Recent content by Caravanman

Hi Folks, I got some good advice from this forum, and wanted to share the results, my train rides in India. Currently about 3 1/2 weeks into my trip, and now in Jaisalmer, Rajesthan. I have posted my report here: http://www.indiamike.com/india/journal.php?do=showjournal&j=9707 I...

Hi, I seek definition of dmu... My understanding of the term is that the coaches that made up the dmu were not meant to be seperated, that the engine, cabs, passenger facilities were distributed throughout the "unit" and that it operated as a self contained train, either alone or coupled to...

Glad to see most people enjoyed the programmes, as I did. One aspect of the dabba walla food delivery men that was not mentioned was the "caste system". Although India plays down it's existence, I gather that even eating food that was prepared by a person from different caste can be viewed by...

Hi, Just a heads up about a new BBC programme airing Monday 24th Aug 2015 on BBC2. Looks to start the ball rolling with a programme about Mumbai. I at least will find it interesting as I shall be visiting India myself in a few weeks time. :) Cheers, Edwin.

I have enjoyed many thousands of miles aboard Amtrak, but high speed was never a feature. The North East corridor apart, the long distance trains run on freight owned lines. Almost unbelievably, some states have no Amtrak train service at all, and for many it is one Amtrak train every two or...

These little problems soon get sorted in India, platform already up and running again. :D Edwin

Just to say that I did manage to get registered to buy Indian train tickets... Thanks once again for all the tips on here and also Indiamike forum. Edwin.

"A few weeks ago, you voted. Now we don't need to make you happy. Now we can do what we please, suckers..."

Thanks for the reply. I was assuming that the reduction of brake pipe pressure for just a light train brake application with loco hauled (not dmu/emu) would automatically cut loco engine power, rather than just the emergency loss of air. Damn! Looks like the other guy was right after all :D...

Just as a matter of interest, are there any official rules and regs for the age when a child can travel on a train alone? Edwin

Hi, This may not be the right forum for this question, but here goes ... Interested in visiting India for a rail tour this autumn, I joined an Indian railfans website, to get a little advice. Anyway, long story short, one gent there states that in hilly areas, the loco controller can be...

I enjoyed the book "Tales from the Fast Trains" by Tom Chesshyre... An account of several long weekend continental trips away from London by train. Interesting as it describes the destination town "highlights" too. Probably rather dated for travel info now, 2011 published, but was well worth...

I don't have much idea about whether battery powered trains even exist? Our local council has invested in battery buses, and they seem to only last half a day before needing recharge. (According to the drivers...) Have I missed out on hearing of the creation of a real battery powered train ? Ed.

Thanks again for the replies. I think that between here and Indiamike forum, I am getting some good tips and can start to put together some coherent train ride options. Ok on the "shoes on fans"... I was struggling to imagine the reasons! Stut, I will have a browse and see if I can...

Cheers for the extra info ! As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I have visited before, but am looking to get in a bit more train travel this time, going solo. The wading bit mentioned above sounds a bit challenging, but at least it is human :D I think I have realistic expectations...