Starting train on the steep gradient

The vintage Swiss built coal-fired engine X-37389 pushes the train from Mettupalayam on the steep gradient of 1 in 12.50 (1 foot climb for every 12.50 ft of travel) on the World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

Seen here is the train starting on the sloping track, on Aug. 23, 2009, after a forced halt due to the semaphore signal at danger. Other sounds such as a dog barking from across the valley, and of loaded lorries groaning up the highway is also audible, but the rhythmic beat of the steam engine is unbeatable. The train gathers momentum as the gradient eases near the end of the rack section of the railway.

V.M.Govind Krishnan's book: "NMR [Nilgiri Mountain Railway]-From Lifeline to Oblivion", documents the efforts of the public to thwart the moves of the Indian government to dismantle this unique 110 years old railway, and keep the engineering marvel in running condition.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• NMR
• WHS
• Ooty
• Rack-railway
• Nilgiri Hills
• meter-gauge

[Beanick]

Great video! I see the loco uses a geared rail drive.