Steam in India 2005 -- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Part 1
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- Опубліковано 11 сер 2013
- Darjeeling is a small town nearly 7,000 feet above sea level in the foothills of the Himalayas in the north east corner of India. On a clear day the massive snow-clad peak of the third highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga can be seen towering over the town. The DHR, opened in 1881, was built to take expatriates into the hills for a respite from the heat of the plains. Some of the diminutive but vociferous 0-4-0 B class steam locomotives built at the beginning of the 20th century are still in use. Each loco usually carries a crew of six. A driver and fireman, two coal pushers and two sitting on the front buffer bean spreading sand on the rails. The 55 mile journey to Darjeeling takes about seven hours. Currently part of the DHR is closed by a landslip, it may fully reopen by the end of 2013. This two part video is my record of a visit made in December 2005.
Indian Railways recently announced that they'll be making the full route in the traditional steam way. Also several heritage stations are being restored. A good news for rail fans!
Thanks, that is good news.
This train I would certainly not call a luxury express! LOL!
Yet, the ride seems to be quite enjoyable! The fact that it is not an express makes the trip 500% more enjoyable. If I was there with a car, I would certainly leave the car at the bottom and take the train! Driving, I would miss this outstanding scenery. And this train looks more like a toy than a train, and I do like toys!!!
beautiful film, a joy, a masterpiece. so many visually superb, indeed absolutely extraordinary shots! one of the best pieces of documentary i've ever seen, and enhanced even by the occasional yellow and blue spots. love the muted colours, greys, greens and blues. you are a true artist and painter. if youtube made it possible i would paste in turner's painting "wind, steam and rain". congratulations and many thanks for a marvellous film. i went to darjeeling on the train in 1968. now i will go again.
Thank you for your kind comments. The pixellation and coloured spots were ‘added’ by You Tube during their conversion process. They were not on my original video.
very nice film !
Beautiful india😊😊😊👍👌💐
A lot of revenue could be earned by railways from Eicher truck makers for Their Swaraj Mazda trucks being advertised on the video.
Hope these trains are replaced by Diesel or Electric ones. As the latter ones are more efficient and fast.
Your comment is either a poor taste joke or you have no understanding of the DHR. It is a historic railway and electrification would be impossible and not wanted. A much better solution would be to return the line to full steam operation.
@@blackthorne57 My thought inudes making a new railway line if these tracks cant handle diesel/Electric. This steam one can be kept for tourists.
But for commercual and economical purpose, A better mode must pass through this town
@@moltenlava1877 It is more than 100 years old narrow gauge track. As an UNESCO site, no modernisation can be done and If anything is done, it must be restoration.
Seems to me like they aren't running the boiler very efficiently. Thick black smoke is cool to see but it's also a sign of a poorly trained fireman.
Have you tried firing a tiny loco working flat-out on a severe incline for several hours at a time? Keeping the small firebox filled is a continious job. I would like to see you achieve a smoke free run.
good reply
Running train and making huge expenses just to transport few passengers when road transport is readily available. Is that an earning venture.?
You are missing the point.
First, many passengers are tourists both from overseas and the increasingly afluent Indian population. The overseas tourists bring hard currency and the local tourists bring cash to the local community.
Second, the railway employs many people, if it closed they would have no income , there is no Social Security in India.
Third, The railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
good reply
steam ones are inefficient.
Hope they have been replaced by diesel or electric