April - Intercity Railway Society

February 28 th 2012: A quick sightseeing tour of Chennai, including a visit to the beach that was under
1 metre of water when the last Tsunami struck, then off to the station for the 8½ hour train journey to
Coimbatore. Once again this was a 22 coach train so I embarked on the long trek to front of the train
to see what the haul was. It was a class WAP-4, Co-Co electric No 22543. This was a wonderful
journey, the same style coaches as earlier, comfortable enough, yet only a decent view from my own
side. I was at the end of my coach next to the vestibule. This is where I spent most of the journey.
There was a pull down seat which I claimed although more time was spent sitting on the floor with
both doors open, with a nice draught and decent views. Leaving Chennai, there was a depot to the
right. I managed to get a few numbers then off we went. The whole journey was interesting. Many of
the stations we stopped at had a selection of locomotives scattered about. The food monitor regularly
wandered up and down the train supplying food and soft drinks (alcohol is banned on Indian trains). I
cannot recall how many colas and oranges I had. It was very hot, yet considering the temperatures at
home I was not complaining!
As dusk arrived we stopped at Salem Junction for a while. It is a busy station but I was in the centre of
the train so I could not see much. Our locomotive came off here and ran down the side of the train. I
have no idea what replaced it. On arrival at Coimbatore Junction it was dark and we headed to the
coach to take us to our hotel. Being late I only had time for a meal and beer then it was bed time.
photos by Ray Smith (to be cont)
Liveries...no more
after 4 years in use, FCC 319364 and 319365 have lost their striking rainbow liveries
319365 was featured on the rear cover of the Jan 2009 issue...but only in b&w
so here in glorious colour is
319364 ‘Transforming Blackfriars’ passing southbound through Kentish Town, 23 rd April 2009
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