IRFCA Mailing List Archive


Messages 2521 - 2540

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: Re: Dynamic Brakes

Date: 05 May 1998 03:44:00 -0500


Siddhartha Joshi wrote:

> Apurva,
>
> On Fri, 1 May 1998, Apurva Bahadur wrote:
>
> > Dear Junta:
> >
> > There was a lot of discussion on Dynamic Brakes as I can see in the
> > last years postings I am going through.
> > South and East of Pune, this is WDM2 territory, who use a lot of DBs. I
> > have seen the DB being used while on the footplate. We have WDM2
> > drivers here who are 'artists' in the use of DBs.
>
> Oh yes! The footplating trip I mentioned in one of the earlier DB mails
> was on the KR line. That was where I received info on the working of DB's.
> That was also my first WDM2 trip and I remember, when the driver revved
> that gorgeous engine, I just couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear.

So beautifully put, couldn't have worded any better !

> > * Dynamic brake is also known in the railway pidgin as 'electric
> > brake'.
>
> Probably because of the fact that power is generated by the traction
> motors.
>

Yes

> > * The WDM2 has a 8 position throttle lever which is moved back to
> > increase the engine power, this is near the driver's left hand
>
> Have you also noticed that at startup, the driver does not move through
> the notches in order. After rolling to a start he revs straight to a
> higher notch and then comes down a couple of notches.
>

Does not need all that power and the 25 litres per KM fuel consumption to keep
the heap rolling

> > * For applying the DB, the loco has to be faster than 40 KMPH to be
> > effective.
>
> That is not absoluely correct. I have observed DB being used at lower
> speeds.
>

DB can be used at lower speeds, but not effectively, infact the drivers who
use DB excessively will use the DB all the way to standstill and then switch
off.

> > * Thus stronger the DB action faster the blower speed - more the
> > scream from the short hood !
>
> Ya, that is another amazing sound from the WDM2 suite.
>

Will soon compile the list of sounds that a WDM2 makes

> > * WCG2 has Dynamic Brakes: The half baked design of the loco allows
> > the blowers for cooling the grid work all the time, even if the
> > loco is not braking, and add to the deafening scream that the loco
> > produces at all the time. The WCG2 is the noisiest loco anywhere in
> > the world, I am sure due to this reason alone.Those in the gang who
> > have seen WCG2 as well as locos abroad are requested to confirm the
> > highest noise level of the WCG2.
>
> Yes, this is a fact that we have noted. Explain what you mean by
> half-baked design.Why is a braking blower on all the time, when the loco is
> not braking ? None of the (half deaf) staff is happy with the noise level.
> Now that you are into 'footplating', please try and cross the
> 'corridor'betwen the cabs of the WCG2. The sheer noise level is amazing. It
> is an experiance everyone should have once. The great features of WCG2 will
> be listed soon, I love the loco !
>
> Siddhartha.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: Re: Streamlined WDM2

Date: 05 May 1998 03:46:00 -0500


Siddhartha Joshi wrote:

> Apurva.
>
> > Instead of playing around with just looks, the DLW could improve creature
> > comforts to the drivers, cushioned seats with back rests (just see the look
> > of horror on DLW's face !), electric fans, cup holders (like the ones in the
> > passenger coaches), even a clip board to hold the various pieces of paper
> > like 'caution order' etc., sun shades on the front glass and on the side of
> > the windows, padded arm rest for the window, windows that close properly,
> > cab lights that can be dimmed or covered partially during a run in the
> > dark, the list can go on. Most of the electric locos have these comforts
> > but not the WDM2. The new ABB WAP 4 has even cabin air conditioning !
>
> You mean WAP6 surely ?

Yes the WAP 6, what is the goods equivalent of the ABB locos ?

>
>
> I am sure all of us would endorse the fact that driver comfort is
> absolutely essential to running trains safely. IR seems to have some daft
> ideas about driver comfort. They have to recognize the fact that loco
> drivers are professionals handling some (very) expensive equipment. The
> older electric locos(WCAM1, WCMX) do have some primitive heating
> equipment (coils) but no air-conditioning! Obviously, IR believes that
> keeoing its drivers warm in winter is important, keeping them cool in
> summer is not!
>
> The entire breed of drivers are amongst the most professional people we know
> from any field.

Apurva Bahadur

> Siddhartha.

From: VIRAL DESAI <virald@giasbma.email

Subject:

Date: 05 May 1998 03:28:00 -0500


Hi guys,
Can anyone tell me
* whats the names of loco like WCAMX ,WCmX,WDMX, have meanings. what do
they stand for excatly ?
*also which is the longest railway tunnel in india both considering konkan
rly, as well as not considering konkan rly.
* how many trins in india are double headed?
*what about the longest bridge ?

many thanks,
Viral

From: Bharat Vohra <bvohra@hotmail.email

Subject: Re: Horse shoe curve at Adarki

Date: 04 May 1998 05:47:00 -0500


Hi All
Well WR used to run 2 MG trains double headed by YDM4's!!
The Pink City and Gharib Nawaz expresses (Jaipur-Delhi and Udaipur Delhi
resply) amalgamated into one rake form Jaipur to Delhi..about 22 coaches
total!
Also the Jaipur-Kacheguda express was double headed!!
And one more I remeber is the once agian amalgamated Ashram and Mandor
expresses from Delhi to Marwar
Regards
Bharat Vohra


>A single YDM 4 hauling 22 coach ? I know it is possible, I have seen a
20
>coach Kittur Express from Arsikere to Miraj being hauled by a single
loco
>(long hood leading). Has the YDM 4 ever run double headed on any train
? I
>have never seen it in that configuration. The very sight of the MG
train is
>half the magic !
>
>Apurva Bahadur
>
>> Jishnu.
>
>
>
>
>
>


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at <A HREF="http://www.hotmail.com">http://www.hotmail.com</A>

From: Shankar <shankie@emirates.email

Subject: Re: Fairy Queen:

Date: 05 May 1998 07:46:00 -0500


Hello Sank,
FAIRY QUEEN: Yes, I believe that the cowcatcher and electric headlight are a
requirement as per IR standards.
Due to provision of the electric headlight, a steam generator was also fitted,
I think, so also some braking equipment.
The weather wane atop the dome was for decorative purposes only, and I am not
too sure about the two parking lamps: it was rarely used even in the heydays of
steam to the best of my knowledge.
WG: No WGs are in preservation to the best of my knowledge.The engines were an
improvement over the earlier XD class of engines, with improved steaming and
haulage capabilities.
With well over 2,450 WGs put on line between the 1950s and 1970, the class
enjoys the distinction of being the largest class of engines built anywhere in
the British commonwealth. Before Chittaranjan began building them, the earlier
units were built to order by Japan, France, USA, UK and Switzerland.
The last bg steam engine to be outshopped by Chittaranjan in 1970 was of class
WG (WG 10560). Tragically named 'ANTIM SITARA' (Last Star or Last
Sentinel).Alas, Antim Sitara was never given a chance to perform the duties she
was built for, and spent her last years hauling coal trains from the pitheads to
the coal washeries.
Antim sitara at least is worth preserving!
Best regards.
Shankar.



At 04:23 PM 4/29/98 +0530, you wrote:
>Someone just sent me a phot of the Fairy Queen at Delhi Cantt.
>being cleaned and polished. Looks great and it is incredible how
>old she is. Shame about the unsightly cowcatcher (cattle guard, pilot,
>whatever) IR has added to the loco: was it required due to some
>regulations along with the headlight ? Wish they could have run it
>completely in original form........great achievement though.
>
>Are there any WG class locos in preservation ? I read somewhere that
>this was the largest steam class in the British Commonwealth. How
>many were made ?
>
>--
>Jayant S : IDStudio : TTIL : ERC : TELCO
>Pimpri : Pune : 411 018 : INDIA
>tel - 91(212)774261 exn 2534
>--
>
>

From: Sridhar Shankar <msshanka@gsbmba2.email

Subject: Re: Streamlined WDM2

Date: 04 May 1998 20:18:00 -0500


Does any one know if DLW has stopped manufacturing regular WDM2's with
the advent of the aptly described "superbly ugly" WDG1. I hope that the
new super-streamlined locos are another trial measure of some sort,
especially with the 4000hp GMEMD's on the way.

I will bring up another issue which I have mentioned in the past. This has
to do with the Erode shed refitting the WDM2's with a MG type Woodward
governor, completing messing with the wonderful idle which has been the
trademark of the WDM2 (with the GE governor, you know the feeling -will
the governor kick-in in time or will it die).

Any other shed doing the same?

-Sridhar

****************************************************************
Sridhar Shankar 5345 S.Harper Apt. 205
GSB'99 Chicago, IL 60615
University of Chicago (773) 752 1131
*****************************************************************

On Fri, 1 May 1998, Sridhar Shankar wrote:

> Apurva,
>
> Thanks for the wonderful description of the Jumbo loco. I agree
> wholeheartedly that this loco looks incredibly ugly, especially
> considering that the WDM2 is such a handsome beast.
>
> Do you know if the "streamlining" was necessitated by design/engineering
> requirements or was it done for other reasons?
>
> Also, which zones operate these locos?
>
> > DLW has made only a batch of these
> > locos and reverted back to the standard model ever since.
>
> I derive a lot of satisfaction though from the last two lines.
>
> -Sridhar
>
>
> ****************************************************************
> Sridhar Shankar 5345 S.Harper Apt. 205
> GSB'99 Chicago, IL 60615
> University of Chicago (773) 752 1131
> *****************************************************************
>
>

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: Re: Mumbai to Jhansi

Date: 05 May 1998 20:09:00 -0500


David Bloyed wrote:

> Can anyone tell me how long it would take to travel from Mumbai to Jhansi
> and how much Rs it would be per person. Also, how about if one of the
> passengers was a child. Thanks, David.

David,

There are essentially four Central Railway trains that can take you from
Mumbai CSTM (Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai erstwhile Bombay
Victoria
Terminus) to Jhansi (JHS). These trains are as follows:

Train No Name CSTM departure JHS arrival next day

2137 Down Punjab Mail 1910 1330
1457 Down Dadar -Amritsar Exp 2235 ex Dadar 2000
2133 Down Pushpak Exp 0810 0320
1015 Down KushiNagar Exp 2230 2015

Dadar is a suburb of Mumbai, around 9 Kms downstream of CSTM.

As route KMs from CSTM to JHS is 1128. The fare per adult is as follows:
AC First Class: Rs. 2297, AC 2 tier: Rs. 1305, First Class (Non AC): Rs.
1009, AC 3 tier: Rs. 701, 2nd Class 3 tier: Rs. 264.
Children upto 12 years are charged half of the adult fare, but are
alloted separate seats/ berths. Children under 5 travel free ! But are
not
alloted separate seats/berths. Additional charges like reservation fees,
'super
fast' fees will add another Rs. 20 -30 to the above ticket. All the
above
trains travel everyday. I have not mentioned the trains that run only
once /
twice a week.
The booking period is 60 days from the date of the travel, and the
tickets will be sold out within minutes of the booking opening, hence
plan well
ahead.

A better plan may be to travel from New Delhi (NDLS) to Jhansi, which is
414 Kms distant. There are more trains going from Delhi to Jhansi rather
than from Mumbai. You can take the 2002 Up Shatabdi Exp. which departs
from
NDLS at 0615 to reach JHS the same morning at 1039. The fare of
Shatabdi Exp which is has only AC chair car accomadation is Rs. 435 for
ordinary AC chair car and Rs. 870
for executive class chair car.

Please let me know if you need any other details of any other train
timings.

Pardon my idle curiousity, but why should any one want to go to JHS,
except to watch trains ?

Thanks

Apurva Bahadur

From: PROTIP.DASGUPTA <protip@giasbmc.email

Subject: Re: your mail

Date: 04 May 1998 23:55:00 -0500


HI Viral, here are some of the answers to your questions.....

* whats the names of loco like WCAMX ,WCmX,WDMX, have meanings. what do
they stand for excatly ?

W stands for Broad Gauge
Y stands for Metre Gauge
Z stands for Narrow Gauge (2ft 6 inches)
N stands for Narrow Gauge (2ft)
C stands for DC traction
A stands for AC traction
M stands for Mixed Traffic Loco
P stands for Passenger Loco
G stands for Goods Loco
D stands for Diesel
S stands for Shunting Loco

*also which is the longest railway tunnel in india both considering
konkan
rly, as well as not considering konkan rly.

The Longest tunnel today is on the Konkan Railway and is over 6 KM long!
The longest tunnel after that is on the Khandala/Pune line at One Tree
Hill, over 2 KM long, followed by Parsik (between Thane and Kalyan), under
2 KM and then the Barog tunnel, about a KM and a half long on the Kalka
Simla line!

* how many trains in india are double headed?
Very few mainline expresses, notably Howrah Rajdhani (via Patna) on the
Howrah-MGS section!
Apart from that lots of frieghts are double headed!

*what about the longest bridge ?
The longest bridge currently is somewhere near Patna over the ganges, I
think, correct me if I am wrong..it is about 2 KM long, followed by one on
NER over the river Sone....but very soon it will be on NEFR near
Dibrugarh..about 4 km long!!!

Regards
Bharat Vohra

From: T.H.Sanyal. <THS1@PSUVM.EMAIL

Subject: Re: your mail

Date: 05 May 1998 12:18:00 -0500


Bharat Vohra wrote:

>W stands for Broad Gauge
>Y stands for Metre Gauge
>Z stands for Narrow Gauge (2ft 6 inches)
>N stands for Narrow Gauge (2ft)

Do you (or perhaps someone else on this list) know why they chose the
letters W, Y, and Z? This isn't an international standard, is it?
I mean, why not B for Broad, M for Meter Gauge? And why did they leave
the letter X out? Is that reserved in case some day India decides
to use the 4 ft 8 in Standard Gauge?

Regards.
T.H.Sanyal.

From: S Pai <

Subject: 'X'

Date: 05 May 1998 12:51:00 -0500


> And why did they leave the letter X out?

Probably because 'X' was used for some of the older steam locos? I think
there was an 'XP' designation for a steam loco, although I don't know what
gauge it might have been.

-Satish

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: Re: Streamlined WDM2

Date: 06 May 1998 08:12:00 -0500


Hi Sridhar,
The WDM2 has to be loved with your ears too !
This is a very interesting point about the engine governor.
Now I has always noticed that some DMs idled more regularly than the others, I
also always knew that there were two types of governors namely Woodwords and
the GE. The drivers and the shed gang calls the Woodwords 'Hydraulic' Governor
and the GE 'Electric' governor. Atleast in Pune 'our' locos are fitted with a
mix of these. About the irregular idling, I always believed that the bad
setting of the Gov caused it. I have read your earlier mail on the subject and
am very happy that the beast is being studies (and loved) in such great
detail. At last I feel less of a freak !

Contrary to the what you have written I have heard that the Do I understand it
that the W~d's Gov is the generous one, slow to respond to sudden throttle
changes and delivering a solid shot of fuel to the hungry pistons and
blackening the sky with the rich smoke. While the GE gov is a nimble
performer, causing hardly any smoke and making the idle even. But I may be
wrong.

Please note that the along with the uneven idle the turbo also ramps up and
down (the shrill sound in the background). Once every so many minutes the
'Expressor' ( Compressor + Exhauster) cuts in with its deep booming sound. The
air pressure climbs towards 10 Kg/cm2 and the Expressor cuts off (the pidgin
is 'unloads') with a whoosh. Once the temperature climbs the big radiator fan
churns the thick (oily ?) air with a 'paddling' sound. Okay we are almost
there to compile a list of sounds made by the DM2. Perhaps you should
contribute too.
Please also let me have your thoughts on this, why does the exhaust smell so
different. You won't catch me smelling a truck exhaust for the pleasure of it,
but a DM2 is a different story. Is the diesel grade different or is the
combustion temp different ?

Also tell me if the MG Gov and the BG gov the same and interchangeable ?

Now we that we find exhaust a pleasurable item, perhaps you can lead me
sites where the locos are really bellowing smoke. It is an increasing rare
site atleast in the new US locos.

The Sri Lankan loco ( 746 (SLR class M4), broadgauge MX620 with wide cab)
in the Alco World site ( <A HREF="http://alcoworld.railfan.net)">http://alcoworld.railfan.net)</A> looks a lot like the
Indian 'Streamlined WDM2'. The two windsreen's seem to be of different sizes !

I am including the picture for you to judge.

Apurva Bahadur

[Image]


Sridhar Shankar wrote:

> Does any one know if DLW has stopped manufacturing regular WDM2's with
> the advent of the aptly described "superbly ugly" WDG1. I hope that the
> new super-streamlined locos are another trial measure of some sort,
> especially with the 4000hp GMEMD's on the way.
>
> I will bring up another issue which I have mentioned in the past. This has
> to do with the Erode shed refitting the WDM2's with a MG type Woodward
> governor, completing messing with the wonderful idle which has been the
> trademark of the WDM2 (with the GE governor, you know the feeling -will
> the governor kick-in in time or will it die).
>
> Any other shed doing the same?
>
> -Sridhar
>
> ****************************************************************
> Sridhar Shankar 5345 S.Harper Apt. 205
> GSB'99 Chicago, IL 60615
> University of Chicago (773) 752 1131
> *****************************************************************
>
> On Fri, 1 May 1998, Sridhar Shankar wrote:
>
> > Apurva,
> >
> > Thanks for the wonderful description of the Jumbo loco. I agree
> > wholeheartedly that this loco looks incredibly ugly, especially
> > considering that the WDM2 is such a handsome beast.
> >
> > Do you know if the "streamlining" was necessitated by design/engineering
> > requirements or was it done for other reasons?
> >
> > Also, which zones operate these locos?
> >
> > > DLW has made only a batch of these
> > > locos and reverted back to the standard model ever since.
> >
> > I derive a lot of satisfaction though from the last two lines.
> >
> > -Sridhar
> >
> >
> > ****************************************************************
> > Sridhar Shankar 5345 S.Harper Apt. 205
> > GSB'99 Chicago, IL 60615
> > University of Chicago (773) 752 1131
> > *****************************************************************
> >
> >

From: Shankar <shankie@emirates.email

Subject: Re: your mail

Date: 06 May 1998 06:08:00 -0500


That was a terrific explanation. To expand on that, the letters are meant to
tell at a glance the configuration of teh engine.
Hence, a WCM/2 is a bg (W) dc electric (C) mixed traffic (M) engine, model 2.
Likewise, a WDS/5 is a bg diesel shunting engine, model 5.
WAP/4 is a bg ac electric passenger engine, model 4 etc.

While early engines were specifically earmarkedfor goods (G) or passenger (P)
operation, the IR had abandoned this for nearly two decades by adopting a new
class of mixed traffic (M) engines, which were equally at home with both goods
as well as passenger trains. The coming in of the WAPs and now WDGs shows a
change in IR policy, as the dedicated engines are back again.

One more classification was 'L', which is no more in use. L stood for light
duty or something. The latest Ls to survive were the WL and YL steam
engines. WL 15005 hauled IR's last official bg steam engine in Dec. 1995.

LONGEST PLATFORM:
IR's longest platform is Kharagpur at 2,733 ft. Some sources have disputed that,
but its still listed so in teh Guiness Book of World Records.

Best regards.
Shankar.

On

At 12:55 AM 5/5/98 -0500, you wrote:
>HI Viral, here are some of the answers to your questions.....
>
>* whats the names of loco like WCAMX ,WCmX,WDMX, have meanings. what do
>they stand for excatly ?
>
>W stands for Broad Gauge
>Y stands for Metre Gauge
>Z stands for Narrow Gauge (2ft 6 inches)
>N stands for Narrow Gauge (2ft)
>C stands for DC traction
>A stands for AC traction
>M stands for Mixed Traffic Loco
>P stands for Passenger Loco
>G stands for Goods Loco
>D stands for Diesel
>S stands for Shunting Loco
>
>*also which is the longest railway tunnel in india both considering
>konkan
>rly, as well as not considering konkan rly.
>
>The Longest tunnel today is on the Konkan Railway and is over 6 KM long!
>The longest tunnel after that is on the Khandala/Pune line at One Tree
>Hill, over 2 KM long, followed by Parsik (between Thane and Kalyan), under
>2 KM and then the Barog tunnel, about a KM and a half long on the Kalka
>Simla line!
>
>* how many trains in india are double headed?
>Very few mainline expresses, notably Howrah Rajdhani (via Patna) on the
>Howrah-MGS section!
>Apart from that lots of frieghts are double headed!
>
>*what about the longest bridge ?
>The longest bridge currently is somewhere near Patna over the ganges, I
>think, correct me if I am wrong..it is about 2 KM long, followed by one on
>NER over the river Sone....but very soon it will be on NEFR near
>Dibrugarh..about 4 km long!!!
>
>Regards
>Bharat Vohra
>
>
>
>

From: Shankar <shankie@emirates.email

Subject: Re: 'X'

Date: 06 May 1998 06:08:00 -0500


Hello all,
Actually, when IR decided to classify engines, the initial notation was:
X for bg,
Y for mg,
Z for 2' 6" ng and
Q for 2' o" ng.
This has remained largely unaltered over the years, barring the replacement
of the bg X with W, and the 2' ng Q to N.
No one knows why X, Y, Z and Q were chosen, and were later modified to
W, Y, Z and N.
The XP stood for bg passenger.
Despite that, you still found inexplicable classifications in those good old
days, such as XA (bg A for what?), XF, ZE, YB, YD, XD etc.
That was probably before the dedicated utilization of engines was commenced?
Any one?
Best regards.
Shankar.

At 12:51 PM 5/5/98 -0400, you wrote:
>
>> And why did they leave the letter X out?
>
>Probably because 'X' was used for some of the older steam locos? I think
>there was an 'XP' designation for a steam loco, although I don't know what
>gauge it might have been.
>
>-Satish
>
>
>

From: Jishnu Mukerji <jis@fpk.email

Subject: Re: 'X'

Date: 05 May 1998 15:03:00 -0500


S Pai wrote:

> > And why did they leave the letter X out?
>
> Probably because 'X' was used for some of the older steam locos? I think
> there was an 'XP' designation for a steam loco, although I don't know what
> gauge it might have been.
>
> -Satish

Indeed, X was a prefix for a class of BG locomotives - classes XA, XB, XC
and XD if I remember correctly. If my memory serves me correcty (I am sure
someone will correct me if I it does not!) The XB class was infamous for
hunting too much at speed and was involved in the (in)famous derailment near
Bihta in Bihar.

Jishnu.

From: VIRAL DESAI <virald@giasbma.email

Subject: STATIONS OF RAJDHANI

Date: 06 May 1998 09:21:00 -0500


Hi all,
Does any one has any idea about how the stoppages of Rajdhanis are decided?

I distinctly remember that before the introduction od A.K.Rajdhani there
was strong
demand for stoppage of the Rajdhani at Surat .During his visit at Surat
the Railway minister( don't remember who was it ?) had said that it was not
possible to give a stoppage at Surat as the Rule with Rajdhanis was that
it can have one stop per every state!!

I couldn't understand this then nor do I understand it now as at the same
time the NDLS-HOW Rajdhani had stoppage at kanpur ,allahabad
,mugalsarai(All in UP).doesn't this rule apply to every RAJ.also the
bhubhaneshwar RAJ.(via howrah) has stoppages at Asansol as well as DHanbad
a distance ao 60kms.

also whats the logic of having stoppage of all the trains at a station like
Bhusaval and not at Jalgaon which is quite a big city compared to bhusaval
(correct me if i am wrong) and the distace bet. them is very less. one
point is that bhusaval is a big junction ,then why was jalgaon was not
developed as a junction.there are many example like this .one more is
(again correct me if i'm wrong) erode and salem where salem being bigger
city ,than erode dose not have stoppage of Rajdhani!

one another example that come to my mind is Katihar which has got a stop of
Rajdhani!Is it such a major city ?
can anyone comment on this.

regards ,
Viral

From: Shanku Niyogi <shankun@microsoft.email

Subject: Exploring Indian Railways

Date: 05 May 1998 10:24:00 -0500


Has anyone on the list checked out the book "Exploring Indian Railways" by
Bill Aitken? Would you recommend it? I'd appreciate a short review if
possible.

Thanks,
Shanku

From: Auroprem Kandaswami <kandaswa@apple.email

Subject: Rajdhani-type amenities in 18 passenger trains

Date: 05 May 1998 12:39:00 -0500


Courtesy: Deccan Herald
May 5, 1998

The Railways have introduced passenger amenities in 18 pairs of
popular long-distance mail and express trains that are on par with
facilities available in Rajdhani express, an official spokesperson
said here today. On an average, two pairs in each nine zonal
railways have been provided with such passenger amenities.

These trains include 2621/2622 Tamil Nadu Express, 2615/2616 GT
Express, 2723/2724 A P Express, 2703/2704 Falaknuma Express,
1019/1020 Konark Express, 2137/2138 Punjab Mail, 2381/2382 Swaraj
Express, 4257/4258 Kashi Vishwanath Express, 2553/2554 Vaishali
Express, 5207/5208 Barauni Amritsar Express, 5659/5660 Kanpur Express,
5621/6522 NE Express, 2841/2842 Golden Temple Express and
2955/ 2956 Mumbai-Jaipur Express.

These trains have been listed by the Railway ministry for provision
of upgraded on-board catering service. Directions have been issued
to the zonal railways to pay special attention to the quality of
catering services in these trains.

Supply of food in casseroles, compulsory supply of water pouches
with meals, and proper hygiene and cleanliness are the special
features introduced in these trains. Besides bed-rolls will be available
even in III AC class.

From: Sridhar Shankar <msshanka@gsbmba2.email

Subject: Re: Streamlined WDM2

Date: 05 May 1998 19:22:00 -0500


Apurva,

I agree that the WDM2 beat the competition on all fronts including
idle/running sounds and exhaust smell.

I believe that the particular exhaust smell may have to do with the
combustion process/temperature. The older GE locos here also belch out
similar smelling exhaust (though not quite in the same league as the
ALCO's).

Also I have noticed that a few buses (articulated MAN's) run by the
City (Chicago) have similar smelling exhaust while their rigid cousins
(also MAN's)do not.

On the governor front, from my understanding is that the Woodward gov's
are thrifty and load slowly, but however produce a even idle. The GE's on
the other hand idle unevenly (a highly desirable trait!), load faster an
is more generous. I could be wrong though.

Another awesome feature of the loco is the "hissing sound" generated
by the exhaust especially when the engine is accelerating/working hard.
You can clearly hear this in the first few coaches, especially in the
night.

Finally, there is a picture of a WDM2 in the alco world site (16847), is
that an uprated model (Feb 1998 pict.)?

-Sridhar


****************************************************************
Sridhar Shankar 5345 S.Harper Apt. 205
GSB'99 Chicago, IL 60615
University of Chicago (773) 752 1131
*****************************************************************

On Tue, 5 May 1998, Apurva Bahadur wrote:


[NON-Text Body part not included]
i

From: PROTIP.DASGUPTA <protip@giasbmc.email

Subject: Re: 'X'

Date: 05 May 1998 22:50:00 -0500


In fact the "X" c;ass is the famous rack and pinion loco of the Nilgiri
Mountain Railway, SR....built at the Swiss Loco Works, Winterthur!

Regards,
Bharat Vohra

From: Apurva Bahadur <iti@giaspn01.email

Subject: Re: Streamlined WDM2

Date: 06 May 1998 20:21:00 -0500


Sridhar Shankar wrote:

> Apurva,
>
> I agree that the WDM2 beat the competition on all fronts including
> idle/running sounds and exhaust smell.
>
> I believe that the particular exhaust smell may have to do with the
> combustion process/temperature. The older GE locos here also belch out
> similar smelling exhaust (though not quite in the same league as the
> ALCO's).
>
> Also I have noticed that a few buses (articulated MAN's) run by the
> City (Chicago) have similar smelling exhaust while their rigid cousins
> (also MAN's)do not.
>
> On the governor front, from my understanding is that the Woodward gov's
> are thrifty and load slowly, but however produce a even idle. The GE's on
> the other hand idle unevenly (a highly desirable trait!), load faster an
> is more generous. I could be wrong though.

About the governors I can have some info soon from the Cummins Engine people
in Pune, whose engines have Woodward's governor.

> Another awesome feature of the loco is the "hissing sound" generated
> by the exhaust especially when the engine is accelerating/working hard.
> You can clearly hear this in the first few coaches, especially in the
> night.

Your words bring back lots of very pleasant memories ! What is this
'hissing', is it the Turbo working full shot, is it the air compressor part
of the exhauster being charged or is it something else. If I remember
correctly, the turbo charger mechnism contains a 'waste gate' which prevents
'over boosting' of the engine. Possibly this 'waste gate' is operating during
acceleration. It is almost imperative for us to be able record and put all
these sounds on the web. I have some sounds downloaded from
<A HREF="http://www.spikesys.com/Sounds/diesel.html">http://www.spikesys.com/Sounds/diesel.html</A> mostly horns but none of them
emphasise on the engine sounds. Do you know any sites where the WDM2 type
horns and diesel engine may be available. Our computer runs the loco sounds
continously in a loop, it puts me is a great mood !

>
>
> Finally, there is a picture of a WDM2 in the alco world site (16847), is
> that an uprated model (Feb 1998 pict.)?

The older WDM2 are the 18000 series (most with vaccum braked only), the newer
locos are 17000 series (with dual brakes) thus the latest series must be
16000 series !

>
>
> On Tue, 5 May 1998, Apurva Bahadur wrote:
>
> [NON-Text Body part not included]
> i