Description

In this second volume Laurie sets out from the Lake Palaces of Udaipur in Rajastan with his good friend driver Delamos at the controls of YP No 2777 and proudly displaying its Pride of Mewar headboard for the journey to Chittaurgarh. Onwards from here the party enjoy a brief visit to the Taj Mahal before getting back to their rail adventures in earnest. At Varanasi a highly decorated metre gauge locomotive has been prepared and Laurie takes her for a run over one of India’s most impressive open viaducts – so creating further opportunities for railway photography.

Steam is also alive on various humble sugar mill systems and at Sardarnagar, Laurie encounters a truly vintage survivor. Tweed was built in Glasgow in 1873 and is probably the worlds oldest working industrial steam locomotive. Despite her years she demonstrates her ability by confidently hauling a dual gauged sugar cane train! The highlight of this amazing programme comes when Laurie and his group reach Samastipur. Here amidst thousands of onlookers, a Black Beauty Parade of steam locos has been arranged by Indian Railways. It is probably the last time such an event will ever be held in India as steam ekes out its gasping last days.

‘..fascinating insights into Indian life throughout all add interest- …recorded to a very high standard and with an unobtrusive but highly informative commentary.’ (Railway Magazine )