Nilgiri Railway, Ooty Toy Train Locomotive’s Blueprint 1890
An original and rare 1900s blueprint/plan of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) Toy Train Locomotive. This blueprint/plan is over 100 years old and has yellowed due to age. The text on the top reads- “South Indian Railway, Nilgiri Ry, Metre Gauge, Combination Adhesion And Rack Locomotive, Class “P”, Indent 436/7 B.G“.
The text on the top right reads “North British Locomotive Co Ltd, Queen’s Park Works, Glasgow, Maker’s Nos. 19022-19025, L371“. The L371 is the reference number of the locomotive. The rack system was used so that the locos of the toy trains got traction while climbing the steep hills and ensured they did not slide back. The geared wheel which is underneath the engine meshes with the toothed center rail (rack).
This is shown in the blueprint/plan, see images. It is to be noted that the NMR operated the Swiss-made steam locos for the toy train and not the British ones. This plan was for the British-made locos which may have been used probably in the early stages of the NMR. However, later discontinued for the better-performing Swiss engines that were more suitable. This blueprint measures 52 x 32 inches or 4.4 x 2.8 feet.
Read more Rack railway.
Did you know- The NMR is the only railway that uses the rack system in India.
From the collection- Antique Print First Passenger Train From Bombay to Thane 1853., Vintage Postcard British Colonial Family In Bullock Cart 1900., Antique Print Madras Goods Engine., Antique Photo View of Delhi Durbar 1903., Raja Ravi Varma’s “Birth of Shakuntala” Oleograph 1894
