IRFCAians Pawan Koppa, Kunal Doddanavar, Shishir Jairam and Santosh Kulkarni had been on a trip on the 24th of December 2011 to cover the only remaining semaphore section in Karnataka that exists between Birur and Shimoga. This must be the only line in IR which presents an exclusive opportunity to shoot EMD's under sempahore territory apart from alcos in a pure-diesel section. We also covered the newly converted to BG Shimoga-Anandapuram-Sagar-Talguppa section which once was a MG line with a sole railbus service. Presenting to you - DP4s and Semaphores - A Shimoga - Talguppa Sojourn!
The station building of Masarahalli retains its old MG charm - something that can never be replicated by BG. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
The now defunct Masarhalli Cabin - the structure is in good shape. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
Masarhalli station and track layout with Upper-Quadrant Semaphores guarding the entry/exit of trains. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
The station master and Khalasi of Masarahalli are all set as they await the incoming Shimoga-Bangalore Intercity Express. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
The star of the day arrives - The Shimoga-Bangalore Intercity "ICE" Express hauled by a bright headlamp lit WDP-4 #20031 slows down as the token is lifted up to be collected. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
The "Flying Baton with Token". (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
Here it is,the Legend raises it's arms for the SMET-SBC Intercity Express at Masarahalli. (Shishir Jairam)
The first action for the day, SMET - SBC Intercity passes Maserhalli, as the semaphore shows a Proceed Aspect. (Sant Kulk)
The quaint surroundings of Shivapur station just after Birur on the line towards Shimoga where the Semaphores begin. The old style now defunct cabin on the right is also soon. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
Same train - different station. After successfully chasing the Shimoga-Bangalore Intercity from Masarahalli to Shivapur, the train is welcomed once again by the Station Master and Khalasi who gives us a curious look. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
The ALP is all set to accept the "Token and Baton" from Khalasi. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
While one token flies in the air after being thrown by the ALP, the other is ready to be collected as it is raised by the Khalasi. Shivapur. 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)
A close look at the arm of the Semaphore signal of Main line with 3-Aspects. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
A close look at the arm of the Semaphore signal of Main line with 2-Aspects. (Kunal.S.Doddanavar)
The semaphore at Shivapur which says "Entering CLS (Color light Semaphore) territory". 2011-12-24. (Pawan Koppa)