RMweb Gold SHMD Posted November 1, 2014 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 1, 2014 This time I was sent to Cochin (Kochi) on the Indian southwest coast. Saturday was a bit of a free day for me, I worked for an hour in the morning, and was then free for the rest of the day. Of course, having an interpreter and driver, assigned to me for my whole visit, really opens up some opportunities - especially when the driver is so knowledgeable. So, here is the platform ticket:- I didn't really need to buy it as, in the chaos, nothing was checked and access "everywhere" was pretty standard! Plenty of pics to follow detailing my 5 Rupees (5pence) worth for "2 hours only". Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastwestdivide Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 Having someone local to show you round - excellent! Is it just me or do all those Kerala placenames sound like someone trying out a massive drum kit? Ernakulam, Trivandrum (properly Thiruvananthapuram), Pathanamthitta, Edavannappara, Kizhakkambalam, Badabadabaddumtish OK, I made the last one up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted November 1, 2014 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 1, 2014 I've given up! Even my trusted trick of trying to pronounce things in a local accent (wherever I happen to be at the time) doesn't work with these names! Lovely food though. Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted November 1, 2014 Share Posted November 1, 2014 The one place in the world where I have visited a house that would persuade me that it could be worth relocating for this alone. A lovely verandah house on three floors; and from the first and top floor the living space extended into large tented platforms linked by walkways in the branches of an immense banyan tree. Just so romantic, and immensely comfortable. IR managed a pretty spectacular derailment locally while I was there. Since about one rail joint in three was deficient in bolts, no one appeared greatly surprised; and the speed with which the rerailing team appeared and did their stuff argued for them having much experience in the drill. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted November 2, 2014 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 2, 2014 This is the main entrance to Ernakulam Jn South Station, the main station for Cochin city in Karela state in southern India. Plenty of people around with most making good use of the shade as it was 30'C and 98% humidity! (So that's where all those red post office trolly's went!) There are two platform access foot bridges at this station. This is the main central one with a view of 22390 that is awaiting its next turn. This the second (new) southern footbridge with a general view of the "full" platforms looking north and Diesel 13163 in centre shot. The main entrance and, presumably, the main platform is on the east side of the station - where this photo was taken. The Platforms were all full most of the time with stock sitting there for 'ages' before filling up for a trip to somewhere. A view of Diesel 14161 taken from the south end of the most easterly 'quiet' platform. A view of the station name board on the most easterly 'quiet' platform. Here is electric 22270 ready at the head of a south bound train destined for Punalur. I say "ready" but I got the distinct impression that nothing was dew to happen for hours yet! Again electric 22270, this time showing its train of many and varied types of coach. I will, in due course, show the interiors of some of these coaches!! Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multiple identity account Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 Well looks like you were treated to WAP-4s, WDG-3As and WDM-3Ds 22390 is a WAP-4 based at Erode13163 is a WDG-3A based at Golden Rock14161 is a WDM-3D based in Vatva22270 is a WAP-4 based at Erode.The Passenger trains in India usually run with 2- 3 variants of coaching stock. SLR (brake luggage van), GS (2nd Class General) and/or CC (AC Chair Car).Express Trains Run with5-6 variants of coaching stock. SLR, GS, SL (2nd Class Sleeper), PC (Pantry), 3A (3-tier AC Sleeper) and 2A (AC 2-tier Sleeper)The cream and blue train behind the WDG-3A is a MEMU.The rakes in India always run in a particular formation.Passenger - SLR-GS-GS-...(CC)-SLR (trains can vary from 5 to 19 coaches)Express - SLR-GS-GS-SL-SL-SL...S1L-PC-3A-3A-2A-2A-GS-GS-SLR (trains can vary from 18 to 25 coaches)Cheers!(Feel free to pop in any question about IR and I'll be happy to help) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trisonic Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 I hate to tell you this but the area around Cochin is very fashionable with New York types............they are either buying into property or have already done so. Best, Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted November 2, 2014 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 2, 2014 I hate to tell you this but the area around Cochin is very fashionable with New York types............they are either buying into property or have already done so. Best, Pete. Is it something to do with $1.50 meals? Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trisonic Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 Er, OK. They are also providing jobs in the construction industry and many others supporting their “lifestyle” - like restaurants - some of which are very good, indeed, Yes that’s a service industry but some are investing locally in real infrastructure. The alternative is stagnation. I’m not going to argue with you, however. Best, Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted November 8, 2014 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 8, 2014 Well looks like you were treated to WAP-4s, WDG-3As and WDM-3Ds 22390 is a WAP-4 based at Erode 13163 is a WDG-3A based at Golden Rock 14161 is a WDM-3D based in Vatva 22270 is a WAP-4 based at Erode. (Feel free to pop in any question about IR and I'll be happy to help) Thanks Jeffery, I know nothing about IR so I am so happy for your input here. I've been working all week but now I can continue the posts of last weeks visit to Ernakulam Jn. (S) Station... Firstly some coaches, both inside and out and in no particular order... I asked if I could take her photo. I'm sure she agreed but, either way, she posed for two photos. Well, you have to don't you? Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted November 8, 2014 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 8, 2014 Next to the Station is a "Diesel Loco Shed"! I decided to try and 'bunk' round it... No "cinder paths" here! (I think the goats 'help' cover things...) There are signs of the origin of Indian Railways everywhere! This turned out to be a real 'cop'! You wont se 017599 just anywhere! The painted over bit says its not fit for passenger service. Then it was 'demoted' once more and is now not fit for passenger OR goods service! Now it is only fit for DepT service and is restricted to 40kph. Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multiple identity account Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Lovely set of pics... Do you want some info on anything in them? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted November 9, 2014 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 9, 2014 Lovely set of pics... Do you want some info on anything in them? Definitely - the more the merrier! I'm also sure that others would like to share in your obvious knowledge on the subject. Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastwestdivide Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 If anyone's interested in the languages: The yellow destination boards (075254a and 075414a) are in the local language, Malayalam, plus English. The painted "FOR DISABLED" has Hindi above the English (080051a). The station signs (yellow) visible in 073516a are in all three languages. "Trespassers" in English and Malayalam "25000 volts" in Hindi and English. So does that mean Hindi-only speakers are allowed everywhere, and Keralans are immune to high voltages? Maybe not - I think a lot of people there have at least a smattering of another language. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multiple identity account Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 "25000 volts" in Hindi and English. So does that mean Hindi-only speakers are allowed everywhere, and Keralans are immune to high voltages? Maybe not - I think a lot of people there have at least a smattering of another language. The reason why it's written in just two languages is because:- - The locos are manufactured at DLW so they have no idea where the loco is going to be allocated until the "Railway Board" allocates them. - It's more of a pictorial sign. - Hindi and English are the national languages. - Hindi is required to actually become a driver along with a degree in Mech. Engg. (Physics and Math). - Malyalam is just a regional language and it's not required all over. And KERALITES are just as prone to electrocution as other Indians. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multiple identity account Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Hello Kev.Some info on the following picshttp://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-12815-0-59303000-1415457227.jpghttp://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-12815-0-05442000-1415457514.jpgThis is an UNRESERVED coach, it's abbreviated as GS. GS and 2S (reserved) coaches have the same appearance from outside but on the inside they differ. GGS coaches have a 4+1 seating arrangement whilst a 2S has a 3+3 seating arrangement. GS are used on short passengers and 2S are used on InterCity trains that run for a max. time of 9 Hours.http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-12815-0-80541900-1415457683.jpgThis would be Ernakulam's (Shed code: ERS) WDG-3A #13284http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-12815-0-12187000-1415462055.jpgThis would be Ernakulam's (Shed code: ERS) WDM-2 #17599. The WDM-2s were the workhorses of IR. The reason why 0 is added is because it is de-rated. Once these locos go beyond a point where even rebuilding is not worth it, they are de-rated and restricted to a certain speed and used as shunters. Either a 0 is added as a prefix or S is added as a suffix eg: WDM-2S.http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-12815-0-08987000-1415462232.jpgThis would be Golden Rock's (Shed code: GOC) WDG-4 #12809. The WDP-4, WDP-4B, WDP-4D, WDG-4 and WDG-4D are basically India's version of The Class 66. They share a few common featuresCheers!J. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted November 10, 2014 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 10, 2014 ...and finally (probably) another batch of random shots around Ernakulam Jn (S) Station. We start with, what appeared to be, the station pilot(s). The nearest loco, 13284, is the one attached to the coach. The rear Loco is 36187. These next 4 shots are of 36011, which is on standby breakdown duty. It is in a short bay, at the south end of the station, and is coupled to an "Auxillary Mechanical Tool Van" and a "Accident Relief Medical Equipment" van! What ever is on the roof, in that last shot, is awfully close to the overhead live wire! Then we come back to study 13163 again, but from the other side this time. The "boxes" on the platform, at the side of the loco, are the Drivers tool/locker boxes where they keep everything they need to do their jobs. These tool/locker boxes are kept at their place of work as they are too heavy to take home every day. The names, and duties, of the 'Pilots' are quite interesting - you can google some of them! (I don't think I would trust that 'note changer' machine though!) Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multiple identity account Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 If you interested in a little bit more info,http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-12815-0-52253100-1415627203.jpg36187 is a WDS-6.WDS-6 locos are shunters.W-broad gauge, D-Diesel, S-Shunter and 6-6th generation.The WDS-6 was either built like that or converted from scrapped YDM-4s which are meter gauge ALCo locosYDM-4 http://www.irfca.org/~shankie/millenium/ydm46308.jpg13284 is a WDG-3A. Both locos are based at Ernakulam (ERS). That orange livery is Ernakulam's.http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-12815-0-90852000-1415628148.jpg13163 is also a WDG-3A based at Golden Rock. That's Golden Rock''s livery.http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-12815-0-16687800-1415627727.jpg36011 would have been resting in the pit-line (as it's referred to here) awaiting it's next call of duty. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multiple identity account Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 IR locos are pretty easy to identify. They type is always painted on the bufferbeam and on the side.there numbering is also done class wise just like the UK.36XXX is for the WDS-613XXX is for WDG-3As11XXX is for WDM-3Ds16XXX and 14XXX for WDM-3As17XXX is for WDM-2s20XXX is for the WDP-440XXX is for the WDP-4B and also WDP-4D (dual cab version of the B)12XXX and 70XXX is for the WDG-3A.The build date of the coach can be seen in its serial number eg: 03XXX is 2003 built, 13XXX is 2013 built.http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_11_2014/post-12815-0-72964400-1415627779.jpg 1992 built. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted November 10, 2014 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 10, 2014 Hi Jeffery, Could I trouble you for some more info? How large are each of these classes now? (I say now as the older ones must have suffered casualties and condemnations.) Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multiple identity account Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Hi Kev,As I am not sure about the actual numbers of casualties etc I can give you their total numbers1579 WDM-2s1259 WDM-3As (5 variants)464+ WDM-3D1165 WDG-3As1054+ WDG-4s100 WDP-4s87 WDP-4Bs113+ WDP-4Ds294 WDS-6sThos in bold with + are still in production. Currently the WDM-3A and WDG-3A series are being rebuilt with better ergonomics and engines. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold SHMD Posted November 10, 2014 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted November 10, 2014 I've hit a rich vein of info here - thanks Jeffery. If you, or anybody else for that matter, wishes to continue to post pictures here then please feel free to do so. (And not just limited to Cochin either.) Kev. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multiple identity account Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Hi Kev,I'll be starting a thread specificly for my own pics Anything common I will share here too Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multiple identity account Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Here are some..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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