Indian Railway Videos  by Mani Vijay (AKA Vijay Balasubramanian)

Since July 1992, my camcorder has been a faithful companion during all of my IR journeys. One of the highlights has been video footage of IR's magestic workhorses in dutiful action. Little did I realize that some of these mighty machines will be relegated to a museum, gathering dust, and no longer seen on the rails. My tryst with these locos are still etched in memory. For example, I can recall the journey on the Doon Exp. from Asansol to Varanasi where our coach was just behind a quaint WAM2 - the high-pitched hoot echoing into the darkness still rings in my ears. Thanks to Jay Balakrisha's painstaking efforts, some of these magic moments are now available as video clips for your viewing pleasure.

WAM3             Visit to Asansol Loco Shed – January 2000: After completing a thrilling footplate on the Bokaro Shatabdi from Howrah to Asansol, I had a few hours of idle time at Asansol. So, I decided to visit one of the oldest loco sheds in the country. The highlight of this trip was a rare capture of WAM3 #20333 and #20337 in action. This is a 2790 hp Mitsubhi AC electric loco with pantograph orientation similar to the WCAM1/YAM1. At that time, only two of these were in service in the whole of IR and both of them were in the shed during my visit. For more information on these locos, please visit the FAQ. Click here for a detailed Asansol shed trip report. A string of condemned WAM2, WAG3 locos being shunted by WAM3 #20337 at Asansol shed.   MPEG Video Part 1: 41Sec, 2.35MB. Shunting continued.    MPEG Video Part 2: 45Sec, 2.57MB. The reverberating, high-pitched hoot of WAM3 can be heard here.    MPEG Video Part 3: 44Sec, 2.65MB. Pantograph raising and lowering    MPEG Video Part 4: 57Sec, 2.54MB. Hear just the high quality sound of the hoot of WAM3.    MP3 Audio: 21sec. 343KB.

WDM4             Varanasi to Dadar by Mahanagri Exp. - July 1992: We were all set to board the Mahanagri Exp. at Varanasi to head back to Bombay. This would be my 3rd last encounter with the mighty WDM4 in action. The loco was in full cry pulling into Varanasi from the Mughalsarai end with a freight load. Note the high-pitched turbine like whine typical of the 2 stroke EMD engines. Half an hour later, as we were crossing the suburbs, I had a rare encounter with two express trains running in the same direction. The one next to me is with WDM4 coming from Mughalsarai; the other one is with WDM2 and is from the Aunrihar-Varanasi City section running on a dual gauge track. WDM4 with a freight passing through Varanasi.   MPEG Video Part 1: 25Sec, 1.50MB. Crossing two express trains with WDM4 and WDM2 in charge.    MPEG Video Part 2: 27Sec, 1.51MB. Hear just the high quality sound of WDM4 in full throttle.    MP3 Audio: 25sec. 391KB.

YP         Mahanagri Exp. journey (contd.): Proceeding towards Kashi station, I could discern the parallel BG-MG track coming from Aunrihar-Sarnath. Lo and behold, a steam-hauled MG train emerged from below the bridge. Talk about coincidences! As we went over the tracks, I caught the train in its entirety as it negotiated a steep curve on its approach to Varanasi City station. An incident that I would cherish forever. YP with a passenger emerges from the bridge below.   MPEG Video: 32Sec, 1.87MB.

WCM1             Pune to Dadar by Pragati Exp. – July 1995: After attending the annual MRSP meeting in Pune (where I meet ISA, Viraf and others for the first time), I was waiting to board the Pragati Exp. back to Mumbai. The prestigious Mumbai-bound Deccan Queen Express accelerated out of the station 15 minutes ahead of us, with a WCM1 in charge. Here are the clips of the WCM1 and coaches in matching livery. WCM1 with Deccan Queen Express at Pune.   MPEG Video: 74Sec, 4.48MB.