Mysore Dassara '08 - Fairy Queen
One of the star attractions at this year's Dassara celebrations is the vintage/heritage steam Locomotive "Fairy Queen" - the world's oldest running steam locomotive.
It was built in 1855 by Kitson, Thompson & Hewitson. Forty years later it was imported into India by the erstwhile East India Railway. It still retains its old East India Railway service number - EIR 22. It saw active service hauling light mail trains between Howrah and Raniganj. It retired from service in 1909, and spent the next 34 years on a pedestal outside the Howrah railway station. In 1943 the Railways shifted (relegated) it to Chandausi Railway Zonal Training School as a curiosity item (ouch!)
In 1972, a century after it was built the Indian Government declared it to be a piece of heritage, and a national treasure. This eleveated status saw it being shifted to the National Rail Museum, where it was the first exhibit. In 1997 it was overhauled and revived for working on the mainline.
In the same year, it saw its first commerical trip in 88 years ferrying tourists from New Delhi to Alwar as the Fairy Queen Express. The Guinness book of records recognized it as the world's oldest running steam locomotive in 1998.
Ten years later, it still runs. Although the railways consider it prudent enough to send a diesel locomotive at a discreet distance behind the Fairy Queen Express to lend a helping hand if required ;)
An old gentleman commented - "Just like I have come with my grandson, this engine has come with its grandchild. To help if we oldies trip and fall down... hahaha..."
This year it ran on the Mysore - Nanjangud sector for three days as part of the Dassara Celebrations. It ferried two coaches full of VIPs and Gold Pass holders. Others queued the stations and the railway crossings to get a glimpse of the ancient engine. The engine drivers were enjoying themselves, despite being constantly fogged and steamed by the ancient boiler. The jolly fellows were seen waving and egging the spectators to cheer and wave some more ;)
Seeing this little and ancient engine roll by evoked memories of a childhood almost forgotten, those carefree and wonder filled days!
It was built in 1855 by Kitson, Thompson & Hewitson. Forty years later it was imported into India by the erstwhile East India Railway. It still retains its old East India Railway service number - EIR 22. It saw active service hauling light mail trains between Howrah and Raniganj. It retired from service in 1909, and spent the next 34 years on a pedestal outside the Howrah railway station. In 1943 the Railways shifted (relegated) it to Chandausi Railway Zonal Training School as a curiosity item (ouch!)
In 1972, a century after it was built the Indian Government declared it to be a piece of heritage, and a national treasure. This eleveated status saw it being shifted to the National Rail Museum, where it was the first exhibit. In 1997 it was overhauled and revived for working on the mainline.
In the same year, it saw its first commerical trip in 88 years ferrying tourists from New Delhi to Alwar as the Fairy Queen Express. The Guinness book of records recognized it as the world's oldest running steam locomotive in 1998.
Ten years later, it still runs. Although the railways consider it prudent enough to send a diesel locomotive at a discreet distance behind the Fairy Queen Express to lend a helping hand if required ;)
An old gentleman commented - "Just like I have come with my grandson, this engine has come with its grandchild. To help if we oldies trip and fall down... hahaha..."
This year it ran on the Mysore - Nanjangud sector for three days as part of the Dassara Celebrations. It ferried two coaches full of VIPs and Gold Pass holders. Others queued the stations and the railway crossings to get a glimpse of the ancient engine. The engine drivers were enjoying themselves, despite being constantly fogged and steamed by the ancient boiler. The jolly fellows were seen waving and egging the spectators to cheer and wave some more ;)
Seeing this little and ancient engine roll by evoked memories of a childhood almost forgotten, those carefree and wonder filled days!
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