ALU 12 3744 train 202 Malakwal 20 Dec 1995
ALU 12 number 3744, a 1200 hp Alco export of 1963, crosses over an irrigation canal running off the Jehlum river to the North of Malakwal in the Pakistan Punjab.
This train should have been worked by SGS class 4-4-0 number 2973 but this Edwardian veteran had been declared a failure the day prior. So on this day this train ran to time! It is train 202 from Lala Musa at 06:05, heading for Shorkot and it was booked to change engines at Malakwal, booked steam for steam, and, being a secondary through train connecting two main line junctions by a cross country route, it was the only turn that should guarantee being hauled by these ancient 4-4-0 passenger engines. Despite Malakwal being the final oasis for these old steamers, only this train ran in daylight north of the town. And normally it ran late, often very late, six hours plus was not uncommon. And Lala Musa, on the Lahore to Pehewar main line, was less than six hours away! So, over the course of a twelve day visit, this was the only time the light was right north of town for this train, c'est la vie!
December the 20th 1995.
ALU 12 3744 train 202 Malakwal 20 Dec 1995
ALU 12 number 3744, a 1200 hp Alco export of 1963, crosses over an irrigation canal running off the Jehlum river to the North of Malakwal in the Pakistan Punjab.
This train should have been worked by SGS class 4-4-0 number 2973 but this Edwardian veteran had been declared a failure the day prior. So on this day this train ran to time! It is train 202 from Lala Musa at 06:05, heading for Shorkot and it was booked to change engines at Malakwal, booked steam for steam, and, being a secondary through train connecting two main line junctions by a cross country route, it was the only turn that should guarantee being hauled by these ancient 4-4-0 passenger engines. Despite Malakwal being the final oasis for these old steamers, only this train ran in daylight north of the town. And normally it ran late, often very late, six hours plus was not uncommon. And Lala Musa, on the Lahore to Pehewar main line, was less than six hours away! So, over the course of a twelve day visit, this was the only time the light was right north of town for this train, c'est la vie!
December the 20th 1995.