The Fairy Queen
Interesting facts and features
Built in 1855 by Kitson, Thompson & Hewitson, UK, for the then East Indian Railway (EIR)
- weight: 26 tonnes
- coal tender : 20 tonnes
- water capacity : 2,000 litres (underslung water tank)
- horse power : 130
- gauge : 5′ 6″ or 1.67 m (broad gauge)
- wheel arrangement 2-2-2, driving wheel diameter 1800mm
- max speed: 40 km/h
- cylinders: 2 outside (12″ x 22″)
Earlier worked from Howrah to Raniganj (121 miles) on EIR
- 1908 Stopped service
- 1971 First exhibit at National Rail Museum
- 1996 Completely overhauled in Perambur workshops of Southern Railway
- Revived for working on main line. Chair Car for carrying 60 passengers and service car including generator and compressor (air brakes) readied for the engine to work commercial trips.
- 18 July 1997 First commercial trip.
- 31 January 1998 Certification of Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest working locomotive.
- 25 January 1999 National Tourism Award given by the Prime Minister of India for the most innovative and unique tourism project.
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