Re: New steam locomotives for India

[matthew@mail.usyd.edu.au (Matthew Geier)]

In article <tjfx5.37$_P6.3341@news0.optus.net.au>,
David Bromage <dbromage@fang.omni.com.au> wrote:
>Taliesin Walker (taliesin@nospam.chariot.net.au) wrote:
>> > Read about it at:
>> > http://www.indianrailway.com/railway/purchase/pur.html
>> > Tender GP192 for 3 new locomotives Oil Fired Steam (610 mm Gauge)
>> > for Darjeeling Himalayan Section.
>> > Tender GP193 fir 4 new locomotives Oil Fired Rack and Adhesion Steam
>> > Locomotives
>> > (1000 mm Gauge) for Nilgiri Mountain Railways.

>> Why on Earth would India want NEW steam locomotives? Surely, if new locos
>> where to be ordered they would be diesel or electric.

>To attract tourists, of course. New steam locos have recently been built
>for Switzerland. 

 Steamers also work well in the high altitudes. The Diesels have to be
downrated due to oxygen starvation. Attract the tourists and not lose any
tractive effort. Double bounus.