Ex-DHR B class 0-4-0ST #789 with a train of empty wagons en route for Tipong colliery. The colliery bought four B class locos in the late 1960's/early 1970's which were subject to a major rebuild (new chimneys, dome fittings, cabs etc.). Two, #789 and #796, are still in use. The line runs for about one and a half miles between the colliery and the unloading point. 2004-03-23.

Bagnall 0-4-0ST 'David' (works number 2132 of 1924) taking water (and overfilling!) at Tipong Colliery. 2004-03-23.

A night shot of David (Bagnall number 2132 of 1924) standing outside the engine shed at Tipong Colliery. 2004-03-23.

Another night shot of Bagnall 0-4-0ST 'David' (works number 2132 of 1924) at Tipong Colliery. 2004-03-23

Two loaded wagons running off the bottom of a cable incline at Tipong Colliery. We were warned to stand well clear of the track as the wagons descended. We soon found out why! About 100 feet before the bottom the wagons were stopped, the cable brake was released and the wagons freewheeled down the rest of the incline with the cable still attached and flailing behind. Not a good health and safety practice! 2004-03-23.

Bagnall 0-4-0ST 'David' (works number 2132 of 1924) brings a short train of loaded wagons across the bridge over the Tipong Nadi river. The bridge is too lightly constructed for the B class locos to cross - and is used only by David and a small diesel which when I was there was being kept in reserve. 2003-03-24.

Bagnall 0-4-0ST 'David' and B class 0-4-0ST #789 standing outside the engine shed at Tipong Colliery. 2004-03-24.

In the best evening light a train is approaching the tunnel near the end of the line. Bernd Seiler, 1997.

Last checks before leaving for Tipong - 1. Bernd Seiler, 1997.

Last checks before leaving for Tipong - 2. Bernd Seiler, 1997.

Last checks before leaving for Tipong - 3. Bernd Seiler, 1997

A train of empties returns towards the colliery. On its way it can be seen passing a pedestrian bridge. Bernd Seiler, 1997.

The train of empties passes a small temple on its way back to the colliery. Bernd Seiler, 1997.

In the early morning you may see some steam in the cool valley, but later it gets too warm for any steam exhaust. The riverbed has been thoroughly disturbed by construction equipment. Bernd Seiler, 1997.

B 789 gets its feet wet at the Tipong colliery but nobody seems to care. Bernd Seiler, 1997.

The small 0-4-0 ST struggles hard with its loaded trains on the way to Tipong. Bernd Seiler, 1997.

A loaded train of almost 100 axles length on its way towards Tipong! Bernd Seiler, 1997.

The mine also employs about 4 diesels of this rather dimunitive size, which is here sitting next to 'David', a steam loco, smaller than the B class, which had been procured from the UK. It is still in service. Tipong Colliery, Assam, 2005-07-15. Samit Roychoudhury.

A condemned steam loco at the workshops. Tipong Colliery, Assam, 2005-07-15. Samit Roychoudhury.

The B class beauty hauls its load across the picturesque settings. Tipong Colliery, Assam, 2005-07-15. Samit Roychoudhury.

The B class loco builds up steam, waiting to haul its load to the tippler. Tipong Colliery, Assam, 2005-07-15. Samit Roychoudhury.

The rudimentary coupling employed to hold the coal wagons together. Tipong Colliery, Assam, 2005-07-15. Samit Roychoudhury.

The turnouts employed here are different. The centre rail simply moves in an arc to shift the train from one track to another. A few regular turnouts also exist. Tipong Colliery, Assam, 2005-07-15. Samit Roychoudhury.

The Mine Superintendent poses with B lass #796. Tipong Colliery, Assam, 2005-07-15. Samit Roychoudhury.

Ex DHR loco, a B clas #796 in NFR livery is one of the locos that work this line. Two other locos of this class are present here, one condemned. Tipong Colliery, Assam, 2005-07-15. Samit Roychoudhury.

The fabulous setting of the Tipong Colliery 2'0" line. It passed through a short tunnel, and emerges onto this bridge, on the way from the tippler to the coal shafts. Tipong Colliery, Assam, 2005-07-15. Samit Roychoudhury.