Was onboard 07696 Ramanathapuram - Secundrabad today from Karaikkudi to Thiruvarur, while returning back from temple in Pillayarpatti, I was like why not take this cute detour to my place, which is bound to remind my childhood memories travelling in trains hauled by diesel locomotive, in a clear sky and cherish it. While crossing pattukottai, i remembered my trip 10 years back to Peravurani from Thanjavur by bus, while my bus arrived Pattukottai bus stand, from there i saw a MG train from Thiruvarur hauled by YDM - 4 of Ponmalai was departing Pattukottai. Today i happened to cross the Pattukottai bus stand when I was onboard a BG train in this route. How time changes! A WDM - 3D locomotive numbered 11451 was hauling my train. Seeing these locomotives have become quite rare at most places, and i was quite lucky to experience a journey. Took 2h40m for 148 kms...
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at an average speed of 55 kmph, which is quite decent, given the number of halts it has in this stretch, and a long speed restriction it had at outers of Thiruvarur. moreover, one more observation. At places like ATQ PVI PKT AMM MTT, issue is PF 1 can handle only 20 coaches, 2 coach at the front and engine are outside the platform. Post Thiruvarur, whis train was hauled by EF - 9K from Tughlakabad Shed, number 51044 all the way till secunderabad today.
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Thanks for reading my random rant patiently.