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Narrow gauge steam locomotive 120 ZB (Duro Dakovic 1959). Jodhpur, 2012-12-25. tobias b köhler

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Narrow gauge steam locomotive 120 ZB (Duro Dakovic 1959). Jodhpur, 2012-12-25. tobias b köhler

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Narrow gauge steam locomotive 120 ZB (Duro Dakovic 1959). Jodhpur, 2012-12-25. tobias b köhler

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India_Ankleshwar_Z_56_depart_(1) The 2ft 6in gauge, 19 miles (30km) Rajpipla State Railway from Ankleshwar to Rajpipla opened in 1897 and with later extensions totalled 59 miles (94km). Steam traction gave way to diesel in the 1990s, until closure of the line for conversion to broad gauge, still with diesel haulage, which was completed in 2013. Western Railway, Ankleshwar; the signal has cleared, allowing T137 Ankleshwar-Netrang mixed to depart behind ZB 56 (WB 2371/1928). As usual the train is packed inside, with numerous outside hangers-on; how many had paid their fare is a matter of conjecture! 15.12.1979. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

India_Ankleshwar_Z_56_depart__2__2ft-6in_T137_Ankleshwar-Netrang_mixed_ZB_56__WB_2371_1928__15_12_1979.jpg (160067 bytes)

India_Ankleshwar_Z_56_depart_(2) The 2ft 6in gauge, 19 miles (30km) Rajpipla State Railway from Ankleshwar to Rajpipla opened in 1897 and with later extensions totalled 59 miles (94km). Steam traction gave way to diesel in the 1990s, until closure of the line for conversion to broad gauge, still with diesel haulage, which was completed in 2013. Western Railway T137 Ankleshwar-Netrang mixed speeds away from Ankeshwar with ZB 56 (WB 2371/1928) putting on a fine display for the photographers - “smoke by request!” 15.12.1979. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

India_Ankleshwar_shed_2ft-6in_shed_2-6-2_ZB_56__WB_2371_1928__15_12_1979.jpg (144618 bytes)

India_Ankleshwar_shed The 2ft 6in gauge, 19 miles (30km) Rajpipla State Railway, from Ankleshwar to Rajpipla, opened in 1897 and with later extensions totalled 59 miles (94km). Steam traction gave way to diesel in the 1990s, until closure of the line for conversion to broad gauge, still with diesel haulage, which was completed in 2013. Western Railway Ankleshwar engine shed with outside, 2-6-2 ZB 56 (William Bagnall 2371/1928); 15.12.1979. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

India_Ankleshwar_station_ZB_56_and_WT_599_2ft-6in_2-6-2_ZB_56_+_0-6-4T_WT_599__WB_2371_1928_+_2283_1925__15_12_1979.jpg (153079 bytes)

India_Ankleshwar_station_ZB_56_and_WT_599 The 2ft 6in gauge, 19 miles (30km) Rajpipla State Railway from Ankleshwar to Rajpipla opened in 1897 and with later extensions totalled 59 miles (94km). Steam traction gave way to diesel in the 1990s, until closure of the line for conversion to broad gauge, still with diesel haulage, which was completed in 2013. Western Railway Ankleshwar station approach with 2-6-2 ZB 56 & station pilot 0-6-4T WT 599 (WB 2371/1928 & 2283/1925, respectively); 15.12.1979. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

India_Ankleshwar_station_ZB_56_waits_with_T137_2ft-6in_T137_Ankleshwar-Netrang_mixed_ZB_56__WB_2371_1928__15_12_1979.jpg (130065 bytes)

India_Ankleshwar_station_ZB_56_waits_with_T137 The 2ft 6in gauge, 19 miles (30km) Rajpipla State Railway from Ankleshwar to Rajpipla opened in 1897 and with later extensions totalled 59 miles (94km). Steam traction gave way to diesel in the 1990s, until closure of the line for conversion to broad gauge, still with diesel haulage, which was completed in 2013. Western Railway Ankleshwar station with ZB 56 (WB 2371/1928) waiting to depart with T137 Ankleshwar-Netrang mixed; 15.12.1979. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

India_DRLR_No_12_2ft_6in_2-6-2_ZB_No_12__KrM_17907_1954__7_12_1979.jpg (150264 bytes)

India_DRLR_No.12 The 2ft 6in gauge Dehri Rohtas Light Railway (DRLR), opened in 1911 and by 1927 had been extended in length to 42 miles (67kms). Two daily passenger trains were run each way, but the prime traffic was marble and stone to the exchange sidings with Indian Railways, at Dehri-in-Sone. The line passed through much land owned by the huge engineering company, Rohtas Industries, who also put traffic and their own locomotives on the DRLR which, however, ran all trains. This resulted in an incredible mixture of ancient and some new machines, which must have been a maintenance nightmare! Nevertheless the DRLR continued to function until it succumbed to competition from road traffic, finally closing on 16th July 1984. Rohtas engine shed: the most modern DRLR locomotives were four 2-6-2 based upon the Indian Railways Class ZB and delivered in 1954/5. DRLR No. 12 ((Krauss Maffei 17907/1954) gently simmers; 7.12.1979. Roger Griffiths roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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India_NG 76cm_Dabhoi system_ZB 62 The Maharajah of Baroda commissioned construction of a system of 2’-6” (76cm) lines across his vast estates. Centred upon Dabhoi, five routes radiated out to Jambusar, Miyagam Karjan, Chandod, Bodeli and Takhala, with a total track length of 207kms, making it the largest narrow gauge system in the world. The pictures date from 14 December 1979, when all line traffic was hauled by Class ZB 2-6-2, but a number of older classes still lingered on various pilot duties. Today all lines have been converted, or are in the process of conversion, to broad gauge. Indian Railways standard 76cm gauge 2-6-2, Class ZB 62 waits to be loaded with fresh coal at Dabhoi shed. Colour slide and scan Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

India_NG_76cm_Dabhoi_system_ZB_71_Khundela__near__14_12_1979.jpg (154202 bytes)

India_NG 76cm_Dabhoi system_ZB 71_Khundela The Maharajah of Baroda commissioned construction of a system of 2’-6” (76cm) lines across his vast estates. Centred upon Dabhoi, five routes radiated out to Jambusar, Miyagam Karjan, Chandod, Bodeli and Takhala, with a total track length of 207kms, making it the largest narrow gauge system in the world. The pictures date from 14 December 1979, when all line traffic was hauled by Class ZB 2-6-2, but a number of older classes still lingered on various pilot duties. Today all lines have been converted, or are in the process of conversion, to broad gauge. Travelling by road from Dabhoi to Pratapnagar, 2-6-2 ZB 71 and its train was chased for a short time. Near Khundela ZB 71 crossed this long bridge. Colour slide and scan Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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India_NG 76cm_Dabhoi system_ZB 75_Dabhoi_mixed from Tankala The Maharajah of Baroda commissioned construction of a system of 2’-6” (76cm) lines across his vast estates. Centred upon Dabhoi, five routes radiated out to Jambusar, Miyagam Karjan, Chandod, Bodeli and Takhala, with a total track length of 207kms, making it the largest narrow gauge system in the world. The pictures date from 14 December 1979, when all line traffic was hauled by Class ZB 2-6-2, but a number of older classes still lingered on various pilot duties. Today all lines have been converted, or are in the process of conversion, to broad gauge. As seen from Dabhoi signal box, 2-6-2 ZB 75 arrives at Dabhoi with a mixed train from Tankala. Colour slide and scan Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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India_NG 76cm_Dabhoi system_ZB 77_Dabhoi_from Miyagam Karjan The Maharajah of Baroda commissioned construction of a system of 2’-6” (76cm) lines across his vast estates. Centred upon Dabhoi, five routes radiated out to Jambusar, Miyagam Karjan, Chandod, Bodeli and Takhala, with a total track length of 207kms, making it the largest narrow gauge system in the world. The pictures date from 14 December 1979, when all line traffic was hauled by Class ZB 2-6-2, but a number of older classes still lingered on various pilot duties. Today all lines have been converted, or are in the process of conversion, to broad gauge. The sun has just risen as 2-6-2 ZB 77 arrives at Dabhoi with a very long mixed train from Miyagam Karjan. Colour slide and scan Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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India_NG 76cm_Dabhoi system_ZB 77_Dabhoi psgr to Chandod The Maharajah of Baroda commissioned construction of a system of 2’-6” (76cm) lines across his vast estates. Centred upon Dabhoi, five routes radiated out to Jambusar, Miyagam Karjan, Chandod, Bodeli and Takhala, with a total track length of 207kms, making it the largest narrow gauge system in the world. The pictures date from 14 December 1979, when all line traffic was hauled by Class ZB 2-6-2, but a number of older classes still lingered on various pilot duties. Today all lines have been converted, or are in the process of conversion, to broad gauge. After servicing at Dabhoi shed following its arrival from Miyagam Karjan, 2-6-2 ZB 77 is seen in Dabhoi town as it departs with a passenger train to Chandod. Colour slide and scan Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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India_NG 76cm_Dabhoi system_ZB 81 The Maharajah of Baroda commissioned construction of a system of 2’-6” (76cm) lines across his vast estates. Centred upon Dabhoi, five routes radiated out to Jambusar, Miyagam Karjan, Chandod, Bodeli and Takhala, with a total track length of 207kms, making it the largest narrow gauge system in the world. The pictures date from 14 December 1979, when all line traffic was hauled by Class ZB 2-6-2, but a number of older classes still lingered on various pilot duties. Today all lines have been converted, or are in the process of conversion, to broad gauge. Class ZB 2-6-2 No. 81 moves off after be re-coaled at Dabhoi shed. Colour slide and scan Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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India_NG 76cm_Dabhoi system_ZB 83_Dabhoi T201 The Maharajah of Baroda commissioned construction of a system of 2’-6” (76cm) lines across his vast estates. Centred upon Dabhoi, five routes radiated out to Jambusar, Miyagam Karjan, Chandod, Bodeli and Takhala, with a total track length of 207kms, making it the largest narrow gauge system in the world. The pictures date from 14 December 1979, when all line traffic was hauled by Class ZB 2-6-2, but a number of older classes still lingered on various pilot duties. Today all lines have been converted, or are in the process of conversion, to broad gauge. Passing between Dabhoi signal box and a temple, 2-6-2 ZB 75 departs with Train 201 to Pratapnagar and Chota Udepar. Colour slide and scan Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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India_NG 76cm_Dabhoi system_ZB 86_Dabhoi T205 The Maharajah of Baroda commissioned construction of a system of 2’-6” (76cm) lines across his vast estates. Centred upon Dabhoi, five routes radiated out to Jambusar, Miyagam Karjan, Chandod, Bodeli and Takhala, with a total track length of 207kms, making it the largest narrow gauge system in the world. The pictures date from 14 December 1979, when all line traffic was hauled by Class ZB 2-6-2, but a number of older classes still lingered on various pilot duties. Today all lines have been converted, or are in the process of conversion, to broad gauge. The early morning sun nicely illuminates 2-6-2 ZB 86 as it departs from Dabhoi with Train 205, a mixed to Pratapnagar and Tankala. Colour slide and scan Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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India_NG 76cm_Dabhoi system_ZB 71_Bhilpur The Maharajah of Baroda commissioned construction of a system of 2’-6” (76cm) lines across his vast estates. Centred upon Dabhoi, five routes radiated out to Jambusar, Miyagam Karjan, Chandod, Bodeli and Takhala, with a total track length of 207kms, making it the largest narrow gauge system in the world. The pictures date from 14 December 1979, when all line traffic was hauled by Class ZB 2-6-2, but a number of older classes still lingered on various pilot duties. Today all lines have been converted, or are in the process of conversion, to broad gauge. Travelling by road from Dabhoi to Pratapnagar, 2-6-2 ZB 71 and its train was chased for a short time. It is here seen near Bhilpur. Colour slide and scan Roger Griffiths. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

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India_Nadiad_shed_ZB_121 Two, 2ft 6in gauge railway lines ran from the Western Railway station of Nadiad: roughly northeast to Kapadvanj, 28 miles (45km) opened 1913 and southwest to Bhadran 37 miles (59km) opened 1914. Diesel locomotives took over from steam until the Bhadran line was totally closed, while the route to Kapadbanj was converted to broad gauge, initially diesel worked, but it is reported that electrification is underway. Indian Railways took delivery of thirty-seven Class ZB 2-6-2 between 1928 and 1952. When in 1959 it was decided that more were required the only company which was able to build such new steam locomotives was Πuro Πakovic, of Slavonski Brod, in present day Croatia. That firm delivered eight Class ZB during 1959, including ZB 121, seen here sitting outside Nadiad engine shed; 13.12.1979. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com

India_Nadiad_engine__shed_2ft-6in_shed_0-6-4T_WT_597__2-6-2_ZB_67__WB_2985_1952__and_ZB_121_13_12_1979.jpg (126874 bytes)

India_Nadiad_engine_ shed Two, 2ft 6in gauge railway lines ran from the Western Railway station of Nadiad: roughly northeast to Kapadvanj, 28 miles (45km) opened 1913 and southwest to Bhadran 37 miles (59km) opened 1914. Diesel locomotives took over from steam until the Bhadran line was totally closed, while the route to Kapadbanj was converted to broad gauge, initially diesel worked, but it is reported that electrification is underway. Nadiad engine shed, with left to right: 0-6-4T WT 597, 2-6-2 ZB 67 (WB 2985/1952) and ZB 121; 13.12.1979. roger.griffiths@hotmail.com