Superb pics. Indeed it is refreshing to see steam after so long. Look at the mixed train. The coaches and wagons too are as antique as the loco. The small coach in front is really interesting. What was it used for? Seems that too is on way to NRM

John Sir, You are a Genius..Thanks for capturing India Prime Rail Heritage...Hats Off!!

Lovely Snap... and note the signs of electrification co-existing with the giant steamers..

This was the only system of this type I encountered in India. Even large depots seemed to rely upon the steam crane and bucket method.I liked the way each crane had its own number. As they were self propelled this seemed the correct thing. In the UK very large sheds had concrete towers/silos with elevators on which full wagons were lifted and tipped into the silo but I have also seen the conveyor belt system used

How does this stuff work? I remember that there was a coaling system at Ernakulam Jn in 1980's with a conveyer belt and hooper buckets. Do you have a pic of such a system?

Brilliant shot.

Why is the dome or nose of WP like this?

OK, i got the location. The landscape sure has changed beyond recognition!

No, Bizzy: the train is southbound. I just walked down the track south from Bhubaneswar Station. I think the ROB may be south of the station. I'm afraid I don't know the area well at all, so I can't really comment on the location: I just stayed in BBS for 2 days in 1984; and overnight in 2000. I was looking for a lake marked on my map: obviously, that was only full in monsoon time, but I had not realised that.

Great John!! You've a steam pic to every location!! BTW where exactly was it taken? Looks like a bit further from VaniVihar PH towards CTC (and the National Hhighway #5 ROB in the background), right?