staff. Finally after an unbearable delay, the loco stabled in the yard gave a hoot, and moving from its line, came over and took charge at the rear of our train. And thus began the most pleasurable train ride I have ever had. Huffing and puffing all along the way, the two engines laboured, one pulling, the other pushing ; together they had might enough to carry the train up the slope, a 12 kilometer stretch of track winding its way through a delightful panorama of low lying hills, valleys, viaducts, and tunnels.<br /><br />The pleasure of having an engine at the rear pushing us up the gradient was short lived though, for in about an hour's time, Maramjhiri was reached and here the banking engine was detached from the train. With assistance no longer needed as the track henceforth was level, it would be sent down to Ghoradongri where it would be kept in steam awaiting the next train it had to push up the incline.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">--------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Ravindra Bhalerao</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Fiction based on real life incidents</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>narrated by railwaymen.</i></span></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-47299771248308560932017-09-08T23:48:00.001-07:002017-09-09T00:12:25.281-07:00Dileep's Steam Trains<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I HAVE
RECEIVED some days back a most charming gift from a friend in Delhi. Shri
Abhimanyu Shaunik was here in Nagpur on business work and when I went to see
him in his hotel room, and we sat down to talk of our mutual fascination for
the railways, Mani stunned me by producing an article that was so charming, so
pretty, I could only exclaim "Wow !!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was a
tiny pocket book. A book with pictures of trains in it. Yes, they were pictures
of steam trains. And all shot on a film camera by veteran photographer Shri
Dileep Prakash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dileep is
a master photographer who needs no introduction. He is married to June Davy, an
Anglo Indian, and besides his interest in steam trains, he has also created a
charming portfolio of pictures of Anglo Indian families in India. Now why should this be <i>charming</i> ? Those who love the
railways of the raj need no explanation why Dileep’s portfolio is so pleasing.
They know the answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So here I
am with a copy of Dileep’s pocket book on steam railways. It is called
"Whistling Steam—Romance of Indian Rails". And it is truly a
masterpiece in miniature, a lovely portfolio of pictures. I would go so far as
to say that it is a collector's item.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
appreciate Dileep’s skill with a camera, you need to actually see the pictures
for yourself. Like me, he has a keen fascination for steam railways, and like
me, he arrived on the scene with his camera a bit late, at a time when steam
trains were becoming a fast disappearing species. So then, whatever was left of
those rusting old birds, he captured on film. He knew he was running a race
against time, so he had to hurry, for he knew his beloved engines would not be
around forever. And so, when we turn through the pages of this book, we will
meet Jama Jiva, the loco fitter at the Wankaner shed. We are introduced to Nal
Bahadur, the Loco Foreman on the Darjeeling Hill Railway standing against a B
class locomotive. We are taken on a tour of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and
its quaint engines. And we can step into the Nilgiri workshop to take a close
up peek at those double-toothed cog wheels that help propel trains up the hills
of Ooty. There are pictures of broad gauge locos being readied in sheds, a lone
engine owned by the Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board carrying along a
load of wagons on a bridge. And you have a grand collection of pictures
showcasing the Darjeeling Hill railway too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is a
book you can't put down easily. When I got my copy, I went through the text as
well as the pictures several times. There is something about these pictures
that marks them as different from the rest. I think it is a kind of
"atmosphere" surrounding each picture. I was in Darjeeling only once,
in 1985. Although I never did ride the toy train, I did spend time at the
station in Darjeeling. I saw school children walking the road as the train
chugged alongside, I would stand watching the train taking a curve next to a
pretty little cottage. Those images are forever etched in my mind. Now three
decades later, when I flip through the pages of this book, it brings back fond
memories. And I exclaim to myself , "Ah, that's Darjeeling !" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dileep's
pictures have been skillfully crafted, and he has undoubtedly used burning-in
or dodging to achieve his spectacular effects. This together with his
composition (sometimes tight, sometimes all inclusive) results in a startling
'atmospheric' effect ; his pictures arouse emotion. I liked the dark,
sombre tone that is so reminiscent of India's steam age, now a thing of the
past. Atmosphere is evident everywhere in the book. It is there in the
coal train at Korba, and in the Mettupalayam shed and workshop, in the
Darjeeling train winding its way past a dream cottage, and in the group of
schoolgirls descending the wooded hillside fascinated by a B class engine shunting
nearby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Richly
textured and with superb detail, these pictures are a pleasure to watch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0n1N4Fje7X0/WbOSaQAi9lI/AAAAAAAADi0/FHv7Kae2VdAljLfNSNDpOkm2lLsrUgDtACLcBGAs/s1600/WhistlingSteam-270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="980" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0n1N4Fje7X0/WbOSaQAi9lI/AAAAAAAADi0/FHv7Kae2VdAljLfNSNDpOkm2lLsrUgDtACLcBGAs/s400/WhistlingSteam-270.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">-------------------</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Ravindra
Bhalerao</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-86967676605960060882017-09-05T23:19:00.000-07:002017-09-05T23:21:56.538-07:00Reminiscences of St. Andrew's Church<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">EUGENE IS AN AMAZING person ; he knows just about
everything there is to know about life in railway colonies in pre-partition
India. And his knowledge has not been gained secondhand through research.
Eugene has lived all through his boyhood in railway colonies here in Central
India where his father worked for the Bengal Nagpur Railway. And he has great
tales to tell about life in these colonies. He has explored the backyard of
nearly every home in his neighbourhood while he was a boy. And the fragrance of
these homes still lingers on him, as fresh as ever. His work in Britain’s RAF
has not dulled his longing for a whiff of the good old times back home in
India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Eugene’s
knowledge is phenomenal ; he has enlightened me with many a fascinating tale
from his boyhood days. And he tells me that since earliest times, every railway
colony in the country had a church in it, most often Church of England, but
sometimes Roman Catholic. This was a startling revelation for me. Back in the
early seventies, my father was posted in Gorakhpur where we attended St
Andrew’s Church, a magnificent brick edifice, set amidst the sprawling railway
colony. I was but a lad of twelve then ; winding my way through the streets of
the colony my mind often wondered how a church came to be in the midst of these
brick red homes. The answer was to come only several years later. The topmost
cadres in the railway administration in those times were occupied by
Britishers, while routine jobs and operating posts were held by Anglo Indians,
fiercely proud of their association with the railways of India. To ensure
all-round growth and a well-balanced personality among its workforce, the
railways provided each of its colonies with an institute for recreation, an
English medium school for the children staying in the colony, parks, officers’
clubs, and a <i>church</i>. The colony was
thus self sufficient in itself, a small township whose inhabitants were
well-provided for in all respects, not needing to look elsewhere for any of
their needs, not even for a place of worship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And so
here I was, a boy of twelve, whistling a tune to myself as I trudged along to
attend the railway school, sachel slung around shoulder. Built in true railway
style, the school was an architectural marvel in brickwork with a large
playground at the back, and a large lunch hall furnished with benches and water
taps where we tiny-tots gathered in the afternoon with our tiffin boxes. Next
to the school building was the railway institute, tall and graceful, standing
amidst majestic silence, the wind playing on its twin towers in a soft caress,
while an occasional hoot of an engine followed by a rattle of wheels reminded
me that a train was making its way out of the railway yard nearby. Oh, for a
taste of those days again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
railway primary school I attended was staffed by ladies many of whom lived in
the railway colony itself. And quite a few of these dear aunties were
Christians who attended church. There was Mrs Newbolt the Headmistress, fair,
tall and aloof. Then there was Miss Clifford who taught us Social Studies, Mrs
Joseph, Mrs Cecil, and others, many of them familiar to us as members of St
Andrew’s Church. Each Sunday the crisp morning air of the colony echoed with
the toll of the bell high up on the steeple. <i>Jangle-jangle</i> chimed the bell, while families dressed in Sunday
best would be seen walking up the driveway for morning worship. Many a young
lad like me stood watching spellbound as Musa, the sexton, tugged at the cable
that hung down, causing the huge bell atop the church to swing giving out a
rhythmic musical peal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The bell
atop St Andrew’s tolled twice each week, one for morning service, the other for
evensong. Morning service was always more formal and was attended by the cream
of the congregation. There were the Browns and Benjamins and their sons, the
Josephs, Cecils, and Amarnaths. After-church gatherings in the church premises
were tinged with a butterfly touch when the men gathered in small groups lost
in profound conversation, while the womenfolk flitted about speaking in low
whispers, letting out occasional giggles. Some folks like the Chandis kept out
of the general talk; they preferred to keep aloof, standing quietly beside
their car. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The seven
years we lived in this town in eastern U.P. saw a succession of parsons who
held charge over St Andrew’s, beginning with the quiet Pastor Lall, followed by
Rev Baldeo, Pitamber and others. Week after week these men watched over their
flock, expounding the Word for all, exhorting men to turn back from the world
and its ways and follow the path of honesty and godliness. Occasionally, a
guest speaker would be called in to preach. I can still remember the clear tones
of the Reverend William Paul, an English missionary, speaking out from the
pulpit on one occasion. Lean, tall and fair, Reverend Paul was a much loved
figure in Gorakhpur. He lived in an old style bungalow in Basaratpur, and we
had the pleasure of having him in our home a few times accompanied by his Canadian
wife. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Having
stayed in India for years, Paul finally had to prepare to return to England. We
went to see him in Basaratpur and found his wife had laid out several articles
on a table to be given away to friends for a small price. Mother bought some
cutlery, and several cut glass bowls. Then there was an old Viewmaster with
several reels that we took home with us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There was
hardly a crowd beside the Ist class carriage at the station when we went to see
off the gentleman and his wife. My hand was in a cast after a fall, and I was
subdued, though inwardly excited to be at the station. The whistle blew, but
Paul was unperturbed. He nimbly walked up to me, and holding the cast in his
hand , signed his name on it. <i>W. M. Paul</i>. This was his parting gift to me. It was something
anyone would treasure. Then as the night express to Allahabad jerked forward,
Paul smartly moved and with one bound he was aboard, waving us goodbye as the
train slowly pulled out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But it was
Evensong at St Andrew’s we liked to attend, for it was held in the cool of the
day, and was more a relaxed affair free from the formalism of the morning
service. Thus each Sunday evening found us preparing for a ride through the
railway colony. For a fare of only Re 1, the rickety old rickshaw would take us
past the railway sports stadium, go right over the level crossing of
Mohaddipur, and then into the depths of the colony lined with tamarind trees.
It was incredibly calm here. As the rickshaw creaked on, all you could hear was
the rustle of the branches overhead, the distant cries of children playing, the
occasional rumble of a train. We ride on going past railwaymen’s bungalows,
neat and clean, set amidst an overgrowth of neem and mango trees. We ride on
through Private Road, bypass the turning that leads to my school, and cross a
square. The rickshaw grinds to a halt beside a gate and we alight. St Andrew’s
is now in full view, thrusting its spire into the crimson sky, and bathed in
the soft light of the setting sun. The place is aglow with life in the
evenings: bees and insects swarm through the air, settling on hedges of pansies
and snapdragons, while birds of all descriptions congregate on trees chirping
excitedly, preparing for the night’s rest ahead. St Andrew’s church was truly
set in paradise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Evensong
was held by the Reverend Caleb Bellah, a short, stout, cheery old man, as
cheerful and vivacious as the birds now settling in the trees around. Bellah
was in fact a pastor employed with a Christian girls’ orphanage, but as a
sideline to his work he often volunteered to undertake the evening service at
St Andrew’s. He was a man given to brevity ; he believed that a church service
should be short enough to be effective, and to this end he would order the
evening’s proceedings so as never to last for more than an hour. His sermons
were always a pleasure to sit through; they were well-planned and thought out,
and although he read his text aloud from a typed sheet he would give away
cyclostyled copies which we were allowed to carry home. With never more than
about a dozen persons in attendance, Evensong was a truly enriching experience
quite alike an informal prayer gathering in the home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The final
hymn sung and benediction said, we emerged from church. It was dark by now as
the little group stood chatting beside the magnificent edifice built in brick.
It was a quiet little group; often there would be none besides my father, mom,
my sister, the parson and his daughter and son-in-law. Then under the dim
street lamps of Private Road we would begin our trek home with Pastor Bellah by
our side, his vigour undiminished by the labours of the evening. And on we
walked, sharing our tales of joy and sorrow with the old man, while the
bungalows on either side, now alight, seemed to peek at us through rows of
hedges and foliage. We walk on under the canopy of trees until we reach the
railway. Here we slacken our pace, for we have often to wait till a shunting
train has moved out of the way and backed into the yard from whence it came.
Beyond the yard is a busy thoroughfare, and here we come to a halt waiting for
a rickshaw to appear which will carry us back home before bidding goodnight to
the cheery old parson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The church
of St Andrew still stands, a lone sentinel pointing the way to heaven amidst
the jungle of trees and shrubs of Gorakhpur’s railway colony. Today a new group
of worshippers may be seen in the pews on Sunday. New faces have appeared, new
voices, a different gathering. The old congregation we had known is not to be
seen anymore. After a space of four decades, many of its veteran leaders and
elders have gone on to be with the Lord ; the children who graced the flowering
gardens with their colourful attire and cries of play are now grown-ups who
have moved away to distant lands in search of greener pastures. But the church
itself remains unchanged, as of old. The bell atop the steeple still rings the
same chime calling forth souls to praise and worship. And the story it has to
tell is the same old story, a tale of glad tidings for all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Ravindra Bhalerao</span></i></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-14187145721834627702017-08-11T22:25:00.003-07:002017-08-11T22:34:38.771-07:00Didi's Gift -- On the Howrah Mumbai Duronto Express<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Satish Kulkarni</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">AT LONG LAST FULFILLED a 30 years old yearning as I traveled the Howrah Mumbai via Nagpur train route on Mamata Didi's gift - the Duronto Express. Reached the Hallowed precincts of the Howrah Station at 6.50 AM for a train that was to depart at 8.20AM - this was coloured by earlier experiences of a literal traffic jam 30 years ago wherein I had made it by the skin of my teeth by sprinting across the howrah bridge with my yes - The HOLDALL!! . Howrah bridge now no longer has trams running on it so the hotel concierge wondered why I was leaving for the station so early - so I regaled him off my narrative 3 decades ago.. The only side-effect of this narrative being that the beautiful young lady at the reception got a fair idea of the age of this Uncle leaving me no option but to be at my avuncular best as I completed my check out formalities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Howrah Station now has a new wing for South Eastern railway departure trains. It was cold misty and foggy but the station ambience is the same. Porters mostly from Bihar speaking bhojpuri/maithili - (kaa ho khaini khavatani baa?) - Roughly translating to how are you would you like some khaini i.e. tobacco with Lime/chun). The method of kneading khaini with chuna is the same replete with a deft toss between the mouth and lower lip. The children being with me and my having to be a model parent prevented me from (once again) trying this after 36 years ! People from all walks of life, representing a microcosm of India that one can only experience via long distance train journeys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gave reassurance to an elderly bengali couple at the platform in Bengali that .the Duronto indeed leaves from here (ai platform theke hi chaadbe). The feeling of reassurance that the couple had after I volunteered to help them find their coach/seat can only be experienced but cant be described (this was similar when I personally negotiated a lower berth for my mother whilst she was travelling pune to bangalore). The train glided off smoothly and promptly at 8:20AMwith with a post office maroon coloured Santragachi 4000HP WAP4 doing the honours. This loco would haul this train right upto Igatpuri. The train attendant welcomed us with a Rose -( "Welcome aboard the Duronto SIr") and soon we were past Santragachi into the lush green bengal countryside. Simple folk bathing in the pond soaking in the lingering winter sun, women washing clothes, some carrying water, the occasioinal bullock being given a bath, children waving at level crossings, banana trees, swaying cocunut/palm's - got goosebumps as I experienced the bucolic ambience of a fast vanishing era. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The train's music system jockey must be a great philosopher. Lovely piano versions of old kishore da melodies of yore suitable for all genre of passengres wafted through the music system on the train - sample these</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- musafir hoon yaron na ghar hai na thikana..., meet na milaa re manakaa, jaane man jaane man tere do nayan, nain tumhare mazeedar o janabe aali, ghoongroo ki tarah bajata hi rahaa hoon main, teri galiyon mein na rakhenge kadam, raahi manwa dukh ki chinta kyon sataati hai, some numbers very very nostalgic and touching for chaps like me, yet some romantic numbers that were apt for the flirtatious couples in the coupe's for two..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kharagpur went past and breakfast arrived - fruit juice, the best railway omelette you can ever get, the classic what only the khansama of the railways can prepare - cutlets superbly done with bread crumbs - shallow fried golden brown to perfection with a delicious beet, green peas, potato, onion filling, baked beans, finger chips cooked in mustard oil and tea...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Got talking with my fellow passenger Mr.Raychaudhuri a retired life sciences Prof., caught up with him with old text books of yore Gray's Anatomy (costing a princelely some of Rs2.50 in his father's days in Dacca as he told me), maths/kc.nag, algebra/kalipada basu, datta's botany - yet another dream fulfilled meeting and having an "adda" session with a bengali master moshai/intellectual on a journey.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The train pounding the miles- some changes as I missed the lingering windhorn of the WDM2 diesel loco as this route is fully electrified. Arrived at Tatanagar(Jamshedpur) and saw goods boxcars loaded with steel being hauled by coupled WAM4's with TATA stenciled on them - another reminder of the past. This marked coming into the second state of the journey - jharkhand. Came into Orissa at rourkela, and felt the sheer power of the 5 coupled 5000 HP bandamunda WAG5 loco's hauling a long boxcar goods traiin.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lunch was soup with bread soupsticks, chappati veg/panner curry, aloo bhaja(fry) rice, dal and curd - very tasty children loved it too. My daughter's initiation into railfanning came with an innoccous question what do the devanagari initials "da pu" on the loco stand for. Patiently explained they stood for South Eastern (Dakhshin Purva) Railway and that this train route has been in existence since 1900 then run by the then Bengal Nagpur Railway(BNR) and the Great Indian Peninsular Railway(GIPR).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a snooze came evening and then the most introspective part of the journey at dusk. Somehow late evenings on a train are always a time for reflection/introspection as one watches the sun go down the dark red horizon and as the evening mist settles in over the plains. Its almost as though one rewinds one's life's journey at this time of the day - times of bygone childhood, schooldays, one's first crush...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As night settled in went past bilaspur, durg, temple town of dongargarsh, rajnandangaon as I prepared to settle in for the night. Got up early at 4.00am and after a wash in a swaying railway carriage toilet got ready for dawn. (If one can hold one's aim in a swaying moving train one has arrived as a seasoned rail traveler :-))</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dawn at winter is one of the most fulfilling aspects of a rail journey. On the plains one can be amongst the mist and see the lingering fog as the upcoming day portends hope and aspiration. The railway town of Bhusawal went by - this place was one of the worlds largest steam loco sheds in the pre-independence days. Experienced dawn as the Sun broke out somewhere between Manmad and Deolali - O what a glorious sight. As my bangla copassenger remarked "O we are but mere children in front of Mother Nature and there is some divine power orchestrating this nature's dance and play"...(translation imperfect as this is best heard in bangla).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stopped at Igatpuri and had the best ever masala and adrak chai's of my life. So much so that made sure that I had two cups of each but also made sure that both the children enjoyed this once in lifetime flavour - they loved it. Also cajoled my co-passenger who had given up drinking chai to have - just one (shoodoo taste 'er jonno i.e. just for the flavour) - he loved it. Tried maska paav at the Irani's stall - beautiful. Our adrak chaiwala being a Marathi Manoos - got talking and in his words "Igatpuri madhe chahaa/jewan madhe paisa wasool" you get value for money for food at Igatpuri and the weather is good only until kasara. Was touched by his humility and his happiness and contentment in life with what he enjoyed doing - something for me to learn as I continue in this IT rat race. Personally saw the AC to DC loco change as an Igatpuri DC/AC WCAM3 loco too charge. Bid adieu to the Santragachi WAP4 loco - this would return back with the return howrah duronto again at Igatpuri in the evening.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By now we had traversed 5 states (bengal, jharkhand, orissa, madhya pradesh, maharashtra), I had spoken bengali, hindi, maithili/bjojpuri, understood oriya, marathi and of course english. Suuun timing che - remarked the pretty young gujrati girl as the train rolled in at on the dot at 10.20AM Mumbai VT oops Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Taxi guy Dalvi was a Marathi Manoos from Kanjur Marg so he loved taking us from VT to Powai at IIT.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All in all very very fulfilling. </span></span>Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-58310948008142931672017-05-02T00:22:00.001-07:002017-08-11T22:28:56.017-07:00The Approach to Itwari Station...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here are
two pictures showing the charm of railway heritage.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
approach to Itwari station...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">And the
station itself...</span></div>
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Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-13314527219052520092017-04-01T00:16:00.004-07:002017-06-19T21:44:28.943-07:00The Punjab Mail at Ludhiana<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Selections
from the Memoirs of</u></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sukhdev
Singh, B.E.,</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Late Superintending
Engineer,<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #999999;"><b>Public
Works Department, </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #999999;"><b>Ambala</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">No</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16px;">vemb</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">er 1956</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">THE
DAZZLING SHOW OF exquisite goods on display in the fashionable bazaars have
never held any charm for me, except perhaps to buy a few necessaries that are
basic to the business of living. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How does
it come about that people throng the bazaar dressed in their evening best, and
flit from shop to shop, carrying back basketfuls of fancily wrought goods, half
of which they might never use throughout the year, is beyond my power of
comprehension. I suppose these folks like to stock up on merchandise in
competition with their neighbours. It is a universal trait that may be found all
over the civilized world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">These then
are my views with regard to the acquisition of goods. But of late, I find a change taking place within
me. There is one object here in the marketplace which has cast a spell over me. I have often halted
beside the New India Radio & Gramophone Company on my way to Harminder’s
home. Each time I am here, a sweet melody may be heard floating out of the
shop, a melody that is both soothing and pleasurable, mostly film numbers, but at
other times English tunes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
gramophone shop has an interesting assortment of goods. There are record
players and stacks of records ; then there are radio sets on sale (Harpreet
loves to listen to Radio Ceylon) ; and there are microphones and tape recorders
and all the associated circuitry. As an added attraction, the shop also stocks
on prismatic binoculars, slide projectors and magnifying glasses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I wish I
could get a record player for Harpreet, but a better idea would be to get her a
radio set, so that they can tune in to their favourite stations. The girl often
makes her way to her friend’s home a few blocks away, her frame swaying awkwardly with
every step she takes, to sit by the radio and listen to Radio Ceylon. Here at
the gramophone shop the latest British made Pye radio sets are on sale, but
each set costs no less than Rs 300, and you need a license besides to own a
radio receiver. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">These were
my musings as I seated Biji and Harpreet in a III Class Sleeper carriage of 6
Down Mail. But this is no time to think about music and radio sets and
licenses. I am here at the railway station with Harpreet and her mother, and after a wait of nearly an hour in the Waiting Room, the train has steamed in. The Punjab Mail standing at the platform arouses a sense of urgency ; there
is no telling when the locomotive at the head of the train will commence to
exert its tractive pull at the drop of the signal. There is the unmistakable
feeling that an event of the first magnitude is about to take place, and event
that will irreversibly change the destiny of those seated meekly within the
train. The yellow board on the carriage
side is tilted over to one side; it reads ‘Howrah—Amritsar—Howrah’. Another carriage down the train declares its
destination to be Dehradun. This, I am told, is a through carriage that will be
detached when the train pulls into Laksar in the dead of the night. I think I must study the
timetable; this is the place that will furnish me full partculars of through
carriages on this train.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Having
settled Biji and Harpreet, I bid them farewell and hurriedly moved up the
platform hoping to catch a view of the locomotive as it drew out with the
train. I stumbled along, dodging handcarts laden with luggage and passengers
scurrying to and fro. I reached the end of the platform canopy—oh dear, there
were still four more carriages to go, out under the night sky—when the engine
gives out a deep sonorous whistle, like a ship's siren. I had hoped to catch a
glimpse of the driver opening his regulator but missed the event. With a great
roar, those mighty cylinders let out plumes of steam setting those steel rods
into motion. There were three men in charge, active in the brightly lit cab. One
blast, then another, WHOOOF—WHOOF—WHOOF , and the locomotive slowly began to move out
with the train. I glanced at the yard ahead where a semaphore meekly pointed
the way down shining a feeble green light towards us. “Gentlemen, all is clear,
you are authorized to proceed…” it seemed
to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The rest
of today's evening was uneventful. As the train pulled out, I made my way to
the station restaurant for a vegetarian meal. Once out of the building I
turned, as I often do, to glance at this great railway junction. Ludhiana
railway station. A cold mist has descended on the night; the concourse feebly
lit with incandescent lamps; tongas wait in uncertainty for passengers emerging
from the main portico.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
main line that sails into this great centre comes from Amritsar and Pathankot
further up north, moving down in a south-easterly direction to Ambala,
Saharanpur and Delhi. A line leads to Ferozepur, while another branches off to
Hisar down south. The town itself is home to a large number of private
industries manufacturing blankets and woolen garments. The residents of this
province are an industrious race. There is hardly a lane of the old city where
you will not come upon signs of manufacturing progress. Every by-lane has its
share of power looms, their shuttles busily clicking away at all odd hours of
the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">----------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Continued below... </span>Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-56040714887654478722017-03-31T00:08:00.003-07:002017-04-02T23:17:58.593-07:00The Sikh on Platform No. 4<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The winter
here is harsh, as indeed it is over the whole of north western India. You dip
your hands in water and find it is nearly freezing cold. There is a delicious
feeling as you step out into the open, when the gentle, orange rays of the sun
kiss you with a warmth that is so inviting. But none of this seems to trouble
Satpal. As he bends over to wash himself at the tap, there is no sign of a
grimace on his face. He cups his hand, splashes water vigorously on his face,
then looks up at me with piercing eyes. His hair is tied up into a knot on his
head, for he has left his turban near his bundle a little way off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I stroll
over to the end of the platform where the sikh joins me shortly. The Express
from Pathankot pulls in with a big noise and grinds to a halt. Passengers begin
to pour out but Satpal seems unconcerned. He brushes his hair and does up his
turban. Then he begins to arrange his little bundle. Beside him is a girl, aged
about ten. She looks up at me and smiles engagingly. She knows I have brought
along something for her. The girl is such a pet, I can't help getting along a
tiny gift of some sort whenever I drop into the station. Last week I got for
her a pink frock with a yellow border, but Satpal won’t let her wear it. He
says if Amrita wears good clothes no one is likely to give her alms... His argument was a perfectly valid one, so I
didn’t argue. Today it is a packet of cream biscuits for the girl. I know the
girl likes biscuits. All children do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Satpal and
his girl are one of the oldest residents of this station. The man has been
around for over fifty years. 'Business' is slack with the morning passenger,
but whenever a passing train calls at the station during the day, Satpal and
his girl cross tracks to reach the platform. Their equipment is meagre, and
consists of only two dull looking aluminium bowls. These bowls are their life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"I
have been here ever since I was a boy," recalls the sikh. The station
staff all know him, and others of his kind, but no one seems to care. Most of
their earnings come from passengers peering through carriage windows finding an
old man and his girl alongside looking up expectantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"I used
to know Munroe Saab," Satpal once told me. "He was Station Master,
and a thoroughly good man. He was often on his rounds and whenever he came upon
me, he would fish out a <i>naya paisa</i> or
two for me."</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Satpal's
girl has already begun to munch at the cream biscuits I got along for her. She
takes a bite at one and looks out happily into the distance. Far away in the
morning haze where the tracks mesh with each other, a signal dropped in a
gantry. That would be another train in a short while from now. People arrive at
this junction from all over the country in hoardes--from Delhi, from Howrah,
from Madras. The station is a great center of commerce, of activity and
movement. The little girl and her father live among these trains as do so many
others of their class. For them movement rarely means anything more than
crossing tracks to make their way to a more populous platform.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">---------------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continued below...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-17652502483611664132017-03-25T02:00:00.003-07:002017-04-01T00:40:02.994-07:00I Make Acquaintance with Mr Lal<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">That steam
is raised in the boiler of a locomotive by the combustion of coal, whence it
passes into the cylinders to do its work I knew from my boyhood days. Being a
student of science I was acquainted one degree further with the principle of
the piston valve whose job it is to admit steam alternately on each side of the
piston as it moves within the cylinder.
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be that as it may, a close look at a locomotive at work always gives
rise to an uneasy feeling, an overwhelming sense of ignorance of the inner
working of the fire breathing creature Stephenson gave to the world.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today was
a remarkable day for I have quite unexpectedly received a most interesting
tutorial in steam locomotive operation from Mr Lal, the shunting engine driver.
After a fruitless search for an absorbing book at the Wheeler’s bookstall, I
proceeded to Platform No 4 which is my usual hangout when at the station. The
object that held my attention today was a tank loco, Class WM 2-6-4, busy
shunting carriages. The engine heaved and puffed and after a labour of nearly
half an hour came to a stand a little beyond the platform ramp. The driver got
off and strolled into the station presumably for a cup of tea. He was a young
man, thirty something with a face that seemed not too severe, so I walked up to
him and introduced myself. It is quite possible that he had seen me several
times on this side of the station, for not once did he give me a questioning
glance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
social preliminaries were over, I put before him the matter that was on my mind
all along. I have often wondered how it comes about that on starting, an engine
lets out clouds of steam from the cylinders, and after a while ceases to do so,
thereafter expelling the whole volume of steam through the chimney in rhythmic
puffs. Why does steam first issue forth from the cylinders, and why the
changeover a few moments later?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We had our
cups of tea and moved out into the yard where the engine stood. There, as we
bent over together, Mr Lal showed me a stem that actuated two valves at the
lower edge of the cylinder. “These are known as cylinder drain cocks,” Lal
explained looking up at me. “When actuated from the cab, the drain cocks open
and let out steam from the cylinder.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It seems
to be all a big fuss but drain cocks on a locomotive serve a vitally important
purpose, I was told. When starting from rest, the cylinders of an engine are
usually cold, so boiler steam, when admitted, tends to condense into water. The
accumulation of water in a locomotive cylinder presents a grave danger, for
trapped water can form an obstruction as impregnable as steel to the movement
of the piston. Thus to prevent a piston from smashing into a barrier of trapped
water, the drain cocks are opened at the start of the run, expelling any water
that may have condensed together with the steam as it blows out. After a few
minutes of this preliminary, the cocks are shut, the steam being now wholly
discharged through the chimney.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And as
though to make sure I understood the operation, Mr Lal invited me into the cab.
The faceplate of a locomotive boiler has an impressive array of gadgets most of
which make no sense to the layman. Lal quickly pulled a lever and began to open
the regulator. Great clouds of steam engulf the engine at the front, and we
begin to roll out amid a deafening roar.
A short while later Mr Lal deactivates the cylinder drain cocks. Leaning
out of the footplate, I found that the discharge of steam had ceased, which was
now being expelled in pleasant little puffs from the chimney above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
demonstration over, Mr Lal actuated a lever. “This ,” he tells me, “is the
ejector.” Seeing that I am a young man interested in technical detail he is
eager to explain the various parts that go to make up a steam engine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The
ejector creates the vacuum necessary for operating the train’s brakes,” he
tells me. “There are three components of prime importance here,” he emphasized.
“The ejector that creates the vacuum, the injector that forces water into the
boiler against the pressure of the steam, and the lubricator which supplies a
mixture of steam and mineral oil to lubricate the steam chests and cylinders.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On regular
passenger and goods trains the services of a fireman are indispensable, but
shunting work seems to be more a relaxed job. A shunting engine working in a
passenger yard is rarely required to remain in operation throughout. “Now that
we have shunted the Hissar Passenger to the Carriage & Wagon examination
line, there is little more to do till noon when I am called upon to shunt a
sectional carriage that will be attached to the Deluxe,” he explains. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
shunting engine works only spasmodically and Mr Lal has enough time on hand to
shovel coal himself. At 5 O’ clock he signs off and hands over charge to a
colleague. Towards evening the engine will back at work shunting in the
Ferozepur Passenger and other slow trains bound for nearby districts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">----------------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continued below...</span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-40732942979107015142017-03-24T01:37:00.001-07:002017-06-02T23:04:50.332-07:00The Shed Shunter<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The main
line from Ludhiana going down to Ambala and Saharanpur leaves the station
taking a sweeping turn while it passes under the road overbridge half a
kilometer down the station. But if one wishes to visit the locomotive shed, it
wont do to take the main line. Each time I visit the shed I stroll down the
branch line leading to Jakhal and Hisar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On my last
visit here, I explored the area at the back of the shed where I found a set of
tracks stretching away into the distance. A long row of 0-6-0 engines were
stabled along the line. A security guard ambled along, and I asked him if these
locos were here for repair. Paint had begun to peel off leaving large area
covered with rust, the locos were in a dilapidated condition, and my suspicions
were confirmed. These locos had put in many years of faithful service a long
time ago, and were here to be disposed of as scrap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They were
an interesting lot to study. Old locomotives are quite a bit different from the
ones you get to see now. Not only is the smokebox Victorian in appearance,
there is no trace of a cylinder on the outside; the tangle of steel rods
working in harmony that we now see was absent. The ‘works’ are all concealed
within.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I strolled
towards the shed foreman’s office where I met Mr Lal and with his help I was
able to make a few friends. A locomotive shed is teeming with workmen, all
working together to keep the wheels of transport turning. There are loco
fitters and greasers, steam men and engine cleaners, locomotive inspectors and
shunters. Seeing one is interested in technical detail, many of these men are
helpful. But none was as friendly as Harminder the sikh who works as a shunter.
Harminder the tall, gaunt man; Harminder who is slow in speech, quick to smile,
eager to nod in agreement. I asked him why a shunter is required in a shed and
he answered simply : “Because everyone has his own job to do, and not everyone
has the time to take an engine from stage to stage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Locomotives
came here for repairs and this I well understood. That there were ‘stages’
involved in loco repairs was a new thing for me. Seeing the look of enquiry on
my face, Harminder offered to take me around. We walked along some distance
till we arrived at a place where an engine had newly arrived. It was a huge,
bellowing creature, Class XE, standing over a pit and men working on it. The
engine was alive and hissing steam and seemed all set to take on the heaviest
load, but the fire was in fact at a low ebb, my companion said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This,”
said Harminder, “is the first stage through which an engine passes. Your XE is
standing on the Incoming Examination Pit.” The men were all busy checking each
component. Here is a man of some importance making entries in a book. Harminder
says he is the driver and he is booking any faults or malfunctioning he may
have noticed during the run. Engines come to a shed for general servicing and
repair, but before the shed staff can do anything of any use they must know
what precisely is the trouble with the machine. Consequently on arrival, a locomotive
is first subjected to a close examination by the driver and the Incoming Pit
Examining Fitter who enter the results of their observations on a form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is
extremely important that repairs be booked correctly, and the most experienced
fitters are deputed to perform the job. The examining team here is headed by Mr
Clemens, an Anglo Indian with balding head and side whiskers. He finished with
the bye pass valves, noted down his observations in a diary and turned to me
with a look of relief. “She is pretty much the same as before when I last saw
her, excepting a few things here and there.” I asked him if the fire would be
put out before the loco was taken to shed. “Not necessary,” Clemens said
shortly. “We drop the fire only when she is under schedule repairs or if the
boiler needs a washout.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With these
words, Mr Clemens began to move away towards the Engine Examiner’s office. He
seemed to be a pleasant, easy man. I had had but few words with him, yet it was
all so inspiring. Clemens must have worked with engines ever since his boyhood,
I thought to myself. This is what gave him that special knack for diagnosing
engine trouble with effortless ease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Harminder
now climbs onto the footplate signaling me to follow him. Incoming engine
examination accomplished, the loco is ready for the next ‘stage’. My companion
gives a few turns to the reversing wheel, setting the machine in reverse gear,
opens the regulator, and with a mighty blast the XE begins to back out. The
examining pit is left behind and we steam backwards slowly past the shed where
I see two streamlined WP engines poking their noses out. They are comparatively new engines, and the
design, I am told, is the result of extensive mechanical and thermodynamic
tests performed with a view to develop an all round locomotive suitable for
fast mail and express trains. About 300 meters away we grind to a halt beside a
large coal dump. Two locos are already on the coal stage being replenished with
fuel. Chug-chug-chug goes the steam crane as it busily scoops up coal and with
a mighty swing of its arm dumps fuel into the tender of the waiting loco. The
machine seems to be tireless in operation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We get off
the footplate, then cross over two rail tracks to sit awhile on a stack of
wooden sleepers nearby. The whole area is afire with coal dust. A <i>chai-wallah</i> appears out of nowhere
equipped with a tray and cups. Harminder picks up a cup while offering me one.
Locomotive work can leave a man tired, and tea offers not only a break but
provides time to catch your breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Harminder
looked at me, and as if reading my thoughts, asked me: “Are you wondering what is all this about ‘stages’ ?” Although
my mind was far from what Harminder was speaking about, I was relieved to see
the young sikh in a mood to explain procedure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A pleasant
whiff of engine smoke wafted in and I turned to the sikh with the eagerness of
a boy learning a new game. I had thought of locomotive work all along as a
hopelessly confusing set of activities devoid of logical connection and order.
In truth, the operation of a shed in is accordance with a master plan where
each stage is under constant supervision with the object of ensuring that a
locomotive receives the best possible maintenance with the least possible
expenditure of time and money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have
been a witness to an engine examination at the pit and had the good fortune of
making acquaintance with Clemens, the Incoming Examining Fitter. The next task
on hand is to coal the engine for its forthcoming trip, followed by an
excursion to the turntable. The sequence of shed operations on a locomotive can
be summarized in the following manner:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Incoming Engine Examination<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Coaling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Turning <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4. Fire cleaning or de-ashing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5. Placement in the shed for maintenance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">6. Maintenance and Repairs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">7. Outgoing Pit Examination<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">8. Departure to the traffic yard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It should
be noted that with regard to items 2 and 3, the order in which these two duties
are performed is immaterial ; a locomotive shed may be built so that the
coaling stage occurs first followed by the turntable, or vice versa. The
position occupied by item 4 is critical however. Not every engine arriving at a
shed will have its fire dropped, but if this is done, the engine will have only
enough steam to run a short distance ahead. Had the fire-cleaning pit been
placed at position 1, then locos whose fire was dropped would not have enough
steam to go through the rest of the programme before being placed in the
maintenance bays for repair. Fire cleaning and de-ashing pits are therefore so
placed as to be the very last stage before the loco makes its way into the
bays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The eight
operations listed above form the timetable for each engine arriving at its home
shed. It will be seen that item 6 forms the most significant stage in the
programme , for the performance of the engine during the run is largely
determined by the quality of work done during repairs. It is therefore a
constant endeavour of the shed administration to ensure that of the total time
a loco remains in the shed, a large fraction
be devoted to running repairs, other activites (like coaling, turning and fire
cleaning) which are routine in nature being performed in the least possible
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How this
is accomplished was soon enough made clear. The XE finally replenished with its
supply of coal, Harminder handed over charge to his colleague who will in turn
shunt the engine to the turntable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As we
stroll around the coal stage, Harminder showed me his ‘Shunter’s Diary’. His
duties as a shunter require him only to drive his engine form the Incoming pit
to the coal stage. Time is of prime importance here, and besides the class and
serial number of the engine he has handled, he also has to note down the time
when took over the locomotive, the timing coaling commenced and the time it was
accomplished.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0yt-ddg0d4/WTJRWEaNGjI/AAAAAAAADc4/cqE1mVZ61X0Zc_CGoc97HQ7E72c-xin1ACLcB/s1600/Shunters-Diary-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1203" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0yt-ddg0d4/WTJRWEaNGjI/AAAAAAAADc4/cqE1mVZ61X0Zc_CGoc97HQ7E72c-xin1ACLcB/s640/Shunters-Diary-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Each
shunter deputed for a stage maintains a record of timings in the manner above.
At the end of the shift, these timings are entered in the Shed Turn Round
Register which summarises the time a locomotive is detained at each stage,
beginning with incoming examination, coaling, and right through until the
moment the loco is out of the shed after repairs. The stage by stage detention
is closely scrutinized by the Loco Foreman each day. Should he find that
locomotives are being detained at a certain stage beyond the prescribed time,
he must investigate the cause behind the delay and take appropriate action.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">------------------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Continued below...</span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-72989774024057150062017-03-21T22:03:00.000-07:002017-04-02T23:28:23.495-07:00Through the Lanes of Chaura Bazaar<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The work
of a Despatcher in the D.S.P.’s office calls for but little intelligence or
analytical ability. It certainly does not require the kind of rigor in thought
and analysis that I drew upon during my course of study at the Punjab
Engineering College. All it requires is a willingness to spend long hours at
the desk performing simple repetitive tasks.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Seated in
a cosy corner of the Superintendent’s office I seldom need to interact with
anyone; my only companions are a bottle of glue, pen and inkstand, a tiny
weighing scale, a box which is replenished with a supply of postage stamps each
week, and a sullen looking register to keep a record of correspondence. The
volume of mail handled each day is variable; today I have addressed and affixed
stamps to over fifty letters, which to me seems to be an incredible
achievement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I was back
home by 5.00 p.m. today. Faced with the prospect of spending a dreary evening
by myself, I had a quick shower and a change of clothes and picking up my
bicycle, I took to the streets. A twenty minute’s exertion brings me to Chaura
bazaar, the main shopping center of the old town. Nothing new here. The crowds
are here as always, men, women, cycle rickshaws, fashionable ladies, bicycles
trundling along. And the brightly painted signboards : <i>The
Imperial Watch Company... The New India
Radio and Gramophone Company... Lahore
Cloth Merchants ..</i>. These and a hundred other names dazzle the casual
visitor. The term <i>New India</i> is common
enough these days and seems to have taken the country by storm. Now barely ten
years of age, India is truly new, and seems to be on the threshold of a new
economic revolution.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">But I am
not here in the marketplace to amuse myself; nor do I have anything to purchase
for myself. I am here to call on Harminder and his family. Leaving behind the
dazzling show of merchandise I turn into a lane and ride on. Poorly lit and dingy
in appearance, this is the old city where tiny double storey homes are set
against each other in narrow lanes with open gutters running freely on either
side. A glance upwards reveals little galleries with decorative iron railings
from which peer womenfolk curious to know what is taking place on the street
below. The area is dark, crowded, cheerless, with barely any space between one
home and the next. This is where Biji lives with her son and daughter. Biji,
the frail old lady with hair white as snow. Biji, the gentle eyed creature
mending clothes under a bare sixty watt
bulb.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As the
train races across the plains of Punjab, great shimmering fields of wheat meet
your eye. A brief halt at a little station, and the train is on the move again.
A turn, a rumble over a girder bridge, then again fields, fields, and fields as
far as the eye can see. Here and there you will find a tiny home which like a
flash of lightning appears momentarily, and disappears forever. It is but a
tiny dwelling—the dwelling place of those who toil with their hands. The
farmhands are out for work, but ever so often you may spot a little boy or girl
standing in the doorway gazing wonderingly at the train as its speeds across
the countryside leaving behind a trail of smoke. It is in such a home that Biji
grew up. She grew up watching trains from her home out in the open. Who would
ever think she would go on to have a son who would work on a locomotive
footplate?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Times have
changed now. Biji no longer lives in her tiny village near Abohar. Those days
are long past. She now lives in a two room tenement in the big city. The wooden
staircase creaks as I ascend the steps. These quarters are far more dismal than
the place where I myself live. And yet I look forward to meeting the family. I
look forward to the warmth and the welcome. I have known the family for over
two months now. I know old Biji will be overjoyed to see me today. I know she
will make me comfortable on a chair, and fuss over me. She will offer me tea
and biscuits as though I were a member of royalty. And when she retires to the
kitchen she will send along the young lady to keep company. To chat, to talk
over things, to laugh, and play, and sing folk songs. Harminder himself approves of this. That
young Harpreet should spend hours with me. I know the damsel will come to me
with bright eyes, to show me a watercolor she has worked on. Or she will bring
an exotic bit of cuisine she has made, and is proud to show off. She sits beside
me for hours and talks. Talks about her life, her disappointments, her friends
in the gully, the game of hop-scotch she had longed to play but could not, her
days in school. At other times she will laboriously descend the stairs and limp
along to the marketplace to get me sweets. I hate the idea of the girl
descending the stairs for my sake, but she will have her own way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I know that
Harpreet finds me an agreeable companion. At twenty one, she is like a kitten
who has taken a liking to a puppy. Both mother and daughter are pleased when I
drop into the home. The love and caring and sharing are beyond words. Life
itself seems to be a stream that is carrying me along, and if the waves and
ripples evoke a sense of pleasure and well-being, you don’t care much about
where the current leads. You drift along with the boat. Where the boat is going
to lead, it is too early to say, but there is a growing feeling in my mind that
Harminder’s mother has something on her mind. That she has plans concerning me.
Plans concerning Harpreet and me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">-------------------</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continued
below...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-50125661309317226542017-03-03T22:53:00.000-08:002017-06-02T23:09:22.690-07:00Fitters at Work<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">My friendship
with Harminder has led to other useful contacts in the shed. Of particular help
to me were the Loco Foreman, Mr Albert Davies and his assistants, and Fitter
Chargeman </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mr Shyamsunder. These men’s
lives revolve around locomotive work, their skill in diagnosing trouble and
putting things right is incredible. They think and breathe steam. Many of them
began as loco apprentices, as cleaners, even khalasis. Of machine design and
the laws of thermodynamics they have not the slightest knowledge; none of them
has so much as heard of the name of Sadi Carnot. Yet when it comes to engine
maintenance and repair, even the District Mechanical Engineer must bow to the superior
ability and skill of these men.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Locomotive
work is an unceasing activity taking place round the clock. This is
particularly true of the larger sheds at engine changing stations where locos
arrive all through the day and night. At a medium sized shed such as the one
here, activity is much subdued in the night ; Ludhiana is not an engine changing
station. Nonetheless, a shed is an important part of the railway set up here
for, this being an important junction there are a number of passenger and fast
passenger services originating from here to nearby districts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Locoshed
technicians engaged in engine maintenance fall into two categories. Those who
work on the engine and its various moving parts and fittings, and the tender
are known as Loco Fitters, and work under the direction of the Fitter
Chargeman. There are other technicians whose responsibilities are centred on
the boiler and its accessories ; they are called Boiler Makers and function
under the Boiler Maker Chargeman. Loco maintenance involves a broad range of
activities, and so besides the aforementioned categories, we have engine
cleaners and steam men, blacksmiths and welders, greasers and khalasis, the
latter being manual workers whose work is mostly of an unskilled nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As the
shed is functional round the clock, work is performed in shifts. On the basis
of the repairs booked by the driver a repair slip is issued to each fitter and
boiler maker allotting him the day’s work. Fitter and Boiler Maker Chargemen
are expected to report about an hour before the start of the shift so that they
can plan and arrange the day’s work. After studying the repair books, repair
distribution slips are made out in duplicate and distributed to the workers. The
Loco Foreman (Maintenance) has an important role to play here, for when a
Chargeman finds some workers are absent from duty, the Maintenance Foreman
adjusts gang strengths making use of reserve gangs specially maintained for the
purpose so that each chargeman has
adequate staff to deal with the day’s work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The number
of tracks leading into the main shed is an indication of the number of engines
that can be ‘homed’ – more the number of tracks, greater the capacity of the
shed. Each track leads to a ‘repair bay’ long enough to hold three engines in a
row and has a pit running all along its length for the examination of
undergear. Fitter’s benches are provided at intervals along each bay, as are
also toolboxes for use by technicians, and cold water hydrants to fill up
locomotive boilers after a washout.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Strolling
along the repair bays of the shed I came upon workmen engaged in all kinds of
work. It is one thing to watch an engine on the main line, quite another to see
it taken apart in the shed. You see the inner working, you see the valves and
pistons and wheel gear, and in the end some of the mystery of locomotive work
begins to clear. You begin to realize the machine is in many respects like a
motor car which needs regular attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here at
one end of the bay was an engine with the valve gear taken down and the men
unscrewing the slide bars. Upon being questioned, I was told that after being
in service for some years, the slide bars had worn out. There being an undue
amount of clearance between the slide bars and the crosshead, it was necessary
to re-position the bars closer together, an operation which is technically
known as ‘closing in the bars.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">While in
operation, moving parts of an engine are subjected to tremendous stresses.
Although the deformations so produced are well within the elastic limits of the
components, they are repetitive in nature, and in time could lead to fatigue
cracks. Thus although on its arrival at the shed, the driver may not have
reported any trouble, certain key components are to be periodically checked for
flaws. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is an
HPS class engine with the boys applying a coat of whitewash on the crankpin.
This may appear as a strange thing to do in a locoshed, but it is in fact, a
very important procedure, and if carried out correctly, can reveal the presence
of a dangerous condition which may arise when a component is subject to high
repetitive stresses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A part
such as a connecting rod of an steam engine, or a crankpin, may, to all
appearances look as though no trouble existed, but it may in fact be harbouring
a microscopic flaw which if not corrected in time could lead to serious
failure. From time to time, therefore, these components are taken down and
subjected to what is known as a ‘Chalk Test.’ The part in question is first
cleaned with kerosene to rid it of grease and muck, and washed in hot water.
Once dry, kerosene is smeared all over, then wiped off. Finally the part is
given a thin coat of whitewash. When dry, a light blow with a copper hammer
will cause kerosene lodged in cracks to ooze out which can be detected under a
magnifying glass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Among the
numerous parts that are periodically chalk tested, none is perhaps as important
as the wheel axle. A crack in a journal could lead to a serious accident, so
one of the most important tasks of the Loco Foreman is to see that axles are
tested according to schedule. On passenger engines, no flawed axles are ever
passed. On goods and shunting locos, flaws within permissible limits are
allowed, but such locos are to be sent to the shops for repairs at the earliest
possible opportunity. It is customary to paint engines with flawed axles with
the sign ‘NP’, meaning <i>non-passenger</i> in
two inch white letters on the side panel plates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I climbed
onto the footplate of the HPS, where a fitter was busy unscrewing the gauge
column cocks. The engine is not in steam so I can freely operate the controls
and get the feel of the machine. The admission of steam to the cylinders is
controlled by a long, shiny lever called the regulator handle. To the right of
the cab is a handwheel known as the ‘reversing wheel’. Turning the wheel not
only enables the machine to be put into reverse, it also allows the driver to
regulate the ‘cut-off’ , which is the percentage of piston stroke during which
steam is admitted to the cylinders while the locomotive is in operation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
coasting downhill, or approaching a station, steam is not required, so the
regulator is generally closed. When this is done the pistons begin to act like
pumps and draw in a certain amount of smoke and soot from the smokebox. The
soot adheres to the oil in the cylinders and steam chest forming objectionable
crusty deposits. From time to time, therefore, the cylinders have to be opened
up and ‘decarbonized’, or cleaned out. The fitters at work on the HPS were
doing precisely this, and the question that naturally occurred to me was that
did the incoming driver notice anything unusual on the run leading him to book
this item of repair at the inspection pit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This and a
host of other questions were resolved only after I had an extended talk with
the men in the Foreman’s office. Albert Davies was a slightly built man,
smartly turned out in a black suit today. He had a sharp eye for detail, and
often looked at you with raised brows ; his voice, though moderate, often
sounded like a bark. When I first met him some days back, I could not help
feeling there was an element of hostility in his manner toward me. However to
my great astonishment and relief, I soon began to find a noticeable change in
the attitude of the shed staff : indifference vanished giving way to
friendliness, almost an eagerness to help. It was clear that Davies, though
formal in his manner toward me, had instructed his men to be genial with me,
and for this reason I came to regard him as a man with a great deal of
understanding hidden beneath his formidable exterior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Foreman was signing a register when I stepped into his office. Seated opposite
was Shyamsunder, the Fitter Chargeman. I greeted the men, but while Shyamsunder
nodded with a smile, Davies made no effort to look up. After he had finished
signing his forms he looked away looking tired, then turned to me inquiringly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
stammered out my question as best as I could. I told Davies I had witnessed an
incoming engine examination some time back where the driver and Clemens, the
examining fitter had closely examined the locomotive and recorded various
engine faults they discovered on a form. I then spoke to him about the chalk
test I had seen being done on the HPS, as well as the operation of cylinder
decarbonization I had seen. What kind of trouble did the incoming driver
possibly notice on the run, I asked, which led him to book these two items of
repair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“<i>Did you
not ask the driver?</i>” shot back the Foreman, his brows raised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was
clear that Davies found my question irrelevant. I was a bit taken aback at this
reply, but looked at the man across the table steadily. Finally with a look of
irritation, Davies opened out a drawer and drew out a sheaf of forms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“These are
Schedule Forms,” he said shortly, but it was clear he was in no mood to talk.
Just then a fitter stepped into the office saying that the chalk test on the connecting
rod of the HPS had revealed a tiny flaw. Davies immediately rose and saying
that he would be back soon, the two men left the office. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I was left
in the room with Shyamsunder and a set of incomprehensible forms lying on the
table before me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Putting
down his cup of tea, Shyamsunder picked up the forms, studying them for a
while. Then he turned to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The
question you made just now is perfectly understandable,” he began
considerately. Then glancing at the
forms again, he said slowly : “Engines come here for general repairs and
servicing, but the faults booked by the driver at the incoming pit aren’t the only ones we look into. A steam engine is
given schedule repairs from time to time...”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Chargeman lit up a cigarette and stuffed his packet back into his pocket. He
drew on his cigarette deeply, blew out smoke and continued: “By a Schedule we
mean a list of items to be checked, tested and repaired if necessary. Ideally,
we should be able to check each and every engine component on arrival, but this
is obviously impossible as it would keep the loco out of commission for long
periods at the end of each trip. Fortunately, there is no need for this time
consuming and futile exercise. From long years of experience it is known that a
certain component, for instance, is going to need attention after an engine has
run so many kilometers. Thus an I.R.S. loco is given a Schedule I examination
when it has run a total distance of 1600 kilometers after it was first
commissioned.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shyamsunder
paused here and looked out of the window meditatively, where he could see a
line of locos waiting to be coaled in the afternoon sun. Then placing a finger
on the Schedule I form he looked back at me. I glanced at the sheet of paper
under his hand : “... <i>Examine packing of
engine and tender axle boxes ; lubricate spring and compensating gear pins ;
clean steam and waterway passages and ball valves of gauge column cocks ; clean
injector cones ; examine boiler expansion and steadying brackets ; clean smoke
and flue tubes; examine and reset grate...</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The list
of items to be checked and repaired was extensive. The Chargeman went on:
“These items you see listed here are quite independent of what the driver may
book on arrival. At 1600 kms these items <i>must
be</i> attended to, if things are to work well. Then, at 8000 kms, we give an
engine a Schedule II examination. This is more extensive than the first, and
includes all items in Schedule I besides certain additional items considered
necessary for attention at Schedule II. The schedules are telescopic, you will
understand. There are a total of four Schedules, besides a Maintenance
Overhaul, and lastly a Periodical Overhaul done in the shops.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I listened
to Shyamsunder’s words with rapt attention. During my travels, there has not
been a single instance where a train was held up due to engine failure. With
such an intensive programme of examination, it is hardly surprising that
locomotives on the whole function well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGqm8qfVrfU/WOHyMkLABVI/AAAAAAAADak/4g8v9Bb5L_oD57POBA6sxao8MBSGtyP4ACLcB/s1600/Schedule-Kilometreage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGqm8qfVrfU/WOHyMkLABVI/AAAAAAAADak/4g8v9Bb5L_oD57POBA6sxao8MBSGtyP4ACLcB/s400/Schedule-Kilometreage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is
worth noting here that a careful record is kept in a shed, noting the
kilometerage earned by a locomotive since the last Periodical Overhaul, the
figures being picked up from engine tickets. When an engine is booked to work a
train, the driver is given an ‘Engine Ticket’ containing particulars such as
the names of the crew booked, the vehicle/load summary, shunting to be done
enroute, and the kilometerage earned by the engine thus far, this last figure
being updated when the driver submits his engine ticket to the Foreman at the
end of the trip. Data from engine tickets is used by the shed to maintain a
continuous engine-wise record of the cumulative mileage of the engine. A
similar record is maintained in the office of the Divisional Power Controller,
so that this official knows when to order a Loco Foreman to stop an engine for schedule
repairs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Despite
the rigorous schedule of maintenance, failures do occur from time to time. A
locomotive, Shyamsunder says, is said to have ‘failed’ if it is unable to work
its booked train from start to destination, or if it causes a delay of one hour
or more in arrival at the destination due to a mechanical defect, poor quality
of coal or water, or faulty operation arising out of slipshod maintenance
practices. The various kinds of failures that generally occur are too numerous
to mention in full here : defects could arise in the vacuum system or in the
piston, in the smoke tubes or super-heater elements. Other eventualities are a
burst gauge glass, regulator valve getting disconnected, fracture of the
eccentric crank or other moving parts. Drivers are given training in breakdown
repairs and are expected to know how to handle an emergency while on the run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">No
locomotive failure, however insignificant, is passed over ; a thorough investigation
is ordered in each case. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When an
engine failure takes place, the Loco Foreman is required to submit to the
Divisional Mechanical Engineer a report of the incident on the prescribed form
within four days of the occurrence of the incident. The DME in turn, submits
his own report to the Additional Chief Mechanical Engineer (Running &
Loco), accompanied by various documents including the Foreman’s report, the
Joint Train Register, statements made by the Driver and the Maintenance Foreman
(Fitting), and an abstract of documents stating the repairs booked to the
locomotive for the previous three trips prior to the failure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Back in
the Foreman’s office, I remembered that the HPS I had seen earlier was found to
have a flawed connecting rod, and asked Shyamsunder what would be done to set
things right. What he said in reply left me astounded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“There is
nothing we can do with that rod,” he said with a smile. “It will go to the
shops for repairs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But since
the location of the crack has been identified by the chalk test, isn’t it a
simple matter to put it right by welding up the thing?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No.
Welding is not permitted here in the shed on connecting rods and crank pins.
That rod needs specialized workshop attention...”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I see. So
now that the rod will be sent to the workshop for repairs, the engine itself
will lie here around for many days, perhaps?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We do our
best to hurry up things,” said Shyamsunder, and so saying he picked up two
blank forms from a desk, one pink, the other blue. “This is a Repair Order
Form,” he said, handing me over the pink form. “The connecting rod will be
dispatched today together with the pink form you are holding in your hand,” he
said.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pink forms
were used for urgent repairs for which engines were held up at the shed. Blue
forms, on the other hand, were employed for spare assemblies and parts which
did not require urgent attention.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxnqotUt9BM/WTJSb5026fI/AAAAAAAADdA/3m738oJG39QyZigKdk4uPHRDYTYUxf8hQCLcB/s1600/Repair-Order-Form-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="874" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxnqotUt9BM/WTJSb5026fI/AAAAAAAADdA/3m738oJG39QyZigKdk4uPHRDYTYUxf8hQCLcB/s400/Repair-Order-Form-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">-----------------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continued below... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-85809226035470231052017-02-27T22:34:00.001-08:002017-04-03T00:16:56.696-07:00Virtues of Boiling Water<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">A
remarkable feature of the railways of India is the very large number of steam
locomotive types that were put into use for various duties over the past
hundred years.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The very
first engine to arrive in India was christened ‘Lord Falkland’ and on its
arrival, began with shunting work at Byculla when the Bombay – Thana line was
being built. Manufactured by the Vulcan Foundry of England, this was a 2 – 4 –
0 tender locomotive using saturated steam and employing Stephenson’s Link
Motion to actuate the slide valves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As the
railways spread across the country, a wide variety of engines were ordered from
various British manufacturers. If there was one thing that marred this scheme,
it was the lack of standardization and uniformity of design. Each railway
company worked to its own standards and preferences and each ordered
locomotives based on design specifications of its own consulting engineering
firm. With this bewildering variety of locomotive classes, workshops and sheds
were required to maintain huge inventories of spares. The gravity of the
situation can be gauged from the fact that in 1923, there were over 500 different
classes of steam engines in use on the Indian subcontinent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first
attempt at standardization was made in 1910 when the British Engineering
Standards Association working in conjunction with the consulting firm of
Messrs. Rendel, Palmer and Tritton recommended a set of heavy and standard
locomotives for goods, passenger and shunting duties. Together with various
modifications effected, the most prominent feature of these BESA locomotives,
as they came to be known, was the use of Walschaerts Valve Gear in place of
Stephenson’s Link Motion used on earlier locos, in order to secure more
economical steam distribution to the cylinders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">From
amongst the various BESA classes designed at the time, only one, I think, has
survived so far, Class HP, which with the addition of a superheater in later
years came to be known as HPS. A visit to any large locomotive shed will reveal
that although now on the way to extinction, the once famed BESA engines leave
behind a remnant that will remain in the memory of locomotive men for a long
time to come. I found this to be true when I was moving around the ash cleaning
pit during one of my rambles to the shed. There were two pits, one longer than
the other. When I asked a fitter about the difference, he said that the larger
pit was meant for engines having BESA type ashpans which needed more room for
ash-pan men to go underneath. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Back in
the maintenance bays of the shed, I had the good fortune of being able to see
for myself a loco boiler being washed. The process is a laborious one I am
told, requiring a halt at the washout bay of over 16 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I had
hoped I would be able to speak to the Boiler Maker Chargeman, but he was not to
be seen in the office and on making enquiries I was told he was engaged with
Shyamsunder in testing a boiler which had newly been steamed. There is no point
in talking to him at this stage, I thought, and slowly ambled aimlessly around.
I was intercepted by Harminder accompanied by an elderly man with a dark
flourishing moustache. The men were smiling broadly as they walked up to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So how
are you getting on with your research project?!” asked the man with the
moustache looking me in the eye with amusement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I smiled
back. An introduction was hardly needed, for nearly everyone knew me here. Mr Bhalla,
the coal checker, was speaking only in jest; he knew well enough I was not
working on any kind of project. But on more than once occasion he had showed an
eagerness to help, as had many others. Could it be that these men knew
something about me? Maybe they knew they were speaking to an engineering
graduate who for want of suitable employment was in temporary service of the
District Superintendent of Police. No one had asked me anything so far, my only
credentials were my friendship with Harminder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Soon
however, Bhalla and his companion parted company and I was left alone with
Harminder. His morning shunting duties over, he had time on hand. We strolled
along the bay till we came upon a Class WG locomotive in steam. I was told that
the engine had been given a washout, the buffer heights adjusted, the wheel
dimensions checked, and upon being steamed the Chargeman and his men were
testing the safety valves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
locomotive boiler is a complex piece of apparatus and like every other engine
component, requires frequent attention. During service, salts dissolved in
boiler water are deposited as scale on the boiler and firebox plates, as well
as the flue tubes which conduct the hot gases from the firebox to the smokebox
and thence to the chimney. The main object of the multi-tube form of boiler is
to increase the heating surface and thereby effect a greater utilization of the
heat generated in the firebox to raise steam. The deposition of scale on the
smoke and flue tubes offsets the advantage of this kind of boiler design by
lowering the conductivity of the tubes, resulting in less heat being
transferred to the boiler water, and therefore more coal being consumed.
Regular boiler washouts ensure good steaming quality on the run by removing the
accumulation of scale and other undissolved impurities which over time settle
at the bottom as mud or sediment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
firebox itself is of interesting construction. With the exception of the
firegrate below, every part of the firebox proper is in contact with boiler water.
The inner firebox is surrounded by the outer firebox, and is held in place with
stay bolts. The space between the inner and outer fireboxes carries water both
at the sides and the top, and this rapidly conducts away heat so that under the
action of the fire burning within it, the inner firebox plates can never get so
hot as to burn or waste away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The most
comprehensive examination a steam engine boiler undergoes is when it is sent to
the parent workshop for periodical overhaul. This is called a Class A
examination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At the
sheds, boilers are inspected, adjusted and repaired under the direction of the
Divisional Boiler Inspector once every six months in an operation known as a
Class B examination. The very last item performed after repairs have been carried
out is usually a ‘steam test’ in which the Boiler Inspector satisfies himself
that the boiler is in order and is fit for service. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally we
have a Class C examination in which a boiler is washed, inspected and repaired
in the shed at intervals of one month, the operation being performed by the
Boiler Maker Chargeman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
details of the various boiler examinations together with their periodicity is
set out in the following table :</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XnbW84-oYKA/WOH2U50exEI/AAAAAAAADa4/6ccMAywrye00A5UCOQ-60fsQR0dFhujzACLcB/s1600/Boiler-Schedules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XnbW84-oYKA/WOH2U50exEI/AAAAAAAADa4/6ccMAywrye00A5UCOQ-60fsQR0dFhujzACLcB/s400/Boiler-Schedules.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">During its
term of service each boiler is accompanied by a Boiler Life Register containing
full details of the condition of the boiler at each of the examinations listed
above and the repairs carried out on it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mechanical
Boiler Inspectors are technical staff of the Mechanical Department and are
under direct orders of the Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer. Unlike Loco
Foremen and Chargemen whose duties are confined to the shed, Boiler Inspectors
are allotted a certain area and are required to be on the move. The Boiler
Inspector arranges his programme of work in consultation with Loco Foremen
within his jurisdiction. He must visit various sheds and keep himself informed
as to the condition of locomotive and stationary boilers within the shed, and
must ensure that every boiler under his charge receives timely attention and repair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
six-monthly B Class examination requires the Boiler Inspector to make a full
examination of the boiler and record details in the Boiler Life Register. In
addition he will also fill up a form in duplicate stating the condition of the
boiler and the repairs needed on it. One copy of the form is sent to the
Divisional Mechanical Engineer, while the other is for the Locomotive Foreman
under which the boiler is working. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Boiler
Maker Chargeman, having carried out repairs to the boiler in accordance with
the Boiler Inspector’s report, has to jointly certify with the Loco Foreman on
the form to the effect that the defects have been attended, and dispatch the
duly attested form to the Divisional Mechanical Engineer where it retained as a
permanent copy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have
been wondering what would be the outcome should a safety valve on a locomotive
fail to blow during the run, but Shyamsunder says the possibility of such an
occurrence is remote for there are three safety valves provided on an engine
each set to blow at a slightly different steam pressure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are
two items vitally important to boiler safety which are tested at each
examination. The first is the engine pressure gauge which is periodically
cross-checked with a Master Pressure Gauge to make sure it does not give a
false reading. The other item of prime importance is the safety valve. At each
boiler examination, safety valves are tested, and repaired if necessary, by the
Fitter Chargeman and the Boiler Maker Chargeman together, who record the results
of their test on a form, jointly certifying the pressure at which the valve
commences to blow.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As for my
question as to what would be the result should a safety valve fail to blow on
the run, there is ample latitude in this regard I am told, for modern locomotive
boilers are made with a Safety Factor of about 5, which means that the
thickness of the boiler plates as well as the size and pitch of the firebox
stays are calculated to withstand five times the authorized working pressure of
the locomotive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">---------------------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continued below...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-20941985869444219322017-02-24T22:08:00.004-08:002017-04-07T23:54:38.965-07:00The Power of Coal<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
earliest engines that came to India were simple affairs with small boilers, low
steam pressures and axle loads well within the ability of the light track then
in use. Both tender and tank engines were put into use. A ‘tender’ engine has a
separate compartment known as the tender to carry a supply of coal and water
for the journey and is suitable for extended runs without replenishing either
of these two essential requisites. A tank engine has the coal compartment built
into the main engine unit, and as it needs to be replenished with fuel and
water at shorter intervals, it is more suited to shunting duties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A notable
feature of these early engines was the overriding British influence in all
matters pertaining to design and operation. Not only were the machines and
those in charge of maintenance and operation brought in from Britain, the coal
used to provide the source of power was shipped in from Britain too. For nearly
fifty years after the railways first came to India, the coal used in
locomotives came from Britain. It was only after the turn of the nineteenth
century that the coalfields in eastern India began to produce coal in large
amounts, and consequently the import of coal for railway use was discontinued.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">With the
exception of a few routes which have been electrified, the railways are almost
entirely dependent on steam power, and this requires coal in phenomenally large
amounts. Coal is synonymous with power and should its supply fall short, trains
come to a standstill. If coal were to be supplied to only two, maybe three
consumers once every now and then, the situation would not have been urgent;
but with just a handful of coalfields supplying coal to hundreds of loco sheds
spaced miles apart, it can well be imagined that the task of arranging that no
shed is without an adequate stock of coal throughout the year, is a job which
calls for close coordination and management.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
understand the problem of balancing of coal at various locations, we may
imagine two loco sheds, one 2 hours, the other 4 days away from the coalfields.
Should a derailment or other mishap occur bringing traffic to a halt, it is
clear that the second shed will be more severely affected by a shortage of
stock. Each loco shed is therefore provided with a coal yard large enough to
hold an adequate stock, and if the rule book were to be followed, the amount
held at any time should be enough to last for 10 days plus the travelling time
from the coalfields to the shed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
quantity of coal in a shed is under constant daily watch. To achieve timely
replenishment of stock, the Loco Foreman must advise the Deputy Chief
Mechanical Engineer (Fuel) of his needs, and this he does each day at midnight
through a telegraphic message using a code, informing him of the amount of coal
at hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Code
letters used in the telegraphic transmission of coal stock details to the CME’s
office are reproduced below:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Opening coal balance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">B Fresh Receipts of coal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">C Total Receipts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">D Issues for the day <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">E Closing Balance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">F Number of days stock<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">G No. of wagons in shed awaiting unloading<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">H No. of wagons in yard awaiting placement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Information
on coal stocks coming in from sheds all over the railway each night forms the
basis on which the CME’s office works out
the most suitable balance, ensuring that the farthest sheds are kept better
stocked than those nearest to the collieries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To anyone
who visits a locomotive shed often enough, it is a common thing to see a coal
train pulling into the shed. Slowly but surely, the line of 4-wheeled open
wagons pulls in behind a sooty engine and creaking and whining comes to a halt in the coal yard. Unloading
the contents of the wagons is the contractor’s job and so is the task of clearing
out of ash and dumping it into the wagons—there is a special ash wagon siding
for this purpose. Loading and unloading are no part of the Foreman’s job for he
has a good many other things to attend to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Much
before the coal train arrived, the Loco Foreman has received written
particulars from the dispatching station—<i>Declaration
Advice Notes... Railway Receipts... Invoice... </i>These are important documents,
and together, they tell the Foreman about the number of wagons that are being
dispatched, the quantity and grade of coal carried by each, wagon numbers,
starting point and destination, and so forth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first
thing the Loco Foreman must see is if the quantity of coal unloaded tallies
with the amount as quoted in the D.A. Notes.
This could be done by reweighing each wagon that has arrived, but as
this would take an undue amount of time to perform, an indirect approach is
used. Every time coal is issued for use in a locomotive or for any other
purpose, a carefully measured quantity is given out, so that when the dump is
fully issued, the Foreman, by totaling the quantities issued, knows the net
amount of coal that was held in the dump. This method of accounting has the
additional advantage that it helps in compiling data regarding the quantity of
coal utilized by the shed for each different purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is
interesting to note that coal arriving at a shed is utilized for a variety of
purposes other than for locomotive use. Coal is needed for the boilers working
at the pumping station, and in coaling and traffic cranes. Then too, coal is
supplied to tourist and restaurant cars, to inspection carriages, and to
running rooms and workshops. In the early days when many of the great rivers
were yet to be spanned by bridges, coal was used by the railways to operate
ferries across the river. Finally, coal is also available for sale to the
employees of the railway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Detailed
accounts of transactions are maintained by the shed, and at the end of the
month a comprehensive statement known as the <i>Monthly Accounts Current Form</i> is prepared showing a detailed breakup of the
following details:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1) The
opening balance of coal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2) Coal
received during the month from collieries/dumps/other sheds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3) Coal
issued to engines<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4) Coal
issued for non-locomotive purposes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">5) Closing
balance on ground</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Monthly Accounts Current Form is prepared in triplicate. One copy is for the
shed, while the other two must reach the Divisional Superintendent and the FA
& CAO (Fuel Accounts) by the 2nd of the following month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
perhaps the most interesting part is the way a watch is kept over the use of coal
in a locomotive, both during the trip and while it is in shed. A special
official is posted for the purpose—the Coal Checker—who keeps a careful record
in his register each time coal is consumed by a locomotive for any purpose
while it is in shed. There are two officials here in fact, with coal under
their charge : the <i>Fuel Issuer</i>, who
authorizes the issue of coal, and the <i>Coal
Checker</i> who keeps records. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I had
hoped Mr Bhalla would spare some time to tell me about his work but he was busy
in the coal yard noting details on a form. Three engines stood in a row out in
the sun waiting to be coaled. Bhalla climbed down from the cab of the WG at the
head and walked up with purposeful strides to the next one behind, again WG.
The place is thick with the smell of fire, of steel, of heat and engine smoke.
The industrial revolution gave us the power of locomotion, and you can feel its
full effect here in the coal yard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Did Bhalla
know driving a loco? Harminder tells me nearly everyone at the shed is familiar
with the operating controls, although not everyone would be able to use this
knowledge with skill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But Bhalla
is not here to shunt an engine. Harminder tells me he is assessing the quantity
of coal left in the tender after the last trip. He uses the calibration marks
on the side of the tender for his job; and he should have finished with this
bit while the locomotive was still at the incoming pit, but better late than
never.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For each
engine arriving in the shed, Bhalla has to keep a progressive record of the
following particulars in the <i>Coal Checkers Book</i> :—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">1) Date<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">2) Engine Number<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">3) Incoming Train Number<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">4) Arrival date and time<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">5) Outgoing date, time, train number<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">6) Coal left in tender after arrival<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">7) Fresh issue of coal<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">8) Total coal in tender<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">9) Coal
consumed in shed movement<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">10) Coal consumed in lighting up engine<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">11) Coal consumed for banking fire<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">12) Coal consumed for engine kept in steam<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">13) Coal consumed for vacuum and injector testing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">14) Total shed consumption<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">15) Total coal left in tender at the time of
leaving shed</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Item No.
15 is the quantity of coal left in the tender at the time when the engine is
booked on a train and is ready to leave the shed. On its arrival at the
destination shed, the fuel left in the tender is again assessed, and the difference
between the two quantities gives the amount of coal that was used during the
trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The data
collected by the coal checker is no idle set of figures to be checked by the
Foreman once in a while. Particulars concerning the issue of coal for various
purposes are compiled into important monthly fuel statistics which are sent to
the FA & CAO (Fuel Accounts) together with various coal accounting forms
for internal check. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How much
coal can a driver use on a trip? As we have seen, careful accounts are kept of
the quantity of coal in an engine tender both at the start and end of the trip.
When a driver reports for duty, he is given a Trip Fuel Consumption Card
carrying various particulars. The driver must observe economy in the use of
coal during the run, and must make every effort to see that he works within the
<i>trip ration</i> assigned to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Trip
rations are worked out by officials of the Mechanical Department after
conducting actual trials under varying load conditions both during the day as
well as the night for various services. A slightly higher ration is prescribed
for winter months to take care of the increased fuel consumption at this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At the end
of the trip, the driver must submit his fuel consumption card along with the
engine ticket to the Loco Foreman. Should it be found that he has consumed more
coal than the target fixed, he has to render proper explanation on his card
before signing off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfj45CY0DuM/WOH6KNhyWNI/AAAAAAAADbU/kiPKc51zHLAbMwEO0Oph_jAfQbz9nF-xACLcB/s1600/Fuel-Card-50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfj45CY0DuM/WOH6KNhyWNI/AAAAAAAADbU/kiPKc51zHLAbMwEO0Oph_jAfQbz9nF-xACLcB/s320/Fuel-Card-50.JPG" width="249" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Data
recorded on Fuel Cards is further processed into useful monthly statistics—</span><i style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Locomotive Fuel Consumption Averages, Coal
Consumption Summary Sheets...</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> When on their rounds, Locomotive Inspectors must
study these tabulated sheets with a view to ascertain if drivers are observing
fuel economy on the run. Should a driver be found who is consistently heavy on
coal, the Loco Inspector will make a trip on the footplate with the driver to
ascertain the cause of the increased coal consumption. If a fault inherent in
the locomotive is found to be the cause, he will inform the Divisional
Mechanical Engineer of the case. In many cases, however, increased fuel
consumption is the result of drivers following an incorrect procedure on the
run. Should this be found to be the case, Locomotive Inspectors must bring the
driver’s fault to his notice and instruct him in the art of handling his
locomotive correctly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">--------------</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Continued below... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-19459540383181841102017-02-17T00:29:00.000-08:002017-06-20T23:01:10.115-07:00Winds of Change<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Looking
back over the years, I can say that 1957 was a significant year for me. It was truly
a milestone in my life. It brought with it good fortune and luck, setting me on
the path of self-enrichment and progress.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
changeover to a life of growth and challenge has been brought about by two
events occurring nearly at the same time. The first event of significance was
on the domestic side. Harpreet has, without any persuasion on my part,
consented to spend the rest of her life with me. It was a happy day for me.
Biji and Harminder were all aglow with happiness and seemed pleased with the
way things were taking shape. And so after a simple ceremony attended by family
and friends, I brought the little nymph to my frugal apartment. Not a word of
complaint did she utter. Harpreet has ever so gently taken over charge over
affairs in the home. And in an incredibly short time, those rooms which bore
resemblance to armymen’s barracks, began to take on the appearance of a home.
Each day I return from the DSP’s office to a home presided over by a
ministering angel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The second
event this year that ushered in happy days has been an advancement in my
career. I have been for some time looking for a suitable position more in line
with the extensive training in Civil Engineering I have taken. My efforts in
this direction finally bore fruit a week after my wedding when I received a
letter from the Public Works Department, Ambala, appointing me in the grade of
a Junior Engineer. It was nothing less than a windfall. It was a great leap
forward. It would forever solve my money worries. And it would help me set up a
decent home where Harpreet and I would live in happiness and contentment. Good
old Biji’s joy was boundless when the news broke out; she hugged me uttering
endearments and blessings. It is perhaps the greatest event in my life thus
far, an event that will usher in prosperity and advancement. It signals the
beginning of progress and an exciting career.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A month hence
we will have moved to Ambala where I shall take up my new responsibilities as a
government engineer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And I am
going to buy that radio set I have been longing to get for Harpreet...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Locomotive Shed by Night</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSKpiDfjueg/WOH9H7QU8LI/AAAAAAAADbg/pd4a5Ltfx-EK1yhy0uGDKPEonfROKMYHQCLcB/s1600/Shed-Layout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSKpiDfjueg/WOH9H7QU8LI/AAAAAAAADbg/pd4a5Ltfx-EK1yhy0uGDKPEonfROKMYHQCLcB/s400/Shed-Layout.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">By day a
locomotive shed presents the appearance of a sooty place where coal and steam
are the prime movers. The very essence of the railway is here. By night the
place is all aglow with lights. There are lights, lights, lights everywhere.
You walk up to the shed and see the tracks gleaming under the lights, you see
locomotives in steam on the outgoing pits, and you know these engines here have
been watered and coaled ; that they are poised for the run that lies ahead.</span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With more
than a month to join my duties in Ambala, I strolled into the shed one evening
where I found Clemens, the Outgoing Examining Fitter with the driver of an
engine, Class WL, ready for departure at the outgoing pits. Clemens is really
the Incoming Examining Fitter, but as his colleague is on medical leave, he is
doing a bit of overtime today. Outgoing pit examination is as important as an
incoming inspection, Clemens tells me. Both the driver and the fitter have to
go round the engine to see if all items of booked repairs (and schedule items,
if the engine has been given a schedule) have been attended to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Clemens
feels quite at ease with me around. He does not mind an outsider watching him
do his work. He does not look upon me as an outsider, but as someone who
belongs here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“There is
one lesson that fitters here have yet to learn, son,” said Clemens as he
disappeared round the rear buffers, reappearing a moment later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What do they
need to learn, sir?” I asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Clemens
cleared his throat and glancing towards the Foreman’s office he said, “I have
warned them often enough, but they have chosen to ignore my words. They have
yet to learn that slovenly work will only get them into trouble.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Trouble
with Davies,” he added a moment later, thoughtfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Clemens
held a sheet of paper in his hand. Under the lights I could see him make an
entry in the <i>Repairs Not Complied With</i>
register.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uldag0SxW1A/WTJTdyESs1I/AAAAAAAADdI/pJTiHfb0x1oUPxw9QwdRlDiDY4gZHK3cQCLcB/s1600/Repair-not-Complied-With-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="1123" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uldag0SxW1A/WTJTdyESs1I/AAAAAAAADdI/pJTiHfb0x1oUPxw9QwdRlDiDY4gZHK3cQCLcB/s640/Repair-not-Complied-With-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">No one can
evade responsibility here. Repair Distribution Slips are made out in duplicate,
and besides each engine has a Master Repair File which lists each of the
repairs done on the locomotive and the names of the fitters who have done the
job. There is ample evidence here to fix responsibility.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I strolled
into the shed underneath the lights. The notice board had several announcements
to make and shed staff are expected to keep themselves informed. Amongst the
sheets pinned up to the board is a ‘shed notice’ which seems to be a duty list
allotting drivers and firemen to various trains : "...Shri Jaspal Sandhu,
Bansilal, Kartarsingh—Pathankot Fast Passenger—to leave at..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As I moved
onwards into the maintenanace bays, I was met by Davies and Shyamsunder. They
had alighted from an AWD in steam, and were off duty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We hear
you have taken up a new assignment,” said Shyamsunder pleasantly as we turned
into the Loco Foreman’s office. Inside sat a man, the Night Assistant, who
would take over work for the rest of the evening. <i>So the news has travelled all the way to the shed,</i> I thought to
myself. I replied that my posting in Ambala was a turning point in my life,
that it would open up opportunities for growth, a healthy life, and a
satisfying career. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shyamsunder
concurred in my views. “As a civil engineer, you will no doubt be doing great
service,” he said easily, lighting up a cigarette. “Roads and canals, dams,
waterworks—these are the things that will absorb your energies…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Davies remained
quiet all the while, but looked impressed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Is there
anything more we can do for you here?” Davies asked suddenly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I looked
up at the Foreman. His brows were raised, but his lips had curled up into a
smile. I said in reply that I was amazed at the amount of paperwork involved in
loco shed management.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Paperwork
is of prime importance here,” said Davies heartily, leaning back in his chair.
“Everything done here is documented so that we can see if our work here meets
accepted standards of performance. We have officials from the Mechanical
Department dropping in here regularly for inspection, so we have to be on our
toes throughout !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Davies was
smiling broadly now. “Documentation helps in keeping a record of what is being
done, and helps us to decide on what to do next,” and so saying, he picked up a
large register and opened it out on the table for me to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This is
the ALF’s Diary,” said Davies, opening out a page and placing his palm on it.
“At one glance I can tell you that we have two AWDs, one WG, two WPs and three
WLs here on the bays, one HPS is laid up waiting for spare assemblies, one WP
is in the shops for a POH, one WL and one WP are on the pits steamed for duty, and
the rest are out on the road,” Seeing the look of bewilderment on my face, he
added, “This is routine work for us, you understand. Daily routine. The power
position will be updated tomorrow by 8 O’clock in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then stretching
out his arm he reached out for another book and cried, “<i>Signal Defects Register!</i> Driver Jaikishan has reported that the
Down Home at Mandi Gobindgarh has a drooping arm. This intelligence will be
relayed telegraphically both to Control and the Signal Engineer tonight. So as
you can see, documentation serves a vital purpose. We would be nowhere if we
were to trust to memory...”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Loco Foreman’s office is literally swamped
with registers and forms : <i>Repeated
Booking Register, Lead Plug Register, Loco History Sheet, Monthly Wheel
Measurement Record, Link Failure Register, Power Position Register...</i> Even
drivers themselves are not spared the task of documentation. A steam driver in
addition to managing his locomotive, has to keep a careful record of station-to-station
timings in his note-book while on the run. If the train is losing time, he has
to compute at the end of the trip, the time loss each on account of <i>traffic, engineering, </i>and<i> loco</i>. At the end of the run he will
transfer his loco loss to the Engine Ticket before he signs off. Loco Losses
are usually attributable to improper functioning of the engine, poor
enginemanship, or a poor grade of coal supplied, so this figure finds a place
in the <i>Driver Performance Register</i>
maintained at the shed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Along with
the Driver, the Guard, too, is required to keep a similar record of station
timings in his Joint Train Register. If at the time of signing off, the loco
loss on the driver’s ticket does not agree with the figure as computed by the
Guard, the Driver must give an explanation of the discrepancy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Davies
rose from his chair and Shyamsunder and I followed him out of the shed. Two
engines stood in steam at the outgoing pits, ready for duty. Davies looked
around thoughtfully. He had put in a full day’s work, but seemed calm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Have you
ever seen our Basic Training Centre here?” Davies asked me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes, it’s
right at the back. But the windows were barred and the door locked all the time
I have been here,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I wish I
could book you for a course at Shed School,” said Davies, a roguish smile
playing on his lips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We broke
into laughter. Shyamsunder stroked his moustache and went on to tell me that
the shed training school held both refresher and promotional courses. “All
categories of staff here have to undergo training,” he said. “Starting from
Engine Cleaners, Second Firemen, Leading Firemen, Drivers—everyone attends
courses from time to time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I asked
the Chargeman what was the idea behind a Refresher Course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Everyone
here has to attend a Refresher Course in his grade once in 5 years and pass an
exam. This is to keep them up to date with current maintenance practice, and
ensures that their knowledge doesn’t grow rusty with disuse,” said Shyamsunder.
“Everyone’s performance here is under close watch. For example, if a driver is
found to be consistently heavy on coal, or is causing repeated loco losses, he
is taken off duty and booked for training. It’s a must !”</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ94B_bIqv4/WOH9sIbm6-I/AAAAAAAADbo/xH8f4e6g-VM9bsk-jPnvJSeISwwZPTy_gCLcB/s1600/Promotional-Courses-A-45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ94B_bIqv4/WOH9sIbm6-I/AAAAAAAADbo/xH8f4e6g-VM9bsk-jPnvJSeISwwZPTy_gCLcB/s400/Promotional-Courses-A-45.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The locomotives
at the outgoing pits were fully steamed, their cabs brightly lit (Harminder says Stone’s turbogenerator provides 500 Watts of power). Workmen could be
seen on the tenders maneuvering the swan neck of the water column. The first
was assigned duty on the Hisar Passenger, the second would steam out with the
Pathankot Fast Passenger three hours later in the night. We could see the driver
go round his WL; he polished his buffer lamps with cotton waste, then appeared
with a sheaf of papers in his hands.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He is checking his fuel card and his engine
departure slip,</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
I thought to myself. <i>He is preparing for
a night of work, a night of adventure</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
I walked away that evening along the tracks leading out of the shed, the light
from the engines at the pit grew more and more feeble, the hum of steam faint.
A quarter of a mile ahead, the station lights rose in the night beckoning me to
share in the life on rails yet again. And I thought to myself how everyone here
has to live his own life, that in a month’s time I would embark on my own voyage, my
own little adventure in a town not far from here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">(Fiction)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Ravindra Bhalerao</b></span></span>Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-19809240501925642002016-01-08T22:59:00.000-08:002016-01-08T23:45:20.959-08:00Down by the Loco Shed<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">IN DAYS
GONE BY rail enthusiasts, eager to explore the railways they loved, trekked
along railway tracks, pottered about in yards, sipped coffee at stations while
they watched trains come and go. They still do the same today. But the rail
adventure today is devoid of a crucial element that made these trips ever so
enjoyable—and that is the absence of steam locomotives and the sheds which
homed them. The enthusiast had very little understanding of the mechanics of
the locos he admired, yet he would find his feet carrying him along the shining
steel rails to the remote, far-off establishment, the loco shed, where he found
himself entranced by the magic of steam, fire and coal working its wonders on
that most fascinating of all mechanical contrivances, the steam locomotive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Those good
old machines of old have nearly disappeared. But so what? There is still enough
magic in a steam locoshed to beckon me at all times. And although I can’t
expect to find those grand old machines with fire in their bellies around, I rejoice
in the sight of an old shed. Stephenson’s invention is now relegated to
heritage museums, but each time I visit a steam shed, there is something in it that
welcomes me, something that takes my breath away. There is always something to
remind me of that bygone age when the push and pull, the heave and sigh of the
iron horse was as common on the rails as the motorcar is on the street today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49s_0UO7sQM/VpCtqazXCII/AAAAAAAADSw/Vi0gnn5atic/s1600/LocoShed-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49s_0UO7sQM/VpCtqazXCII/AAAAAAAADSw/Vi0gnn5atic/s640/LocoShed-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I said
there is always something exciting in a loco yard. Here is a narrow gauge steam
locomotive tender atop a broad gauge wagon. The loco itself worked on the
Central Railway, so I assume it was a Pulgaon-Arvi engine.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkcWab32rRo/VpCuD3YFvtI/AAAAAAAADS4/amSTGkXQK5c/s1600/NarrowGaugeTender-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkcWab32rRo/VpCuD3YFvtI/AAAAAAAADS4/amSTGkXQK5c/s400/NarrowGaugeTender-40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Can you
ever imagine a locoshed without a turntable? Here’s one that has survived all
these years. It carries the manufacturer’s plate on the side of the girder. I would love to read the information on the plate but this would mean I would need to step into the pit. Once inside how do I come out of it by myself ?!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cF3FuQSyfr8/VpCucOXIs6I/AAAAAAAADTA/Y2U8yGWyIIA/s1600/Turntable-A-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cF3FuQSyfr8/VpCucOXIs6I/AAAAAAAADTA/Y2U8yGWyIIA/s400/Turntable-A-40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And here’s
a heritage narrow gauge carriage. Not heritage to be exact, but old enough to
be charming. Such are the treasures you will find lying around in loco yards...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbV0_OcksTA/VpCusc_KNQI/AAAAAAAADTI/JTBwshQjzto/s1600/Carriage-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbV0_OcksTA/VpCusc_KNQI/AAAAAAAADTI/JTBwshQjzto/s400/Carriage-40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
view of the loco turntable...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5YcJ077RYe4/VpCvBRkgxWI/AAAAAAAADTQ/GZve1yE48LQ/s1600/Turntable-B-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5YcJ077RYe4/VpCvBRkgxWI/AAAAAAAADTQ/GZve1yE48LQ/s640/Turntable-B-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MdeX5fVCJ0k/VpC36_8i8zI/AAAAAAAADTo/V8Ynax-thzk/s1600/Turntable-C-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MdeX5fVCJ0k/VpC36_8i8zI/AAAAAAAADTo/V8Ynax-thzk/s640/Turntable-C-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And here’s
a scan from an old Indian Railways manual telling about the maintenance of turntables
and the adjustments to be carried out on them...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGEKozi1iFY/VpCvZbVUW7I/AAAAAAAADTY/e8itxxg9Jm0/s1600/Turntable-Manual-40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGEKozi1iFY/VpCvZbVUW7I/AAAAAAAADTY/e8itxxg9Jm0/s640/Turntable-Manual-40.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-64782492886466329442016-01-02T05:48:00.000-08:002016-11-25T22:14:55.616-08:00A Hundred Year old Railway Ticket...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I HAVE RECEIVED a note from Mrs. Tanya Castellas telling me of an old railway ticket
which her mother Rosalind Simon has preserved all along. This is a North Western Railway ticket dating
back to 4 November 1915. The journey covered is from Pathankot to Lahore
Cantonment East for which the fare was only Rs 3 – 00 at the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mrs Castellas has been kind enough to provide me
a scan and says she would like to give away the ticket to anyone who is into
collecting Indian Railways memorabilia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here’s a
wonderful opportunity to own a heritage railway ticket that is over a hundred
years old. Just imagine, a railway ticket dated 4 November 1915 ! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Readers
who are interested in acquiring this prized ticket may write to Mrs Castellas at the following email
ID :</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>t.r.castellas@outlook.com</b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So hurry folks, the first person to contact Mrs Castellas gets the prize !!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gh3hArl1Go/VoojI4mGS6I/AAAAAAAADR0/vpuZ9tvJ_s8/s1600/Ticket-R.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gh3hArl1Go/VoojI4mGS6I/AAAAAAAADR0/vpuZ9tvJ_s8/s320/Ticket-R.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aU2qNpNvxA4/VpNUjRvJz_I/AAAAAAAADUI/TlE1jAw33g4/s1600/Ticket-40-Paint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aU2qNpNvxA4/VpNUjRvJz_I/AAAAAAAADUI/TlE1jAw33g4/s640/Ticket-40-Paint.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif";"><br /></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-80541763007151384772015-12-17T00:20:00.000-08:002016-01-06T22:45:46.574-08:00Curtains Down: The Toy Train's Final Act<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I MET KAPIL SAHARE at Nagpur's Narrow Gauge rail platform. Tall and lean, and with a
clean shaven face, Kapil was seated on bench alongside an old lady. “That is my
mother,” Kapil tells me, as we begin a conversation. I glance at the lady but
she is in a world of her own. She hardly seems to be hear anything. And she's a
bit sleepy too. “She was not well,” Kapil explains to me while his mother
dozes. “Mother is now 85, and I had to get her here for an operation," he
tells me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Like
hundreds of other folks from nearby villages, Kapil travels to Nagpur by the
Chhindwara Passenger train regularly. Lodhikhera where he stays is but a sleepy
village along the line. And there are other names he reels off when you ask
him: Ramakona, Devi, Sausar, Umranalla... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is
only a sampling of tiny stations among more than a hundred that were connected
by narrow gauge railway back in 1913 making the Satpura Lines the largest
narrow gauge railway network in the country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Narrow
gauge was introduced in the Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra area mainly with a
view to transport agricultural produce, but the train soon proved to be a boon
for those staying in rural areas. With its arrival, both Nagpur and Jabalpur
were connected with the district of Chhindwara, with additional links going all
the way down to Nagbhir and Chanda Fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Train
services on the Satpura Lines have been progressively phased out, with the
railways keen on introducing broad gauge throughout. Among the last to be
struck off the roll was the Nagpur—Chhindwara Passenger which saw its very last
service on 30 November this year. The only service yet in operation is between
Nagpur and Nagbhir, a tiny remnant of a complex rail network that was
powered entirely by steam locomotives in its heydays.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
narrow gauge now practically off the rail map, how will it affect the simple
folks who travelled on the line?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Reactions
to this question vary. Two college youths I met on the platform were
nonchalant. “We'll travel by bus,” they said easily, toying all the while with
a Micromax mobile phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kapil
Sahare is not pleased however. “There are hundreds of tiny villages, some on
the line, others in the interior, and people there rely entirely on this
train,” he tells me. Shopkeepers and merchants from these villages made weekly
trips to Nagpur to re-order their stocks, so it can well be imagined that the
railway was much more than a mode of transport—it was the lifeline of
these folks. “There are school children from my village who travel to Saoner by
train to attend high school,” Kapil tells me. “And a large number of men
employed as labour made use of the train each week to get to Nagpur.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dodging a
herd of cows that had strayed onto the platform, I moved out of the station and
trudged along the tracks. There is a charming little hut with a gabled roof you
will come across if you but take the trouble to stroll along the line leading
out of the station. In actual fact, this tiny thing is the ASM’s office which
controls toy trains leaving Nagpur. The cabin is manned by Station Master Mr.
Bhaje and others of his rank working in shifts. And there is always a good
sprinkling of cheerful pointsmen around to attend to the train, uncouple the
engine, and set the signals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I nearly
envied Mr. Bhaje and his colleagues. They are lucky folks who get to work in a
pretty hut that clearly belongs to Raj days. But no one at the signal cabin had
any idea how old the structure actually is. Although the line to Chhindwara was built
in 1913, the present main station building came up only in 1925. On a rough guess we may therefore surmise that the cabin could be around ninety years old. Or maybe a little less.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That
pretty little signal cabin where Bhaje works can’t be expected to last forever.
Like the train it serves, it will move into obscurity one day, not far off. Ask
anyone at the station and they will say the toy train to Nagbhir will be off
the tracks in just a few months time. And when that happens, folks like Kapil
Sahare and others will find themselves ditched and stranded as it were. Perhaps
no one put this more poignantly than Station Master Bhaje himself. "This train
was mostly for poor people," Bhaje tells me. "These folks will now be
seen waiting at the highway looking for a bus. And a journey which cost them 10
- 15 rupees will now cost 40 - 50 rupees by a bus that is already full when it
arrives at the village bus stop..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It was a
simple train for simple folks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">...................................</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Ravindra Bhalerao</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-thB3LlCjzUM/VnJvvpNU6XI/AAAAAAAADPM/T28YE_aP7-0/s1600/NG-train-on-curve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-thB3LlCjzUM/VnJvvpNU6XI/AAAAAAAADPM/T28YE_aP7-0/s400/NG-train-on-curve.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">This charming village family knows their train is late in the evening and so decide to cook their food on the platform itself.</span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZm1cvsiOXU/VnKESu-g3TI/AAAAAAAADQE/RcXQ8R_q_Vo/s1600/Family-cooking-on-Platform-50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZm1cvsiOXU/VnKESu-g3TI/AAAAAAAADQE/RcXQ8R_q_Vo/s400/Family-cooking-on-Platform-50.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The C Cabin is manned by ASM Mr. Bhaje and others of his rank. You will also find levermen and pointsmen here and these men get busy as soon as the tiny trains trundle in. Leverman Mr Veer Priya is amongst the most cheerful pointsmen I have ever come upon. He loves to talk about his beloved railways. Narrow Gauge trains here belong to the SEC Railway, but the operating staff are all from the Central Railway he tells me. Even the land on which the railway is built belongs to the Central Railway. SEC Railway only looks after the maintenance of signals, locomotives, carriages and the track. The C Cabin employed quite a few pointsmen earlier, but with the closure of several train services, only a handful of them are on duty now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">What will happen to the staff of C Cabin once narrow gauge is shut down? Station Master Bhaje says he will be employed in the Route Relay Interlocking Cabin of Nagpur. Pointsman Veer Priya too isn't worried. With the closure of narrow gauge, he will be deployed elsewhere, he says. At the C Cabin, his duty hours stretch to even 12 hours at a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">............................</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">This colourful spectacle can be seen at the platform end towards the evening, close to the spot where the Accident Relief Train is stabled. They are folks waiting for a train that will take them to Nagbhir side. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98mZvcQq6_4/VnKHavXx8JI/AAAAAAAADQQ/w0VGj1WGHt8/s1600/NG-Passengers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98mZvcQq6_4/VnKHavXx8JI/AAAAAAAADQQ/w0VGj1WGHt8/s640/NG-Passengers.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The end of the narrow gauge platform in Nagpur. Where does the road lead from here? Only time will tell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QigB1J1jAtQ/VnKICXxzSNI/AAAAAAAADQY/mgUpYEsGgP8/s1600/Platform-End-35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QigB1J1jAtQ/VnKICXxzSNI/AAAAAAAADQY/mgUpYEsGgP8/s320/Platform-End-35.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-80875160690626129732015-10-11T02:05:00.000-07:002015-10-11T03:17:18.625-07:00Remembering M. Sanyal <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">WE DO NOT HAVE FULL information on who M. Sanyal was. All I can say is the gentleman worked
for South Eastern Railway as AFI, a term which probably means Assistant Foreman at
the locomotive shed in some category. Again we do not know which loco shed he
worked in, it could be Kharagpur, or Adra, Dongargarh, maybe even Nagpur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One can of
course check up at the railway divisional office and locate who Sanyal was, and
where he is stationed currently, but that will take time. But why the Dickens
should we do so, trying to find the whereabouts of the man? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I was
drawn to M. Sanyal for the plain reason that he was a railwayman endowed with special
artistic skill. Without knowing anything about the man, I can say he showed remarkable
skill in drawing caricatures. And so, back in the 1980s, when South Eastern
Railway decided to bring out a tiny booklet called Fuel Economy Guide, Mr
Sanyal’s services were requisitioned to illustrate the publication. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Fuel
Economy Guide was a tiny booklet meant for official use, and a copy was issued
to each steam loco driver. In it, the driver entered his name and various
particulars, and on subsequent pages, he would be required to enter particulars
such as the coal consumed on each particular trip, the timings of arrival and
departure of his train, and so on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">By itself
the fuel guide might have been a drab little booklet, but Sanyal was asked to
illustrate the guide. His artistic sense can be judged by the illustrations he
executed. His pictures show no sign of immaturity. Each exhibits the kind of masterly
strokes one may expect from a professional cartoonist, besides giving us a
glimpse of how it was like in a steam locomotive shed.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FEBAybblgw/VholUDXaYsI/AAAAAAAADMc/SBoUDz0tuqw/s1600/fuelguide-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FEBAybblgw/VholUDXaYsI/AAAAAAAADMc/SBoUDz0tuqw/s400/fuelguide-cover.jpg" width="362" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cover page of the Fuel Economy Guide shows<br />
a train <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">speeding </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">across the countryside. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Bright clouds in the sky </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">and soaring </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">birds </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">lend a colorful charm </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">to the composition.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H56TUJRymJM/VholJ04FJWI/AAAAAAAADLE/L27Eqj1Ze8g/s1600/FirstPageofGuide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H56TUJRymJM/VholJ04FJWI/AAAAAAAADLE/L27Eqj1Ze8g/s400/FirstPageofGuide.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The opening page of the Fuel Economy Guide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvxxNHMTM18/VholLImOMFI/AAAAAAAADLQ/l84L2aWMDLM/s1600/fuelguide-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvxxNHMTM18/VholLImOMFI/AAAAAAAADLQ/l84L2aWMDLM/s640/fuelguide-1.jpg" width="459" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This railway driver is holding his book upside down.<br />
Such a thing was entirely possible, for many<br />
steam drivers of old were illiterate folk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vTp-8O3VvU/VholL86_9pI/AAAAAAAADLY/CUQExi54LjI/s1600/fuelguide-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8vTp-8O3VvU/VholL86_9pI/AAAAAAAADLY/CUQExi54LjI/s400/fuelguide-2.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LffKVdBq20/VholNFvgXVI/AAAAAAAADLk/d03XRHgVVow/s1600/fuelguide-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LffKVdBq20/VholNFvgXVI/AAAAAAAADLk/d03XRHgVVow/s400/fuelguide-3.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In many of his cartoons, the artist depicts a<br />
driver as a man of voluminous proportions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7T-AhBcswg/VholNot0C3I/AAAAAAAADLo/593ebRilABg/s1600/fuelguide-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l7T-AhBcswg/VholNot0C3I/AAAAAAAADLo/593ebRilABg/s400/fuelguide-4.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9gAjVZe9dE/VholPNz1VtI/AAAAAAAADL0/PsCMARvet_0/s1600/fuelguide-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p9gAjVZe9dE/VholPNz1VtI/AAAAAAAADL0/PsCMARvet_0/s640/fuelguide-5.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, the inside of a cab!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPhLd2ehnTs/VholQt5vkEI/AAAAAAAADL8/S2w6MbhhawQ/s1600/fuelguide-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPhLd2ehnTs/VholQt5vkEI/AAAAAAAADL8/S2w6MbhhawQ/s640/fuelguide-6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yrqMRqGuNgQ/VholSsQ8xqI/AAAAAAAADMU/sQ1kmvf4x1Q/s1600/fuelguide-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yrqMRqGuNgQ/VholSsQ8xqI/AAAAAAAADMU/sQ1kmvf4x1Q/s400/fuelguide-9.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGgIa3ppGrk/VholRA4GM9I/AAAAAAAADMA/Nqn_5k7aXBE/s1600/fuelguide-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGgIa3ppGrk/VholRA4GM9I/AAAAAAAADMA/Nqn_5k7aXBE/s400/fuelguide-7.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p05_uRKczHc/Vho0IATT6AI/AAAAAAAADMw/7YjsTlfVu4g/s1600/fuelguide-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p05_uRKczHc/Vho0IATT6AI/AAAAAAAADMw/7YjsTlfVu4g/s640/fuelguide-8.jpg" width="499" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73Qzmc5reG8/Vho1_jP1xgI/AAAAAAAADNA/R4jVrV5H5vc/s1600/fuelguide-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73Qzmc5reG8/Vho1_jP1xgI/AAAAAAAADNA/R4jVrV5H5vc/s640/fuelguide-10.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With this handsome compliment from the coal checker, how pleased<br />
our driver looks...</td></tr>
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Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726350653375151349.post-62683562462106186762015-09-19T23:42:00.003-07:002015-09-20T00:39:05.834-07:00Platform Humour<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">A
Trainload of Jokes and Anecdotes</span></b> by K R Vaidyanathan; English Edition Publishers and Distributors
Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, 2003; pp 159, Rs 150<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">----------------------------------------</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">THE STORY
IS TOLD of an English gentleman named Tom who had the deepest regard for the
railways of India. Once Tom was at Karjat station waiting for a train that
would take him to Poona. When after three hours at the platform, there was no sign of a train
coming, Tom asked a porter what the matter was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"There
was a train collusion last night on
this line, sir," explained the porter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tom looked
the coolie up and down with disgust. "Collision, not <i>collusion</i>, you idiot !" he cried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To which
the porter asked, "U or I sir?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are
people who look upon a joke as a mere trifle, an altogether waste of words.
Others say that for real harmless fun nothing can beat a joke. They say that a
joke leads on to laughter which is the best medicine. Someone may break into a
laugh, others may grin. The humour may be ever so slight but it nearly always
brings a smile to the listener's face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With so
many joke books already on the crowded shelves of bookshops, one may wonder if
Vaidyanathan's anthology has anything different to offer. The answer depends on
who picks up the book. The general reader will look upon this as any other joke
book with the railways as its theme. For the rail enthusiast, it is nothing
less than a treasure chest of nuggets. It is a book that comes close to being a
collectors' find.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A veteran
writer and railwayman, Shri Vaidyanathan first began to dabble with literature
when he joined railway service in 1947. He was posted to Bombay where he found
an untapped mine of literary treasure lying in the VT library. It was a
veritable treasure and Vaidyanathan would spend hour after hour reading voraciously.
He soon found he had a penchant for collecting trivia from old railway
magazines and books. He kept adding to his collection until his stock of
material grew to enormous proportions, large enough to fill an entire book.
Then came the task of classifying his tales under various heads. This book,
released on the 150th anniversary of Indian Railways, has jokes and anecdotes
on nearly every facet of railway life. Beginning with platform humour, there
are sections devoted to trains and travellers, tales from the Raj, train
robberies, as well as humour revolving around guards, station masters, booking
clerks and a variety of other subjects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Had it
been purely a joke book, this volume would probably not have much to recommend
it. Its appeal lies in the fact that the writer has carefully interspersed his
work with anecdotes from real life, as well as trivia that serves to inform as
well as entertain. He tells us how the railways met with opposition when they
first arrived in India, and how the 24 - hour clock came to be adopted. Then
there are tales telling about the legendary Thomas Edmondson and the pasteboard
ticket he invented, railway officials and the games they played in their
colonies, a runaway cattle train speeding through the countryside unmanned for
over an hour. There is enough variety in this book to hold the enthusiast spellbound
from beginning till end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Nothing
could be more charming that the tale of Mr Barnard who retired as Chief
Operating Superintendent of the old East Indian Railway. Having spent the whole
day in the grilling heat of Mughalsarai yard on an inspection, Barnard retired
towards evening to his inspection saloon. But sleep would not come easily, and
he was frequently woken up due to his carriage being shunted about throughout
the night. To quote his own words: “I
was grateful for the lull towards the morning and had gone to sleep peacefully
for the first time (for my carriage which had been like a furnace had, by now,
somewhat cooled down), when there was a terrific bang and I was nearly thrown
off my berth. This was the last straw and I got up in a towering rage intending
to blow up the shunter. As I turned to the handle of the door to open it, I
heard one of the shunting porters shouting </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Astey,
astey, saala sota hai</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">. At this I promptly went back to bed.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then
there's the tale of the burly loco foreman known to his friends as ‘Small’ who
once squeezed his frame through the window of a carriage and bolted for his
life with a TTI in hot pursuit thinking him to be a ticketless traveler... Or yet
again, the scene at Delhi railway station where Lord Irwin, having relinquished
his viceroyalty stood shaking hands with the Station Master thanking him for
his courtesy. “Not at all, your Excellency,” replied the Station Master, “It
has always been a pleasure to see you off !”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Deep
within his heart, the railway enthusiast holds an unfortunate bias. He would
love to think of his railways as an enterprise that exists solely for its own
sake. The buzzing crowd on the platform, the follies and foibles of railwaymen,
the cries of a porter, the exchange between travellers seated in a carriage—these
and a host of other things are seen as a positive hindrance, and shrugged aside
as though they were no part of the real business of railways. But let him but
come upon a Signalman posted on duty, and his perspective dramatically alters.
The railwayman at work assumes an importance out of all proportion to the true
nature of his work; he appears as a larger-than-life figure, a superhuman being
engaged in the noblest of all pursuits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With its
human interest stories and anecdotes, Vaidyanathan's book has a remarkable levelling
influence. It helps to dispel some of these notions held by the railfan,
creating a more balanced perspective. Let a man but read this volume, and if he
be a rail enthusiast, he will find himself better equipped in his mind when he
sets his sights on the next train due at the station. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is a
wonderfully evocative book peopled by engine foremen, guards and drivers, rail travellers,
ticket examiners, station masters and railway superintendents of old. One may
dip into it at leisure and draw inspiration and enjoyment. It is a perennial
source of merriment and pleasure, a lively voice that conjures up India's steam
age in all its hues and colours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">..............................</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">.</span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Ravindra
Bhalerao</i></span></div>
Ravindrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04835083974279051721noreply@blogger.com