Sri Lankan Railways (SLR) - Diesels Locomotives at Colombo Fort Station December 2009
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- čas přidán 21. 12. 2009
- Locomotive arrivals and departures are plentiful at Colombo Fort railway station between the 13th and 15th of December 2009. Plenty of clag and thrash with many classes of diesel locomotive represented.
The station staff, railway police, soldiers and most of all the train crews were the most friendly I ever encountered and for that I hope they accept my deepest thanks... this is in a country still on high alert after the war yet they still found it possible to accomodate my enthusiasm for their railways, its a shame we can't be as outgoing here in the UK at times towards our enthusiasts.
Sri Lankan Railways (SLR) has maintained a great service through difficult times and whilst not the high speed, clean and sanotised railway we know in the west, SLR holds its own and runs a good regular and frequent train service for its people quite with a respectavble level of efficiency. The line is worked by a dedicated and helpful workforce who always have a smile and a good word for you... as well as a cup of tea when they think you are looking too hot!!
Fort station has a large turnover of passengers with thousands passing thru at rush hour. The staff is clean efficent and well run .
If you miss British Rail days then on SLR you have come home as its operation and structures are so similar and whilst not space age the system works well and is coherent and functional... Enjoy! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I remember when I was a student in late 70's watching trains near at Gamini hall Maradana. At that time I want to be a Train Guard . Trains are still facinating me. Thanks for posting.
I am in UAE, Here also some time we used to travel by Eloctric Metro train. But when i see this video little bit tears came out side. I really like Sri Lankan train engines sounds. Really it remembered me Sri Lanka again and again. I miss my country train a lot.
There is 1 steam loco in operation. Its called Viceroy Special, a colonial one.
The train has to be booked by someone for a tour. Its not on daily run.
Superb video compilation 5* - To join the arguement. I would love to be able to go to Sri Lanka and ride these trains! They have so much more character than UK trains which are becoming no more than air conditoned metal tubes. - Mike
Very cool video! Thanks so much, what friendly crews!
well done!
I remember a trip in 1987 or 1988, along the coast near Kalutara, absolutely crowded, just like subway at peak hours. A relative of a railway employee admitted our family into a luggage car, wich was much more comfortable and we could seat, at last; Another trip in 1980 was in the tea plantation area and was a pure marvel (around Nuwara Elya)
Nice to see - and by no means least, hear - that the EE type 3 spirit lives on in the prima RK215 T here!
About five steam locos are operational and are used on Veceroy Special tourist train.I remember I climbed up about 3 of them when they had an exhibition around 1998.
Sri Lankan railways need to upgrade + of its rolling stock + tracks + signal system.
But you can be sure that the traveling Sri Lanka by TRAIN is a unique experience
Diesel locks such as the
1. Blue / silver color Canadian Engine
2. Green/ dark red color Henschel engines made in former Eastern Germany are an absolute treat for DIESEL engine lovers
They have that PURE DIESEL ENGINE sound / Superb horn winding through the mountains of Hill country with astonishing landscape is a VISUAL / Acoustic treat for any train lover
Fabulous video.5*. I agree 100% with your comments about SLR staff. On my many visits to Sri Lanka I too found them to be most accomodating and friendly. I have a friend who is an engine driver so I am lucky enough to get cab rides on my visits.
Lets hope they don't go and ruin it all by modernistaion as in the UK.
I saw a fantastic sight on my last visit of platewaymen at work. How wonderful to see the job being done without the H&S police!! I posted the video on you tube so take a look.
I already took a look mate... and gave you a 5 *
I got 8 cab rides in two visits... the station staff looked after me well and I even watched some cricket late one night on a trip in June....
To modernise such a system in a such a country will simply lead to higher ongoing maintenance costs and lose the character of the trains routes and railwaywaymen... they should spend on simply improving the stuff they already have... the thought of a highspeed supa dupa line fills me with woe!
This is so cool
Hi there, I agree... just make what you already have more efficient... you have a great network that just needsa few good tweaks for its regular users (the people), re-building the railway western style would not work and it would cost the railway not only its character but a lot of unneccessary expense! The railway as is would appeal to most tourists if sold as a traditionally operated railway that gives a flavour of life for everyday Sri Lankan people.
I'm back soon and cannot wait!
good one
Fascinating video. Some interesting locomotives. Perhaps they could modernise the rolling stock, but keep the Alcos, please. And they have Class 67s with the engines that were tried out in some Class 37s, then? How fascinating.
They have some at Dermatagoda shed, but not sure now if they are fully operational... they may need overhaul
They still have the water column on the platform end, i notice. Do they have any operational steam locos?
🤟🤟
No... this is exactly how the trains need to be.. investing in new, airconditioned trains just to meet the aspirations of westerners will lose the character of the lines which the tourists love, its the tracks that need the upgrade so they can better utilise what they have. Perhaps some refinishing of the station buildings but again not replacement... they are adequate for the trains they serve... just smarten them up.
I loved it there!
Regards IC
Hatton to Rozelle train
What are the locos that look like a class 67 ? do you know what diesel engine they use ?.
porscheland that’s SLR class M9. Imported from France. Alstom is the manufacturer
864 with fawzy train
While I absolutely agree that tourists should come to enjoy what Sri Lanka (or any other country they visit) has to offer (if any tourist wants Western facilities, they can always stay home), I would support modernization of trains if citizens/Sri Lankans can travel more comfortably and faster without having to pay an exorbitant price.
To enjoy the countryside , see the country and meet the people , it's best to go by slow or medium paced train. Old trains are fine.
1940s trains in lanka
I love these trains but when you compare these trains to japanese and chinese trains these suck.
omg they really need to do something about the stations, and trains, they are kind of old and ugly idont think the tourist will like riding on these trains, They should worry abou these things then buidling a waste Airport in Hambantota.
these engines are used for shunting operations in india.not capable of pulling more than 12 coaches.
India lol