National Rail Museum

New Delhi

(formerly Rail Transport Museum)

by: S.SHANKAR

(in collaboration with Harsh Vardhan)

 

 

HOME LOCATION MAP AND GENERAL INFO HYPERLINKED LIST OF OUTDOOR EXHIBITS INDOOR GALLERIES
OUTDOOR EXHIBITS FAIRY QUEEN SOUVENIR COUNTER NRM:HISTORY & ORIGINS 
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In a hurry? Looking for something specific? Save time by looking into the hyperlinked master list of outdoor exhibits page.

 

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sir roger lumley EA/1 (WCP/1)

Item:       d.c. electric                locomotive

 

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57.1 The EA/1 wearing an improbable livery in the NRM in Nov. 1997. 57.2 This shot with a cheap plastic lens box camera in 1981 shows the magnificent EA/1  in standard GIP black livery with red trimming.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Swiss Locomotive Works. Electrical equipment by Metropolitan Vickers, UK    Class: Initially EA/1, later WCP/1   Year Built: 1930    Service: GIPR (Great Indian Peninsula Railway), later CR (Central Railway)   Wheel Arrangement: 2-A-A-A-1 (similar to steam's Pacific (4-6-2)   Numbering: Initially EA/1 4006, later WCP/1 20005    Named: SIR ROGER LUMLEY   Voltage: 1,500 V dc   Rail  Gauge: bg (5' 6")
The EA/1s (WCP/1) were the first electric locomotives to run on Indian soil. They were used for passenger operations on the 1500 V dc Bombay-Poona/Manmad sections. In keeping with electrics of that time, these engines too bear a steam locomotive type of wheel arrangement. It can be safely stated that the EA/1s heralded the arrival of high speed train travel in India, as they used to do the 192 km steeply graded Bombay-Poona run with the 7-car Deccan Queen in 2 hr. 45 min. in the 1930s. Today (2000) the fastest train on the route, the seven car Shatabdi Express does the run in 3 hr. 25 min. According to the NRM booklet, the EA/1s had  a rigid wheelbase of two driving wheels. The third driving wheel is articulated with the third carrying wheel. Each of the driven axles was powered by a pair of motors which could be connected in various combinations to give six different speeds. Engine illustrated is reputed to have hauled the Deccan Queen on its inaugural run in June 1930. One more EA/1 is preserved in the Nehru Science Centre in Bombay.Actually, the name 'SIR ROGER LUMLEY' which this engine bears was actually applied to another locomotive # 20024, of a subsequent and more powerful class WCP/2. This sometimes leads to confusion in the minds of purists regarding the actual class of this locomotive. Name notwithstanding, this engine is a WCP/1, and not a WCP/2 as some might be led to believe.

 

sir leslie wilson EF/1 (WCG/1)

Item:       d.c. electric                locomotive

 

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58.1 EF/1 Sir Leslie Wilson in non-standard livery at the NRM Delhi. 58.2 A closer look at the beast.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Swiss Locomotive Works. Electrical equipment by Metropolitan Vickers, UK    Class: Initially EF/1, later WCG/1   Year Built: 1928    Service: GIPR (Great Indian Peninsula Railway), later CR (Central Railway)   Wheel Arrangement: C-C   Numbering: Initially EF/1 4502, later WCG/1 20027    Named: SIR LESLIE WILSON   Voltage: 1,500 V dc   Rail  Gauge: bg (5' 6")
Sister engines to the EA/1s, the EF/1s were used for heavy freight and banking operations on the steep hill line between Bombay and Poona. The EF/1s had an articulated frame, suitable for rounding the sharp bends on the ardous hill route. The engines are styled around the renowned Swiss 'crocodile' class of engines, so called due to their low slung profile and very long wheelbase, and an alleged resemblance to that animal while rounding bends. It is indeed a tribute to Swiss technology that the crocodile EF/1s were still at work till as recently as 1992, shunting at Bombay VT and Lonavla, when they were at least 64 years old! Despite re-numbering after being re-classed WCG/1, most still bore the old EF/1 number, usually merely chalked in. The engines were greatly admired by their drivers and crew., and   retired from active service (main line workings) in 1974 . The pantograph was manipulated by a pole inside the driver's cab, just behind the driver. Several of the EF/1s had steam-locomotive type of whistles, later replaced by an electric horn. The EF/1s were among the first batch of electrics delivered to the IR in 1930. This particular engine was christened 'SIR LESLIE WILSON' after the then Governor of Bombay. The name 'SIR LESLIE WILSON' borne by this locomotive was originally the name of another locomotive #   20025 (EF/1 4500), which was also a WCG/1, and which was in fact the first engine of this class.

 

P Item:       Steam Locomotive  

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59.1 Note the slender and elegant profile of the P. 59.2 Builder's plate on the side of  the P's cab. 59.3 This pic was shot by me in 1983, in happier days when one was allowed to climb into the exhibits.This is a view from the P's fireman's seat.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Ajmer Workshops of the RMR    Class: P (non-standard)   Year Built: 1922-23    Service: RMR (Rajputana Malwa Railway), later WR (Western Railway),    Wheel Arrangement: 4-6-0   Numbering: Initially 171, later changed to no.31652    Named: ----   Rail Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8")
The Ajmer Workshops of the RMR was one of the more innovative of railway facilities in India, and actually built several classes of locomotives. The P was so outshopped from Ajmer. She is a typical BESA-era locomotive and was used on the erstwhile RMR for express train workings. The P was initially outshopped with 54" dia. wheels. The Ajmer Workshops later re-built her with larger wheels of 57" dia. for use with faster and more prestitious express trains.

 

fowler diesel

Item:       Diesel Locomotive

 

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60.1 India's first really serious dieselization attempts were made with this class of engine. 60.2 Close-up of the dimunitive engine. Note deadweights on the wheels, to hold the engine down.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: John Fowler & Co, Leeds, UK    Class: Sr.R (non-standard)   Year Built: 1949   Features: 4-cylinder, 4-stroke engine, diesel-mechanical transmission, fitted with Westinghouse compressed air brakes   Service: Gondal State Railway, later Saurshtra Railway, finally WR (Western Railway)   Wheel Arrangement: 0-6-0    Numbering: Original no. 4200031, Saurashtra Railway no.203, WR (Western Railway) no. 1004    Named: ----   Rail  Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8")
This was probably India's first really serious attempt at dieselization. This class of diminutive diesels was used on the Gondal State Railway, and later the Saurashtra Railway, both in Gujarat, the latter primarily due to difficulties in finding water for steam locomotives in the semi-arid desert areas in Saurashtra. Diesel-mechanical engines are extremely rare in India, and this was one of the rare mechanicals. For an engine of her time, it is indeed impressive that she is fitted with Westinghouse compressed air brakes! This engine was used for working light passenger trains. She ended up as a works shunter in WR's Ajmer  workshops, and was retired in 1970.

 

patiala state monorail

Item:       monorail steam                 locomotive + car

absolute celebrity!!!

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61-62.1 Note the large diameter outrigger wheels of the monorail train. 61.62.2 The monorail as seen in 1992. The ridiculous headlight, a later addition, has happily been removed.I did not photograph the car, unfortunately. 61-62.3 A photograph of a NRM postcard showing the locomotive's side detail.
61. Monorail Locomotive: VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Oresnstein & Koppel of Berlin, Germany    Class: None   Year Built: 1909    Service: PSMT (Patiala State Monorail Tramway)    Wheel Arrangement: 0-3-0T (double flanged), with one 39" dia. outrigger balance wheel    Numbering: 4    Named: ----   Unique Features: Monorail (runs on a single rail), balanced by one 39" dia outrigger wheel which runs on the road  Gauge: Monorail (single rail)
62. Monorail Car: VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Original not known. This is a replica built on an original underframe by the NR's Amritsar Workshops    Class: Not known   Year Built: Original not known, this replica was built in 1976   Service: PSMT (Patiala State Monorail Trainways)   Wheel Arrangement: Two nos. of 8" dia. each Numbering: Not known  Named: ---   Rail Gauge: Monorail (single rail), balanced by one 39" dia outrigger wheel which runs on the road
In 1907, the first section of a very unusual railway opened between Bassi and Sirhind (6 miles) in the Punjab. It was an ingenious monorail (single rail) railway. Col. Bowles, who was appointed State Engineer at the time, soon laid an extensive monorail network totalling about 50 miles, with lines connecting Sirhind with Alampura, and Patiala with Bhavanigarh. Based on the 'Ewing' system, the track was a single rail running on the roadside. On this rail ran the trains. The trains were kept upright by means of a single outrigger wheel which ran on the road. (see pic. above). Hand to mouth existence, maintenance difficulties and competition from faster and more hassle-free and efficient means of transport forced the monorail to close shop in October 1927. Haulage was initially by mules, so as to fruitfully utilize the mules maintained by the State for its army. Subsequently, four steam locomotives were procured between 1907 and 1909 from the German firm of Orenstein & Koppel. A very basic petrol or diesel engine had also been tried at a time.

61. Monorail Locomotive: In 1962, the monorail stock was discovered half buried in the PWD scrapyard, quite by accident.One of the engines (pictured above, built 1909) was rescued and restored to working order by the Amritsar Workshops of the NR. For details of the locomotive ref. box above.

62. Monorail Car: I did not photograph the car, unfortunately. The car attached to the monorail is an almost identical copy of the original. It was built at the NR's Amritsar workshops on an original underframe. The original had been the private inspection saloon of Col. Bowles. The only  difference is that wooden seats have been fitted on this copy: the original had had cane chairs.

THE MONORAIL STILL RUNS WITHIN THE MUSEUM GROUNDS ON STIPULATED DAYS AND TIMINGS, (usually on Sunday afternoons or when specially steamed up for VIP visitors) OFFERING JOY RIDES TO DELIGHTED VISITORS. REF. TO THE GENERAL INFORMATION PAGE FOR DETAILS.

For a detailed account of the monorail, its history and features, visit Don Dicken's Patiala State Monorail website. Go to:                http://www.e-z.net/~ddickens/monorail/

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YCG/1

Item:       d.c. electric                locomotive

 

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63.1 The remarkable YCG/1, the first mg electrics on Indian soil. 63.2 The YCG/1s were the first,and till date the last electrics where entry to the driver's cab was from balconies at each end.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Hawthorn Leslie & Co, UK. Electricals by English Electric,Leeds, UK    Class: YCG/1   Year Built: 1930    Service: SIR (South Indian Railway), later SR (Southern Railway)   Wheel Arrangement: Bo-Bo    Unique Features:  Dual braking (vacuum and air), entrance from balconies at each end, could also work for short spells in unelectrified yard lines, on attachment of trailer housing battery accummulators  Numbering: 21900    Named: ----   Voltage: 1,500 V dc   Rail  Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8")
The Madras Beach-Tambaram section was the first mg line to be electrified in 1930. The YCG/1s were the first electrics to arrive (apart from the mg e.m.us), making them the first mg electrics on Indian soil. Alas, their spent their entire working life on the 25 km stretch between Madras Beach and Tambaram. The main line was steam worked till 1968, after which it was electrified upto Villupuram on 25,000 V ac, in keeping with IR policy. Being dc engines, the YCG/1s used to run on the suburban lines, and never had the previlege of working main line trains. They were used for switching operations and shunting freights between Madras Beach and Tambaram. They also used to haul one suburban train between the stations daily, with silver-coloured YT class cars.One outstanding featue of the YCG/1s was their capability to work on unelectrified yard lines on attachment of a trailer car housing battery accummulators. After the main line was electrified in 1968, age, but a spanking new  breed or YAM/1 ac electrics meant that the YCG/1s were not re-ordered. One more unit is preserved outside the e.m.u. car shed at Tambaram, in Madras.

 

viceregal dining car

Item:       Passenger Car

 

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64. To dine like a celebrity: the VIP Viceregal dining car in the NRM.

VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Ajmer Workshops of the BB & CIR (Bombay, Baroda & Central India Railway)    Class: ---   Year Built: 1889   Service: BB & CIR (Bombay, Baroda & Central India Railway) Wheel Arrangement: Bogie stock Unique Features:  Provision for fitment of a basic vestibule system, entrance from balconies at each end, with place to seat two armed guards on each balcony,  Numbering: 5  Named: ---   Rail Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8")
This wooden-bodied dining car (diner, for our American friends) was part of a five-car Viceregal train, used by the Viceroy of India during his travels around the country. Entrance to the car was from a balcony at either end, but there is provision for fitment of a basic vestibule system, to allow for movement to and from the car while the train is in motion: a commendable feature for a cat built in 1889! There is also a provision to seat four armed guards: one in each corner, on the balconies. The car was originally fitted with plain bearings: these were later replaced with roller bearings to allow for a smoother ride. The Viceregal dining car bears a striking enamel-finish white livery.

 

M2 Item:       Steam Locomotive  

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65.1 The M2 was one of the rare inside cylinder mg engines, as seen here. 65.2 Builder's plate on the side of the M2's cab. 65.3 In happier days when one could climb into the exhibits" here is a view of the M2's cab, shot in 1981.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Ajmer Workshops of the BB & CIR (Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway)    Class: M2 (non-standard)   Year Built: 1922-23    Service: BB & CIR (Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway), later WR (Western Railway),    Wheel Arrangement: American (4-4-0)   Numbering: 162    Named: Named DUCHESS OF YORK for a short period of time   Rail Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8")
This beautiful locomotive was built in the Ajmer Workshops of the BB & CI on the basis of a modified design of a Dubs & Co. locomotive. She is a very rare example of an inside-cylinder mg locomotive, and was used on the BB & CI (later WR) till about 1970 for hauling express and mail trains. At least one NRM publication by railway historian R.R. Bhandari states that the author had stumbled upon this engine quite by accident, awaiting breaking up at Ajmer. Mr.Bhandari immediately went about making efforts to rescue the locomotive, and happily, succeeded. The M2 was later beautifully restored and refurbished, ironically by the very same Ajmer workshops, which had condemned her to the scrap heap. The story thus has a happy ending, as seen by the pristine condition of the engine at the NRM.

 

prince of wales saloon

Item:       Passenger Car

celebrity!

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66.The Prince of Wales saloon at the NRM. The engine had initially been plinthed at Ajmer station.

VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Agra Workshops of the RMR (Rajputana Malwa Railway)    Class: ----   Year Built: 1875   Service: ----    Wheel Arrangement: 4-wheeler Unique Features:  Entrance from balconies at each end, with place to seat two armed guards on each balcony     Numbering: 50  Named: ---   Rail Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8")
One of the beauty queens among the NRM exhibits, this elegant saloon was specially built for use by the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) during his visit to India for the Royal Durbar in 1876. The car features a balcony at either end, with a provision to seat four armed guards, two on each balcony. All the original furniture and internal fittings of the car are intact. The saloon has  sunshades, and paintings of symbols representing the British Crown on either side. The Prince of Wales saloon had been plinthed outside Ajmer station before being moved to the the NRM.

 

E-207 Item:       Steam Locomotive

 

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67.1 A b/w photo of a postcard sold at the NRM in 1983, showing the E-207 coupled to the Prince of Wales saloon. 67.2 This close shot of the E-207 makes her appear larger than she actually is.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Dubbs & Co., Glasgow    Class: E (non-standard)   Year Built: 1878    Service: RMR (Rajputana Malwa Railway), later JR (Jodhpur Railway),    Wheel Arrangement:  Initially a 0-4-2 tender locomotive, later re-built in 1912 as a 0-4-2ST     Numbering: Initially 1175, later E-107, changed to E-207 in 1879    Named: ----  Rail Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8")
This diminutive specimen was initially built as a 0-4-2 tender engine, as was used for mixed traffic operations till 1912. In that year, she was taken apart at the Jodhpur workshops, and re-built as a 0-4-2ST saddle tank engine. After re-building, the engine served as a shunting engine, and was finally retired in 1952. At the time of re-building as a tank engine, the overall length of the locomotive had to be increased by about 2 feet, in order to accommodate the coal bunker at the rear.

 

mysore maharaja's saloon

Item:       Passenger Car

celebrity!

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68. The Royal family  is now miles apart: while the Mysore Maharaja's saloon is preserved way up North, in Delhi, the Maharani's saloon has found a home way down South in the Mysore Rail Museum.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Bangalore Workshops of the MSR (Mysore State Railway), on a underframe supplied by Hurst Nelson, UK    Class: CR (non standard)   Year Built: 1899   Service: MSR (Mysore State Railway), as part of the Mysore Maharaja's private train.    Wheel Arrangement: Bogie stock  Numbering: 7341  Named: ---   Rail Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8"), could be altered to bg (5' 6") by lifting vehicle off its undercarriage and changing bogies.
This saloon was part of a three car Royal train of the Maharaja of Mysore. It is a wooden bodied car, built on an imported undercarriage. The saloon is fitted with vacuum brakes, and a rudimentary vestibule system at either end, to enable movement in and out of the car while in motion. The original furnishings, fittings and embellishments of the car are still intact, including floral motifs on the ceiling, and brass-atoned balcony railings. Probably the MOST remarkable feature of this car was that it could be lifted off its undercarriage to change the bogies from mg to bg and vice versa: an operation which was done in the dead of night without waking up the sleeping royal family. The other two cars of the Royal train, viz. the Maharani's car and the dining cum pantry car, are preserved in the Mysore Rail Museum.

 

FMA Item:       Steam Locomotive  

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69.1 The elegant FMA at the NRM,with the SMR logo on the smokebox door. 69.2 Close-up of the SMR logo.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Dubbs & Co. Glasgow    Class: Originally FM, later FMA (non-standard)   Year Built: 1888    Service: SMR (Southern Mahratta Railway), later MSMR (Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway),    Wheel Arrangement: 0-6-0    Numbering: Initially 2373, later FM 118, changed to FMA 37302 after re-building    Named: ----   Rail Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8")
The FMA was a very popular class of engine in her time, and was used for mixed traffic operations on the erstwhile Southern Mahratta Railway (later merged with the Madras Railway to become Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway). Initially built as class FM, the engine was re-built with enhanced coal capacity and then re-classed FMA. The FMs themselves are considered an improvement over a still earlier class, the F class. One more FMA is preserved in the Visweswaraya Industrial Museum in Bangalore.

 

F1 Item:       Steam Locomotive absolute celebrity!!!

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70.1 Builder's plate of the first locomotive to be built in India. 70.2 The rather unassuming pose of what is actually a celebrity locomotive: the engine ought to be mounted on a pedestal!
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Ajmer Workshops of the RMR (Rajputana Malwa Railway)    Class: F-1 (non-standard)   Year Built: 1895    Service: RMR (Rajputana Malwa Railway), later BB & CIR (Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway),    Wheel Arrangement: 0-6-0    Numbering: 734    Named: ----   Unique Features: FIRST LOCOMOTIVE TO BE BUILT ENTIRELY IN INDIA  Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8")
Although several locomotives had been assembled in the various railway workshops in India, using spares received along with fully built locomotive consignments, the F-1 enjoys the rare honour of being the FIRST LOCOMOTIVE TO BE BUILT ENTIRELY IN INDIA. The workshop that built India's first locomotive was none other than the Ajmer Workshops of the RMR. (later BB & CIR). The F-1 was used for mixed traffic operations on the erstwhile RMR (later BB & CIR). Considering this engine's exalted status, there is no special treatment meted out to her, and she just sits there, along with the other exhibits.

 

nilgiri railway passenger car Item:       Passenger Car  

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71.1 Note the hand brake and brake pressure gauge on the balcony at one end of the Nilgiri car. 71.2 This picture of the Nilgiri car taken with a school group in 1979 shows a NRM official in the foreground, and the car bearing its classification TF. I had photographed the car in 1981 with the SIR logo on its side. 71.3 Closeup of the slatted wooden body work of the Nilgiri car, showing  some detail of the inside as well. The car is built in typical Anglo-India style.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Gloucester Railway Carriage & Wagon Works, UK, Frame by Leeds Forge Co., UK    Class: TF (non standard)   Year Built: 1914   Service: NMR (Nilgiri Mountain Railway), later SIR (South Indian Railway),    Wheel Arrangement: Bogie stock   Numbering: 34   Unique Features:  Fitted for rack and pinion operation, slatted wooden body, vacuum and hand brakes   Named: ---   Rail Gauge: mg (3'  3   3/8")
Built in typical Anglo-India style, this is a composite first class cum third class car, used on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway between Mettupalayam and Ootacamund (Ooty) in Southern India. The car is fitted with a double pinion on one of its axles, which could engage into the toothed rail which run between the two main rails. The rack and pinion section is between Kallar and Coonoor. This car could seat 8 passengers in the first class, and 44 in the third. Canvas curtains were provided for protection to the passengers from the elements. This type of car is still in use on the Ooty line, although two modernized versions have also been put on line. (1994).

 

Y2 Item:       Steam Locomotive  

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(photo courtesy: Harsh Vardhan)

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(pic scanned from a NRM leaflet courtesy:HarshVardhan)

72.1 The Y-2 prepared to steam into the NRM grounds on her own. 72.2 Once inside the NRM, the Y-2 joins the other silent monsters.
VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: North British Loco. Co., UK    Class: Initially Y-2, later changed to L-2 (non-standard)   Year Built: 1907    Service: GIPR (Great Indian Peninsula Railway), later works locomotive at the public sector firm of HINDALCO (Hindustan Aluminium Co.) Renukoot ,    Wheel Arrangement: 2-8-4T    Numbering: Not known  Named: ----  Rail Gauge: bg  (5' 6")
Although information about this engine is still limited, it would appear that she was one of the pre-electrification engines on the ardous Bhor Ghat sections on the erstwhile GIP Railway. After the hill line was electrified in 1929, the steam bankers were sold. One of these, of class Y-2 (later L-2) went to the public sector giant HINDALCO in Renukoot, where she spent the rest of her service life.  After withdrawal from the GIP Railway, this engine worked for a while on the erstwhile EIR (East Indian Railway), and later on the ER (Eastern Railway) before being sold to HINDALCO sometime in the late 1970s/early 1980s. This L-2 heavyweight was donated to the NRM by HINDALCO, and entered the museum on 14-12-97 under her own steam.

 

JAGJIVAN RAM (WAM/1) Item:       a.c. electric                locomotive  

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(pic scanned from a NRM leaflet courtesy :Harsh Vardhan)

73. Meet the first a.c. electric engine to be used on the IR.

VITALSTATISTICS: Builder: Kraus-Maffei, Germany, to a French design    Class: WAM/1   Year Built: 1959    Service: ER (Eastern Railway), NR (Northern Railway)   Wheel Arrangement: Bo-Bo    Numbering: 20202    Named: JAGJIVAN RAM   Voltage: 25,000 V ac   Rail  Gauge: bg (5' 6")
One of the newer additions to the NRM's treasure trove (May 1998) is the first a.c. electric engine to be used in India, WAM/1 20202. The engine was dedicated to the service of the nation at Asansol on the ER on 1/1/1959 by the then railway minister Jagjivan Ram. The occasion also marked the inauguration of the first 25,000 V ac section in the country. This 2,840 hp engine weighs 74 tonnes, and could run at a max. speed of 100 kmph. She clocked a total of 38,75,000 km till the end of her service life on early 22/10/97, and was retired from service from the Kanpur Electric Loco shed. During her working life, she hauled prestigious trains like the Howrah-Delhi Kalka Mail and the Deluxe Express. Mercury-arc rectifiers (also known as 'ignitron') had been fitted originally, but these were later replaced by silicon diode rectifiers. The engine  name 'JAGJIVAN RAM', was applied to the engine soon after the inauguration of the first ac section in 1959, and she bore the name throughout the tenure of her service.

 

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