Test Run of The Nilgiri Mountain Railway Train, 1899 Photo
A rare 1899 photo of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Train on the newly completed Mettupalayam to Coonoor line. The train is probably on a test run. The line was opened to traffic after its completion in 1899. Shown is a brand new steam locomotive-driven Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) train that has halted on a bridge. Europeans and Indians are seen standing randomly some are seen near the river. Perhaps for filling water in containers.
Also seen is a fisherman rowing his coracle. Because of the steep mountainous gradient, the locomotive runs on the rack and pinion system. Which is still in operation even today from Mettupalayam to Coonoor. From Coonoor, the steam engine is replaced with a diesel engine and then continues on its last leg of the journey to Ooty. To read more on the MNR go to Nilgiris – Mountain Railway On a heritage track.
See previous posts Rare Nilgiri Mountain Railway Steam Locomotive Drawing., and Vintage Postcard Ooty Loco Halt Over Bridge 1909.
Did you know- the NMR train is the only one using Swiss X-class steam engine, which is one of the oldest in the world.
From the collection- Vintage Book: Hindle Wakes By Harold Brighouse., Antique Map of Salsette Bombay 1893., Vintage Postcard Raja Ravi Varma’s Portrait., Vintage Postcard Bangalore Cantonment Market 1900.
