The GTL shed YDM # 6298’s headlamps and flasher being tested. Although this loco runs on a neglected rural service, it is equipped with goodies such as a VHF radio. This is something that is not found often on the IR, even on main line locos. The pipe l

IRFCA members admire the YDM 4 – from left, Kamesh, Ravi, and Praveen. Note the lit flasher lamp. Guntakal, 2006-09-09

A running shot from the 248 down, showing irrigated farms, native date palm trees, rock formations, the distant hills and a twisty rural road through an unmanned level crossing. Near Venkatampalle, 2006-09-09

A distant view of the 287 Up Dharmavaram – Guntakal passenger that crosses us at Khadarpet with the GTL shed YDM 4 # 6228 in charge. Khadarpet station. 2006-09-09

A detailed view of the 287 Up Dharmavaram – Guntakal passenger that crossed us at Khadarpet, 2006-09-09

The rear of the 287 Up passenger poses with the Khadarpet station and the basic signal box. Khadarpet, 2006-09-09

The station master’s hut at Khadarpet, 2006-09-09

The 6298 was having problems - the air drain valve that would not close after the assistant loco pilot purged the reservoir of condensed water. The crew fixed this problem after many attempts with some ingenuity and a lot of hammering! Khadarpet, 2006-09-

One more view of the YDM 4 # 6298’s woes being attended to. Khadarpet, 2006-09-09

On the Gooty – Bangalore line, the MG and BG tracks run more of less parallel between Kalluru and Dharmavaram. VSP waves to me with the BG running next to us. Between Kalluru and Garladinne, 2006-09-09

Arriving at Garladinne, the 248 down disgorges a mass of familiar, raucous humanity. In the background, the BG line towards Gooty runs in parallel. Garladinne, 2006-09-09

The sequence showing the YDM 4 taking off from Garladinne for Pakala Jn. Picture 1 of 3. Garladinne, 2006-09-09

The sequence showing the YDM 4 taking off from Garladinne for Pakala Jn. Picture 2 of 3 Garladinne, 2006-09-09

The sequence showing the YDM 4 taking off from Garladinne for Pakala Jn. Picture 3 of 3 Garladinne, 2006-09-09

Thank You IRFCA, for making this happen. A few years back, many of us led a shy, unsure existence, believing that we were the only misfits in the world who found joy in certain objects. From the left in the standing row: Praveen, Vivek, Ashish, John, Ravi