#Indian Railways special trains

[townpostin]

Railway Announces 315 Special Trains for Puri Rath Yatra

Massive transportation boost to accommodate millions of devotees Minister Vaishnaw outlines comprehensive plan after meeting with Odisha CM BHUBANESWAR – The Indian Railways will operate 315 special trains for the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, scheduled from July 6 to 19, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. This decision follows a meeting between Vaishnaw and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen…

[frontpageinsights]

Hathras stampede: Several trains will have special halts to ensure return of 3,000 satsang attendees, says Indian Railways

Indian Railways has taken a significant step following the tragic stampede in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh that left 121 people dead during a religious congregation. The company has taken swift action to ensure the safe return of around 3,000 worshippers. Special measures by railway authorities Railway authorities have put in place special measures to accommodate the attendees, prioritising…

[ganga-times]

Check Out April 2024 Summer Special Vande Bharat Route, Timing And Stop

Due to summer vacation in schools, the Indian railway has started the summer special Vande Bharat Express for April 2024. Check out the time table, route and stoppages of April 2024 Summer Special Vande Bharat. April 2024 Summer Special Vande Bharat Indian Railway has announced that many April 2024 Summer Special Vande Bharat Express will run for passenger convenience. The special Vande Bharat…

[railmitra]

Indian Railways has announced the Sawan Special Trains to handle the rush of Kawariyas on platforms and trains. The special train has been launched for several railway stations including Jashidih, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Sultanganj etc.

[irctcmaharajas]

If you want to travel back in time and experience life as a king or queen, the Maharajas Express, the best tourist train on the Indian railway system, will exceed your expectations. IRCTC and Indian Railways operate this top train in India.

[best24news]

Indian Railways: छठ पूजा पर चलाई स्पेशल ट्रेनें, यूपी-बिहार के श्रमिको की होगा फायदा

Indian Railways: छठ पूजा पर चलाई स्पेशल ट्रेनें, यूपी-बिहार के श्रमिको की होगा फायदा

दिल्ली: पूर्वाचल का छठ पर्व दीपावली के बाद लगातार चार दिन मनाया जाता है। केंद्रीय रेल मंत्री अश्विनी वैष्णव ने कहा कि केंद्र सरकार ने आगामी छठ पूजा के लिए 250 से अधिक विशेष ट्रेनें शुरू की हैं। इन ट्रेनो में 1.5 लाख सीटेउपलब्ध कराए गए हैं ता​कि छठ पूर्व पर घर जाने वालो को परेशानी नही उठानी पडी। Rewari Election : नो-ड्यूज के लिए मारा मारी, नामांकन के लिए महज एक दिन शेष  बता दे कि पूर्वाचल का यह…

[bihar-jharkhand-news-live]

घर आना होगा आसान: दशहरा, दिवाली, छठ पर बिहार के लिए रेलवे चलाएगी 24 जोड़ी पूजा स्पेशल ट्रेन

घर आना होगा आसान: दशहरा, दिवाली, छठ पर बिहार के लिए रेलवे चलाएगी 24 जोड़ी पूजा स्पेशल ट्रेन https://www.biharjharkhandnewslive.com/

पर्व त्योहार के अवसर पर यात्रियों की अतिरिक्त भीड़ के मद्देनजर पूर्व मध्य रेल के विभिन्न स्टेशनों के लिए कुल 48 पूजा स्पेशल ट्रेनों का परिचालन किया जाएगा जो कुल 324 फेरे लगाएगी। पर्व त्योहार के अवसर पर यात्रियों की अतिरिक्त भीड़ के मद्देनजर पूर्व मध्य रेल के विभिन्न स्टेशनों के लिए कुल 48 पूजा स्पेशल ट्रेनों का परिचालन किया जाएगा जो कुल 324 फेरे लगाएगी। ये पूजा स्पेशल ट्रेनें पिछले वर्ष (2021) चलाए…

[hunty627]

More stories that Grant can make up with his model trains when he rebuilds his model railway layout.

Caitlyn plays Keepy-Uppy. Dorie’s little sister Caitlyn came to the docks to see Thomas was awaiting a friend of his. Fernando was coming to visit Sodor all the way from Brazil. He was gonna show Thomas and his friends how to play Keepy-Uppy, a game where the engines have to keep the beach ball in the air.

Rosie to the rescue. Rosie wants to know what it’s like to being a rescue engine. She decided to go on patrol and look around for any emergencies.

Gordon goes the extra mile. Gordon the big engine was given the extra mile award for saving the ice cream. But Philip was envious of it and wanted to know what it’s like to wear a special rosette. But a bird took Gordon’s award and flew away. Will Philip get it back before Gordon comes back from his express runs?

Dominic and the Duke and Duchess. Spencer came to visit Sodor and he was being as boastful as ever. But when he got into an accident one day, the Duke and Duchess of Boxford were worried that they wouldn’t be able to get to their important dinner at Vicarstown station. So, Dominic volunteered to take them in Spencer’s special passenger cars.

Smith and the track cleaner. Smith was very excited. A new track cleaning wagon had arrived on Sodor and he was gonna pull it along and clean the tracks. Sir Topham Hatt wants to make sure he cleans all the tracks on every part of the line.

Kayley and the mysterious critter. Kayley was taking the workmen to do some late night track maintenance in the forest. But then she saw something moving through the air. It looked like a furry creature with a bushy tail and it can fly. Kayley told the other engines, but some thought it was a load of rubbish. But Thomas told Kayley to ask zookeeper Jack from the animal park to find out what it is. And it’s actually a flying squirrel.

A spicy hot delivery. Noor Jehan the diesel engine from India came to visit Sodor with a delivery that came all the way from her home. It was a delivery of fruit and vegetables from India. Thomas saw some coconuts. But he saw a vegetable he had never seen before. It was none other than Indian dragon fire peppers, one of the hottest peppers in the world.

The little old twins reunite. Skarloey was feeling sad because for the past few years, his twin brother on the mainland, Talyllyn hasn’t ran in a long time and was worried his twin would be scrapped, as told by Diesel, as well as Splatter and Dodge. Sir Handel told Skarloey not to take any notice, but then one day, Skarloey woke up to find a huge surprise. Talyllyn was in his shed! He told him that he had been fully repaired a few weeks ago and is back in service and came to visit his twin.

Not-so-tuneful toots. Rusty the little diesel got himself into an accident at the quarry with the troublesome trucks, which ended up causing his horn to only make the low note. Will Rusty be able to cope with this before he goes to the Vicarstown Dieselworks to be fixed by Den and Dart?

Dart goes solo. After Daisy’s sister, Rose the diesel railcar broke down due to some sand getting into her engine, Sir Topham Hatt requested Dart to look after her passenger duties while Den repairs Rose. Dart was bummed that he wasn’t gonna work alongside Den, but he knew he pulled passengers before when he pulled the express with Den & Sidney. But can he handle a local train?

Stafford’s super stopped. Stafford had broken down when making a delivery of coaches full of passengers, but his battery was fully charged. But Amanda volunteered to lend him a wheel. But will she get Stafford’s passengers to the station to catch their bus before dark?

Poy and the popcorn. There was going to be an Ultratrain movie playing in the ride-in theater, and Poy was requested to deliver the popcorn there, but a flock of pigeons wanted to eat it. Poy wanted to get away from them, but pigeons are fast too. Will she get the popcorn to the ride-in before the pigeons try to eat all the popcorn in her freight cars?

[twistedtummies2]

Top 15 Fictional Trains

In the words of a random bit of silliness courtesy from the Internet, “I like trains.”

(SLAM-HONK-SPLAT.)

…If you got that reference…yay. XD

But seriously: ever since I was a boy, I’ve always had a fascination with the railway. From real-life trains and railways of great repute, to various fictional railroads and their engines found in books, video games, movies, and more. I’m not the only one: the railroad has always held an enduring sense of intrigue for all sorts of people all over the world. Something about these great Iron Horses, racing along the tracks, seeming to fly across the landscape with such grace and speed, remains iconic. From steam locomotives to more modern diesel engines and electric trains, the sense of power, speed, and the symbolization of ever-moving progress they embody will forever be indelible. Whether you’re fascinated by the real history and technical aspects of railways and their engines, or just see them as a fun visual motif, they aren’t going away.

I thought it would be fun to talk about some of my favorite fictional trains and engines, because…well…I just want to. Yeah, I’m not tying this one into anything, there’s no special occasion, I just…want to talk about them. Is that so wrong? I hope not. Now, this will be specifically dedicated to FICTIONAL trains, so you won’t be seeing real railway constructs on this list. And, of course, I have to know about the trains in question in order for them to count. (SPOILER ALERT: “Infinity Train” is nowhere on this list. I’ve never seen it, probably never will, and basically don’t know anything about it.) With that said, let’s get on with it! Full Steam Ahead! These are My Top 15 Favorite Fictional Trains.

15. The Rainbow Sun, from Shining Time Station/Thomas & the Magic Railroad.

It is pure nostalgia, above all else, that gets this train onto the list. The Rainbow Sun was the main engine piloted by Billy Twofeathers: chief engineer of the Indian Valley Railroad. This was the railway line serviced by the titular depot in “Shining Time Station.” The show, of course, was a showcase for the animated series “Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends,” during the 1990s; Shining Time and all of its characters acted as a framing device, with episodes of Thomas (usually connected in some way to the central plot) interspersed into the story. In the original TV series, the Rainbow Sun was portrayed by the Union Pacific 844. When the film “Thomas and the Magic Railroad” - which combined elements of Shining Time Station with Thomas & Friends - was made, all of the scenes at Shining Time were shot on the Strasburg Railroad. Strasburg’s 475 stood in for the Rainbow Sun. (That’s the version pictured here, since my guess is more people will recognize the movie than the TV show version.) There’s really not much to say about the Rainbow Sun, I just…like this train. Both versions. Both the movie and the show were a part of my childhood; this train, in each incarnation, is much the same.

14. The Sea Railway, from Spirited Away.

“Spirited Away” is widely considered one of the finest animated fantasy films ever made. Released by the world-renowned Studio Ghibli, this picture - like many of Ghibli’s greatest works - was the brainchild of the mighty Hayao Miyazaki, and is known for its sense of surreal, bizarre, at times nightmarish visuals and scenarios, as well as its fun and fascinating cast of crazy characters. One of the less bonkers elements of the film, yet also one of the most memorable, is the Sea Railway: while the scene where this train appears is brief, it is nevertheless very fondly recalled. In the scene, the main character - Sen - travels with her newfound friend, the mysterious No Face, to find the enchantress named Zeniba. The pair hop aboard the Sea Railway: a double diesel rail car that runs on tracks across the ocean. This is a scene all about visuals, that is both spectacular and yet shockingly peaceful. No dialogue, just the emotions of the music and the animation, as the strange railcar glides across the sea. Like several other trains on this list, its time in the film is short, but the moment is immortal.

13. The Ghost Train, from Casper: A Spirited Beginning.

This is a pretty “bleh” movie, in my opinion. A prequel to the 1995 film “Casper” (based on the comic and cartoon character of Casper the Friendly Ghost), this film tells the origins of the titular character. (They are nowhere near as interesting and exciting as they probably should be.) However, I’ve always had a soft spot for one particular part of the movie: the opening sequence. Why? Well, the movie starts off actually quite promising, with the ghostly Casper - freshly dead (how pleasant) - waking up on the Ghost Train. There have been many kinds of ghost trains in fiction over the years; in this case, it’s a railroad which transports souls to the afterlife. The Train is pure nightmare fuel of the best kind: a battered old steam train, carrying a heavy rake of carriages, with a crimson skull for a smokebox, its glowing eyes acting as the headlamps. Damned souls spew from its funnel in lieu of steam, skeletal limbs act as its coupling rods, and inside its chattering mandibles are a horde of black cats. The furniture inside the coaches is made from bones, only adding to its macabre sense of style. While it’s only onscreen for a few minutes (the opening, plus a couple of scenes later), this Ghost Train nevertheless made a big impression on me as a kid, and it was by far the best part of the film…which gives you a good idea of how bad the movie is, sadly. Still, points where points are due: this train is still pretty epic to this day.

12. The Time Train, from Back to the Future: Part III.

What’s cooler than a DeLorean? The answer is…well…probably the TARDIS, if anything, BUT BESIDES THAT I’d say a flying, time-traveling steam locomotive definitely deserves some credit! In the climax of the third and final pillar of the “Back to the Future” Trilogy, our heroes engage in a daring chase scene involving a runaway steam train. At the end of the film, Doc Brown reappears before Marty McFly, and reveals he’s “recycled” the busted engine to create a time traveling train, colloquially and appropriately called the Time Train by most fans. (It’s also sometimes referred to as the Jules Verne Train, but I’ve always liked Time Train more: it’s catchier and simpler.) While I love the look of the Time Train, once again, it’s not onscreen for very long, and doesn’t honestly do THAT much in the grand scheme of things. It’s not even clear, despite what I’ve said, if this is the same engine as the one from earlier in the film, or just a very similar one, since the aforementioned steam train did sort of…well…friggin’ EXPLODE. Regardless, it’s a memorable engine, and has long been a fan favorite. Definitely worthy of placement in the Top 12.

11. The Soviet Missile Train, from Goldeneye.

One of the few non-steam engines to be mentioned on this countdown, this diesel engine is also one of the most sinister creations on the list. This armored passenger train is interesting in that it actually doubles a mobile secret headquarters: in the James Bond film “Goldeneye,” the main villain, Alec Trevelyan (a.k.a. Janus), rides around in this battering-ram-on-wheels with his henchman. The train is based on real-life armored trains owned by the Soviet Union, but has been exaggerated to give it a more outright evil, almost futuristic sort of look, with a sharpened nose and colored all in black, with blood red Soviet Stars on the sides. The train is destroyed when Bond first derails it with a tank (because of course he does, he’s James-flipping-Bond), and Trevelyan - forced to abandon his mobile HQ - blows up what remains in attempt to destroy his nemesis. The Missile Train made a memorable appearance in the Nintendo 64 video game adaptation of the film, where the players - as Bond - would have to make their way inside and around the train to take out Trevelyan’s goons and save our resident Bond Girl for the evening, Natalya Simova. Whether you love it best for the movie or the game, this big black beast is definitely one of the fiercest things to ever ride the rails.

10. The Wanderer, from Wild Wild West.

Much like the previous entry on the list, this steam engine proves that if there’s one thing cooler than a spy car, it’s a spy train. “Wild Wild West” was a TV series that was a sort of off-kilter combination of the spy film and Western genres. The plot focused on a pair of clever cowboys - Jim West and Artemus Gordon - who worked for a special branch of the U.S. Secret Service. They rode around the country, stopping crimes and committing acts of espionage against evil masterminds. To accomplish this, the pair traveled via a luxurious private passenger train called the Wanderer. In the series, the Wanderer was largely portrayed via stock footage of Inyo, an engine that, at the time, served the Baltimore Locomotive Works. The Train was basically just a mobile headquarters for the duo; it didn’t exactly do much, but it allowed for an interesting“Home Base” location to see in every episode, and it helped make the series a bit more unique. In the later 1999 movie version, starring Will Smith as Jim West (that’s the one pictured here, for the same reasons as the previously discussed Rainbow Sun), the famous engine the William Mason was used to portray the Wanderer. While the film is basically a giant mess, I’ve actually always had a sort of soft spot for it; it’s a guilty pleasure, to say the least. Part of what I liked was the way the movie “suped up” the Wanderer: not only was the train an HQ-on-wheels for the spy-fighting duo, but now it was basically the equivalent of having a Bond Car riding the rails, with all kinds of gadgets and secrets hidden in the engine and its coaches. Even if you don’t like the movie (trust me, you aren’t alone there), or never saw the series, I defy you to say the Wanderer isn’t pretty cool.

9. The Infernal Train, from Alice: Madness Returns.

Not all trains are colorful, whimsical, and fun to ride. Perhaps no fictional train in history has been quite as forbidding as the Infernal Train from “Alice: Madness Returns,” the sequel to the cult classic video game “American McGee’s Alice.” For those who don’t know, the games focus on a grown-up Alice having to traverse through a twisted, warped, morbid reimagining of Wonderland; shaped by her own trauma and insanity into a chaotic nightmare world. At the end of the first game, however, Alice is able to conquer her fears and problems, and seemingly goes off onto a happy ending…but in the second game, we soon learn it wasn’t that easy. When Alice returns to Wonderland, it at first seems to be back to how it should be, but it quickly becomes clear that new threats and new problems are once again causing it to steadily fall into a state of hellish doom. The centerpiece of all this horror is the Infernal Train: a massive locomotive, seemingly built from a Gothic cathedral, which soars through the skies of Wonderland, spreading a tar-like substance called Ruin wherever it goes, destroying everything in its path. Alice’s mission is to find out who is responsible for the Infernal Train, and stop it in its tracks before it completely obliterates Wonderland forever. The Train is almost a character in and of itself in the game; a force of nature, the presence of which is a constant source of dread. It’s one of the most sinister locomotives ever created, and memorably so. It has well-earned its place in my personal Top 10.

8. Casey Junior, from Dumbo.

Whenever I think of the phrase “Circus Train,” the first thing I think of is this whimsical train from the classic Disney movie, “Dumbo.” The whole movie focuses on the adventures of the titular character - a baby elephant with abnormally large ears - during his stay at a fictional circus. The circus travels from city to city, town to town, via the Casey Junior Circus Train, so called after its lead locomotive, Casey Junior. (The name is a reference to the famous engineer, Casey Jones, who would appear in his own animated Disney cartoon…but that’s another story.) Casey is the first train on this list who isn’t just a vehicle, but actually a real CHARACTER, with his own sentience and intelligence. He speaks in a voice that is made to mimic the puffing of steam, and seems to be a hardworking, determined, slightly child-like little engine. And, given the broad smile painted on his smokebox, we can presume he very much enjoys his work. Casey Junior has reappeared several times in the Disney canon since the release of Dumbo. Most notably, a non-sentient rendition of him appears in Tim Burton’s live-action remake of the original film, and there’s also a kids’ ride at Disneyland called the Casey Junior Circus Train. There’s also a water attraction at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World called the Casey Junior Splash and Soak Station. No matter where he shows up, this chipper Circus Train is as confident as he is colorful.

7. Tootle.

So far, all of the trains we’ve talked about have come from screen treatments: movies, TV, and video games. This is our first engine on the list who originates from a book. “Tootle” is one of many titles in the classic Little Golden Books collection of stories, and focuses on its titular character: a rather silly steam train by the name of Tootle. Young Tootle is a brand new locomotive, still a child, who goes to the town of Lower Trainswitch, “where all the baby locomotives go to learn to become big locomotives.” Tootle wants to grow up to become a Flyer engine, a fast express train, so he studies very hard…but there’s one important lesson he has trouble with: “Stay on the Rails, No Matter What.” Tootle is a curious little engine, and he starts leaving the tracks to play in the meadow and explore off the rails. With help from his teacher, an old engineer named Bill, Tootle learns that, while there’s nothing necessarily wrong with dreaming, shirking one’s responsibilities and ignoring safety is never wise. It’s interesting to see stories like “Tootle,” which effectively teach children, “know your place.” At first, that probably sounds overly authoritarian and ill-advised, but in truth, sometimes it’s genuinely important to know one’s boundaries and limits: we all have dreams and desires we wish we could fulfill, but it’s important to know which dreams and desires are worth chasing, and which ones could just lead to trouble. The book is one of the most popular in the Little Golden Books series; in fact, in 2001, it was named the third best-selling English children’s book of all time! The story has been adapted to a PC game, a children’s audiobook, and more. The character of Tootle himself also appeared in the animated series “Little Golden Book Land,” inspired by the entire collection. I read a lot of these books as a kid, and “Tootle” was always my favorite. He and his tale are definitely worth placement in the Top 10.

6. Chugs, from The Easter Bunny is Comin’ to Town.

This somewhat obscure Rankin/Bass special is a follow-up/sequel to their more popular Christmas TV tale, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” Just as that holiday special told the origins of Santa Clause, this one tells the origins of the Easter Bunny. Part of these origins is explaining how the Easter Bunny gets around the world. Cue this little fellow: Chugs, a talking train whom the Easter Bunny - named Sunny - saves from possible scrap. Chugs is a little old engine whom no one ever uses, so Sunny buys him, cleans him up till he’s shiny and new again, and paints him in springtime colors. Chugs is thus given the job of piloting the little white rabbit and his train of Easter eggs, jellybeans, and other gifts for children all around the land. He also brings mail to the Easter Bunny’s home. (Because…well…we had to justify Fred Astaire returning as a singing mailman SOMEHOW, didn’t we?) I am convinced the reason anybody remembers this special at all is ENTIRELY because of this stop-motion animated locomotive. He’s certainly a big part of why I remember the movie; as a kid, I used to wish I could have a toy train of Chugs, so obviously, he’s got a soft spot deep in my heart. Oh, one other thing: Chugs is referred to as “the Famous Little Engine Who Could” in the story, which…I guess means this film technically also counts as an adaptation of that. Go figure. Speaking of which…

5. The Little Engine That Could.

This classic children’s book is actually based on an old folk story, which has been passed down through the generations. The railway folktale has changed over the years, but it’s the storybook publication written by Arnold Munk (published under the pen name “Watty Piper”) that has become the most well-known. In this version of the story, a train full of sentient toys and treats (I guess they must be riding through Toyland) breaks down on its way to bring its cargo to a town full of good little children on the other side of a tall mountain. The toys try to get various other trains to stop and help, but all of them refuse, either being too tired or too stuck-up. Just when all hope seems lost, a Little Blue Engine arrives, and she promises to get the train of toys and goodies to the town. All the way on the journey, the Little Blue Engine repeats a simple mantra: “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” Finally, her determination proves true, and the Little Blue Engine succeeds in pulling the train over the mountain. It’s a simple little story, which teaches a simple little message, but that’s really all it needs to be. The tale has been referenced, paid homage, and adapted numerous times: Chugs, of course, is inspired by the folktale, and even Casey Junior references it in a scene from Dumbo. My personal favorite adaptation is an animated short film made in the 1990s, which expanded on the story as written by Watty Piper, and featured voicework by many veteran performers; Kath Soucie plays the Little Blue Engine, and Megatron and Optimus Prime themselves - Frank Welker and Peter Cullen - also play characters in the story, just to name a few. Another adaptation of the Piper version was made in 2011, inspired by the 1990s short subject; that one featured talents like Whoopi Goldberg, Patrick Warburton, and Jamie Lee Curtis, again, just to name a few. No matter which take on the children’s story you look at, its simplicity is as immortal as the tale itself. I think one can say this Little Engine has many more mountains to cross before its story is truly finished.

4. The Rainbow Line, from Ressha Sentai ToQger.

“Hold on a second!” I hear you all cry. “That’s not a train! That’s a freaking robot!” Well, you’re right, and you’re wrong. It is, in fact, a giant mech made out of magical trains. Yes, you read that correctly. No, I am not drunk. Perhaps I should start from the beginning: “Ressha Sentai ToQger” is my personal favorite entry in the Super Sentai franchise. This series is basically the original version of Power Rangers: that show is essentially made, for those who don’t know, by Americanizing the Super Sentai shows in Japan. While both use some of the same footage and costumes, and follow the same basic plot points of colorful heroes fighting rubber suited monsters and using giant mechs for each final battle, the stories and characters are often very different. “ToQger” is one of the few Sentai series that hasn’t really been adapted into Power Rangers (at least not yet), and I rather hope it stays that way. In this one, the visual motif is - you guessed it - trains, with the Rangers using magical trains as their transportation system, as well as the means through which they battle the monsters when “giant mech time” happens. I don’t know what possessed Japan to make “Thomas the Tank Engine: Power Rangers Edition,” but I’m very glad it happened, because this show is amazing. The trains of the Rainbow Line - the good faction of the series (the villains are called The Shadow Line, and they have their own transforming locomotives to do battle with) - are all unique and colorful, and it’s honestly pretty cool to see how they all come together to from the massive machines the Rangers use in combat. There’s a toylike quality to all of the engines (which I think is intentional, given the themes of this series), and I would sincerely LOVE to have real toys of each and every one of them. If a fleet of locomotives that can turn into a sword-wielding, laser-blasting battle mech DOESN’T sound equal parts crazy and cool to you…I would like to know what does.

3. The Polar Express.

The top three choices on this list all have the same things in common: all of them started as trains in books, primarily aimed at children, but have since become massively popular largely due to the adaptations of said works. The first of these is the titular train from the classic Christmas story, “The Polar Express.” Originally appearing in a book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, the story arguably achieved critical mass when it was adapted into the still-very-popular 2004 animated film. The movie was directed by Robert Zemeckis, and starred Tom Hanks in multiple roles. Both are still considered staples of the Yuletide season. Both the film and the book have the same premise: the main character is a Boy who is whisked away by the titular magic train, which transports a group of children to the North Pole. It’s revealed that one of these children will have the honor of being given the First Gift of Christmas by Santa Claus himself that year. It’s a tale of belief and faith, both in oneself and in things beyond our ken. The book is well-known for its remarkable illustrative artistry, and the movie mostly lives up to it. Ever since the film came out, at least, it’s become quite popular around Christmas time for heritage railways around the world to have Polar Express outings, dressing up their engines and coaches to resemble the titular locomotive and its train. I’ve never gone on one of these trips, but even at my age, I’d still very much like to if I ever get a chance. The idea of this enchanted engine, racing through snow and mist to a place only children can understand, remains as powerful as it is entrancing. I dare say Christmas would not be Christmas without some version of the Polar Express.

2. The Hogwarts Express, from Harry Potter.

On the note of the idea of a magical, secret train that carries one off to a land of mystical wonderment…if one such express line can beat the Polar Express on that front, it would have to be the Hogwarts Express. Hidden away at the exclusive, disguised-by-magic Platform Nine-and-Three-Quarters, and painted in vivid crimson livery, this passenger line is every aspiring wizard or witch’s dream come true. While the train, itself, seems fairly ordinary, many of the most memorable scenes in the Harry Potter stories take place aboard or around the engine and its carriages: from Harry’s first encounters with Ron and Hermione, to a flying car chase scene, to the first appearance of the Dementors, and more, many fans of the films and the novels alike well-remember the mystery and awe of the Hogwarts Express, both inside and out. In the films, the locomotive was portrayed by Olton Hall, a stately engine originally made in service to the famous Great Western Railway. It is currently preserved and on static display in London. Famously, the train was recreated into a full-scale, functioning electric line for Universal Orlando, where it acts as both a mode of transport and its own attraction. The Hogwarts Express there carries guests between the Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, with a special show inside the engine that makes it seem like you really are riding the rails between Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Having gone on the ride myself, I can safely say it is an experience even casual fans of the Harry Potter fans should enjoy at least once in a lifetime.

1. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.

How many of us first became fascinated with railways, and especially steam trains, thanks to Thomas and his friends? I know I certainly did. Before things like Batman or Alice in Wonderland, “Thomas & Friends” was my first childhood obsession. I collected toys like crazy, gobbled up the VHS tapes (yeah, remember those?), and even read a number of books, including the original “Railway Series” books the TV show was based on (written by the late, great Reverend W. Awdry.) The TV show got started in the UK during the 1980s, and is still being produced and aired to this day. Naturally, over time, it has undergone some changes: originally, the series was produced using animated model trains. Then it transitioned to CGI for a spell…currently, the show has been completely retooled into the series “All Engines Go!” with 2D animation. Everyone who knows about the Island of Sodor has a favorite incarnation, and has grown up with a different era of Thomas…not to mention its characters. From cheeky Thomas himself, to his best friend Percy the Small Engine, to the vain and flashy James the Red Engine, to the villainous Devious Diesel, and so many more. All of them have fun personalities and different quirks that have stood the test of time, one way or another. For me, it’s the original Awdry books and the first six or seven seasons of the TV show that I will always hold fondest in my heart, but I can see the value in other renditions. What’s great about the show is that, aside from its whimsical and fantastical elements that can appeal to children, there’s also a lot of great lore and even connections to real life railways that adults can find interesting; it appeals, in its best versions, to all ages. For me, it’s a nostalgic piece of my soul: anytime I think of Thomas, or revisit the old stories or episodes, I’m brought back to a simpler, more comfortable time, in a way nothing else can manage. For that, and for being the main reason I love trains in the first place, Thomas and all of his friends on Sodor have most definitely earned their place as my number one spot on this countdown.

HONORABLE MENTIONS INCLUDE…

Choo Choo Charles. (This monster counts. :P )

The Bioquimek Train, from Castlevania: Lords of Shadow II. (A personal, more obscure favorite train from a video game.)

The Wonderland Railway, from Alice in Wonderland (1985 Miniseries). (Pictured at top.)

Starlight Express. (Wasn’t sure if this stage show should count on the main list, but it’s worth at least an Honorable Mention.)

[shalini-yadav45]

Exploring the Marvels of Arunachalam Temple

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Arunachalam Temple, a sacred sanctuary nestled in the picturesque town of Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. Join us as we embark on a spiritual journey to uncover the wonders of this ancient temple and delve into its rich history, architectural splendor, and cultural significance.

Introduction

Arunachalam Temple, also known as Annamalaiyar Temple, stands as a symbol of devotion and spirituality, drawing pilgrims and devotees from all corners of the globe. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity worshipped in the form of a lingam, this temple holds a special place in the hearts of millions who seek blessings and solace in its hallowed halls.

History and Mythology

The history of Arunachalam Temple is steeped in legend and mythology, tracing its origins back to ancient times. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is situated at the very spot where Lord Shiva appeared as a towering column of fire, symbolizing his infinite power and grace. Over the centuries, the temple has been a witness to countless tales of devotion, miracles, and divine intervention, enriching its sacred heritage.

Architecture and Design

One cannot help but marvel at the architectural grandeur of Arunachalam Temple, which showcases the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. Adorned with towering gopurams, intricate carvings, and sacred shrines, the temple's design is a visual feast for the eyes, reflecting the artistic brilliance of ancient artisans and craftsmen.

Religious Significance

For devotees of Lord Shiva, Arunachalam Temple holds immense religious significance, serving as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the five elements of nature. It is believed that a visit to this sacred abode can cleanse the soul, bestow divine blessings, and grant spiritual liberation, making it a revered pilgrimage destination for Hindus worldwide.

Festivals and Celebrations

Throughout the year, Arunachalam Temple comes alive with the sounds of celebration and devotion, especially during festivals such as Karthigai Deepam and Mahashivratri. These vibrant celebrations are marked by colorful processions, elaborate rituals, and the lighting of lamps, creating an atmosphere of joy and reverence.

Spiritual Practices and Rituals

Experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva through the sacred rituals and spiritual practices observed at Arunachalam Temple. From the ritualistic circumambulation of the sacred hill to the offering of prayers and abhishekam to the presiding deity, each ritual is a sacred journey of self-discovery and inner transformation.

Cultural Impact

Beyond its religious significance, Arunachalam Temple has left an indelible mark on Indian culture and heritage. Its architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and sacred rituals have inspired generations of artists, poets, and scholars, enriching the cultural tapestry of the region.

Tourist Attractions Nearby

Explore the enchanting beauty of Thiruvannamalai and its surrounding attractions, which offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural splendor. From the majestic Annamalaiyar Temple to the serene Sathanur Dam, there's something for every traveler to discover and cherish.

Visiting Information

Plan your pilgrimage to Arunachalam Temple with ease, armed with essential visiting information to ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience. Learn about temple timings, dress codes, and entry requirements, allowing you to navigate the sacred precincts with reverence and respect.

Accessibility and Transportation

Navigate the labyrinthine streets of Thiruvannamalai with ease, thanks to a well-connected network of roads and railways that offer convenient access to the temple. Whether you're traveling by bus, train, or car, getting to Arunachalam Temple is a journey of spiritual awakening and discovery.

Best Time to Visit

Embark on your pilgrimage to Arunachalam Temple at the optimal time, when the weather is pleasant, and the festive spirit is in the air. While the temple welcomes visitors throughout the year, the months of December to February are ideal for exploring its marvels and basking in the divine aura of Lord Shiva.

Accommodation Options

Rest and rejuvenate amidst the serene surroundings of Thiruvannamalai, with a plethora of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxurious resorts to cozy guesthouses, finding a comfortable retreat near Arunachalam Temple is effortless and rewarding.

Local Cuisine and Dining

Indulge your taste buds in the authentic flavors of Tamil Nadu cuisine, with a delectable array of dishes that tantalize the senses and satisfy the soul. From aromatic dosas and spicy curries to mouthwatering desserts, every culinary delight is a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage.

Safety Tips for Visitors

Ensure a safe and enjoyable pilgrimage to Arunachalam Temple with these essential safety tips for visitors. Stay hydrated, dress modestly, and be mindful of your surroundings, respecting the sanctity of the temple and the customs of its devotees.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of the marvels of Arunachalam Temple, we invite you to embark on your own pilgrimage to this sacred abode of Lord Shiva. Immerse yourself in the divine aura, architectural splendor, and spiritual serenity of this ancient temple, and experience a journey of self-discovery and transcendence like never before.

[ganga-times]

Check Out The List of Holi Special Train Between Patna and New Delhi

Lakhs of people travel from New Delhi to Bihar to celebrate the holiday in their hometowns. We have shortlisted some Holi special train between Patna and New Delhi where you can book your seat. There are around 15 trains between Patna and New Delhi that run daily, but it’s always difficult to confirm a seat if you plan to book a ticket in a short period of time. After any festive event, it…

[guerrerense]

DHR 779 taking water por Peter Velthoen Por Flickr: near Ghoom, The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway DHR 779 Himalayan Bird West Point "Railway Engine Watering Point" Darjeeling West Bengal India 17 Dember 2005 The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the DHR or the Toy Train, is a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. Built between 1879 and 1881, it is about 88 km (55 mi) long. It climbs from about 100 m (328 ft) above sea level at New Jalpaiguri to about 2,200 m (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling, using six zig zags and five loops to gain altitude. Six diesel locomotives handle most of the scheduled service, with daily tourist trains from Darjeeling to Ghum – India's highest railway station – and the steam-hauled Red Panda service from Darjeeling to Kurseong. Steam-enthusiast specials are hauled by vintage British-built B-Class steam locomotives. The railway's headquarters are at Kurseong. On 5 December 1999, UNESCO declared the DHR a World Heritage Site. Two more railway lines were later added, and the site became known as one of the mountain railways of India. (Wikipedia)

[kikokuso]

Alright listen up here motherfuckers resident train boy™ is here to teach you about

✨TRAIN GAUGE✨

Also known as the reason why the trams in my city suck.

Let's begin with the basics: let's say that you want to build a railroad. Now, unless you want to build the railroad to be a closed circuit and you want to build everything including the trains by yourself, you can build it in any gauge you want. Go nuts, show nuts, I don't care. However, if you want your railroad to be compatible with... literally anything, you'll have to build it in a gauge of some sort. Which gauge should you build in? Most logical answer is: build it in the gauge that the railroads you're connecting to are in.

Now I know what you're all asking right now: "what the heck is a train gauge?" And it's a good question! Train gauge is essentially the spacing between the two rails of a railway line. You need this to be constant and uniform, so thag trains can actually run on the train teacks without derailing. The first trains were made with whichever gauge the owner wanted (going all the way to 2+ meters) Until a universally agreed upon gauge was made, which is 1435mm because fuck you. This decision to use 1435mm came from Britain, where they decided in 1829 to use such a gauge for all their rail lines, and so it spread across the island and after that across the world.

However, the first steam train made it's journey in 1804 and by 1829, countries were already building their own train tracks in their own gauges. Spain for example used 1672mm or six Castillian feet (this got later changed to 1668mm to be compatible with portugal), Russia uses 1524mm or five feet (this gauge was used by the USA too) and even the Brits didn't keep up with their standards of 1435mm when they were building trains in the colonies, with some being as small as a meter and some being as large as 1676mm. So what gauges are there in the world right now?

We have:

The standard 1435mm gauge used all across the world and on most high-speed trains (except the Russian ones)

The broad gauges, which include

The Russian 1524mm gauge used in Russia, former Soviet countries and Finland, which was chosen for completely meaningless reasons and not for military reasons like many people would believe

The Irish 1600 gauge used in Ireland (wow) and some places in Brazil

The Iberian 1668mm gauge, which is slowly being phased out in Spain and just like the russian gauge was not chosen for military reasons

The Indian gauge and it's whopping 1676mm of gauge that's used in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Chile andfor some ungodly reason that nobody knows the San Francisco BART train (???)

and many one-off gauges that are used on special lines like the Leipzig, Dresden, Toronto and Pennsylvania gauges used on like two tracks (why.)

then we have narrow gauge railways which include

mainly heritage 600mm gauge railways

Bosnian gauge railways built all over the former Austrio-Hungarian empire and stillfound there today

762mm gauge used in former british colonies and for some reason North Korea

900mm gauge used mostly in Europe on urban networks

914mm gauge mostly found in the Americas in the mountains (many narrow gauges were built in the mountains, probably for better turning radiuses)

950mm gauge used mostly in Italy and it's colonies from the 20th century (IDK why???)

1 meter gauge used in many trams, light railways and is the standard gauge for Brazil, Bolivia and the Southeast of Asia

1067mm gauge, which is used everywhere in Southern Africa, Australia, New Zealand and East Asia (basically everywhere the Brits were)

1219mm gauge used for mainly trams

and 1372mm "scotch" gauge used today only in Japan.

I know what you're saying. You'e probably saying "why am i reading this." or "is he just taking information from wikipedia and pretending he's smart?" to which I don't know and yes respectively. But I know that some of you are saying "but what if i want to run multiple trains of different gauges on the same rail line?" or "what if i want to run a train on multiple different gauge railways?" To which I have and answer!

The dual-gauge rail is a genius idea that works by putting a third rail into an already built railway (see picture below)

this allows multiple gauges to run on the same track (like this)!

however the second problem is much harder to answer and the technology used for it is much more complicated. The most modern and efficient way to do it is by having trains capable of mid-travel gauge changes like this stadler train right here:

However if you live in a country with last-century technology such as Russia, you cannot have a cool train that changes gauge, which is why on the Trans-Mongolian railway, even in 2022, you still have to wait several hours on the Mongolian-Chinese border while your train gets taken into a depot and gets converted to 1435mm gauge.

now back to the topic at the beginning. Why are the trams in my city inferior to other trams? Well, they are running on 1 meter gauge, while all the nearby trams are running on 1435mm gauge. This means that they cannot run as fast due to risk of derailment, the tracks they run on are incompatible with trains (unlike my country's other tram tracks which were frequently used by freight trains at night) and the trams are just... more proprietary compared to others.

So there. here's my big-ass essay on track gauge that everyone will probably ignore.

[leslietries]

IRCTC launches special tourist trains for Jyothrlinga Yatra

Indian Railways is all geared up to start Bharat Gaurav trains which are exclusive trains for Jyotirlinga Yatra. The Yatra will be of 8 nights and 9 days, which will begin on February 4, 2023. This special tourist train will be taking travellers to Veraval, Pune, Dwarka, Aurangabad, and Nashik, whereas the journey will be […]

The post IRCTC launches special tourist trains for Jyothrlinga Yatra appeared first on MacroTraveller.

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[walkingshoes009]

Nandankanan Zoological Park…!! Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of the biggest and famous zoos in India. Located in Bhubaneswar, this zoo, unlike others in the country, has been built inside a natural forest, which is moist deciduous in nature and remains semi-ever green. The animals kept in this zoo get the feel of their natural surroundings and roam freely without any apprehensions. Nandankanan has the distinction of being the first zoo in the world to breed Melanistic and White tigers and the sole conservation breeding center for Indian Pangolins, across the globe. A member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA) - the only one in the country - the Nandankanan zoo is also recognized by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for preservation of Indian pangolins, tigers and long billed vultures. It is the first zoo in the country to feature an open-top enclosure for leopards and also the first, where endangered Ratels were born in captivity. The zoo has large pools for housing Hippopotamus and Gharials, and has been a captive breeding center for the latter since 1980. The name ‘Nandankanan’ in the local language means ‘Garden of the Heavens’. Such is the importance and exclusivity of the zoo that the Indian Railways has named an express train after it called the Nandankanan Express while the Indian Postal Department has released a special cover featuring it. On a visit to the city of Bhubaneswar, an excursion to the Nandankanan Zoological Park and Botanical Garden is a must, especially for those tourists, who are traveling with their children. 🤳➡️ @sudhanya07 . . . . . #nandankanan #bhubaneswar #odisha #zoo #zoological #zoologicalpark #zoologicalgarden #orrisa #orissa #orissatourism #odishatourism #odishagram #india #rohitgpt009 #tourism #tourist #zoolovers #zoolove #zoolover #nature #animals #animal #animallovers #lion #tiger #deer #foetus (at Nandankanan Zoological Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmfv2Qmv5r-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=