TURQUOISE CHILL: 2017

Friday, December 29, 2017

Kolkata2Kutch Roadtrip: Another WAG-7 near Angul

A little further, we caught another WAG-7 awaiting a signal and we were in a decent spot on the Highway to capture this one.

Kolkata2Kutch Roadtrip: WAG-7 Double Header near Angul

As we crossed Angul (Odisha) it seemed like a Trainspotting paradise. Most of the consists were Double Headers with WAG Locos. I did see a WAP-7 blasting past with a Duronto Express, but it was too fast for me to even reach for my camera.

The choice was to keep driving, as Kolkata was still quite a distance away or stopping to indulge myself with the plethora of loco sightings.I did stop for this one as as it was awaiting a signal and was relatively easy capture.

Kolkata2Kutch Roadtrip: Chasing the WDM-3D Double Headers

We came up to a little bit of of traffic jam and I realised that we were at a Railway Crossing. I quickly jumped out of the car and as I heard the Loud horn of the approaching train I dashed to the crossing about 10 cars ahead and managed to get a quick capture at a Railway Crossing as this Double Heading consist blasted past.

But I also realised that we would cross this train as we drove on the highway past the crossing. Sure enough after a while I noticed the train on our left as the Railway line weaved through this amazing hilly terrain. Finally I did manage to capture the locos with the beautiful scenery in the background.

Kolkata2Kutch Roadtrip: WDG-4 Double Heading over the Mahanadi River at Sambalpur

As we crossed were crossing the Mahanadi River on Burla Bridge (Mumbai-Kolkata Highway) just before Sambalpur after visiting the awesome Hirakud Dam, I heard the loud horn of the approaching train. I quickly pulled over and as the train approached managed to capture these pictures of the Double Header WDG-4 Locomotives pulling a long consist of wagons carrying coal. The reason for the Double Heading is the Hilly terrain in the regain.

In the background I also managed to capture the crane working on the new Truss & Girder railway bridge.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Kolkata2Kutch Roadtrip: Talala Junction and my first Metre Gauge Spotting

I had been seeing the Meter Gauge Railway Tracks all around these parts of Gujarat around Junagadh and south of it. So imagine my surprise when I actually heard Train Horns from my Hotel Room in Gir and when I inquired about the trains, was told that the meter gauge line was still in operation.

So I drove down to the Talala Junction (Railway Station) and as I approached I feel in love with the old world charm of the station building. On walking in and around the station, I just fell more in love.

I managed click quite a few pics and a video of the signalling in operation in preparation for the incoming train. But then as i prepared to take a video of the train as I heard the horn and it was about to appear from behind the curve, one of the Railway station staff intervened and stopped me from indulging in any of it. Same old Indian Bureaucratic humbug.

I walked down to the end of the platform and managed to click some pics of the Train and Locomotive. This was the first time I was seeing a Meter Gauge Locomotive.

Watch the Video of the Signalling

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Kolkata2Kutch RoadTrip: Gondal Royal Vintage and Classic Car Collection

We departed from Devpur at the break of dawn, and our gracious hosts thoughtfully prepared breakfast for our journey. With a lengthy drive ahead of us, we had planned three essential stops: Gondal, Junagadh, and Somnath, all leading us to our ultimate destination for the day—Diu.

Our inaugural halt brought us to the illustrious Orchard Palace in Gondal, where we arrived a little after 10 am. The primary reason for choosing this destination was simple and succinct: a shrine to automotive beauty, the Glorious Vintage Cars. This gem of a find was introduced to us by my wife's aunt, who knew of my profound affinity for automobiles and insisted that we make it a point to visit.

Our initial focus wasn't solely on the Palace itself but directed toward the Gondal Royal Vintage and Classic Car Collection Museum nestled within the palace grounds. What transpired next is meticulously documented below for your perusal.

I've taken note of the car names accompanied by placards or those within my knowledge. For the rest, I humbly defer to the expertise of others to provide insight.