Did you even know this, when we went to the Night Mail From Colombo to Ella in Sri Lanka

Not gone yet? Go and check out Night Mail once

I think you were a person who traveled at least once on the night mail train to Colombo to Badulla Sri Lanka

You can also travel from Katunayake to Melbourne and back from Katunayake in about 12 hours as the Iron Devil travels slowly through the hills, clearing the cold thick fog. If anyone is unaware of the complexity of this extraordinary journey and the seriousness with which it can take up to 12 hours, he should gain some understanding of it. So let’s go on a night mail tour?

“Muge Appa does not have a rice grinder yet. What the hell is this now?” “It’s a story they’m always waiting for the night mail to arrive. The fact that the night mail arrived on time from the train journeys in Sri Lanka means that it is a kind of national surprise 😂 Why is that happening?

The night mail train to Badulla usually consists of 12 or 13 compartments manufactured in Romania. Climbing the gorge is not an easy task with 13 compartments, including first-, second- and third-class dormitories, general compartments, a dining room, and two compartments belonging to the postal service. It is powered by a M6 class diesel electric engine, one of the most successful and efficient locomotives in Sri Lanka, imported from West Germany, imported to Sri Lanka in 1979.

The M6's locomotive has long been the king of the upcountry due to its dynamic braking system and unique axle configuration. However, the steep slopes with 13 compartments cannot be named alone. The M5 class engine is fitted as an auxiliary engine behind the gorge between Rabukkana and Kadugannawa, which has a 1:44 slope after the first departure from Colombo. That process is called banking. The M5 auxiliary engine will be dismantled at Kadugannawa and the rear post office at Peradeniya will be dismantled and connected to another train and sent to Kandy. After returning to Badulla, another M6 class banking engine will be installed at the Gampola Railway Station. This is due to the rapid ascent to Pattipola (6204 ft), the highest railway station in Sri Lanka.

This is the train journey with the highest number of drivers (6) and at Nawalapitiya the four most experienced Grade A drivers take control. At the Nanu Oya railway station, a complete brake system inspection of the train is carried out due to the mountains in front of it. The engine of the train arriving at Pattipola at dawn will be changed to suit the rapid descent from Pattipola to Badulla. The M6 ​​engine, which was previously used as an auxiliary engine, will be removed and mounted at the front as the main engine. This is called engine piloting. It is also known as the German / cold kiss in practice. That’s because the braking power of a single engine is not enough for a steep descent. It also prevents the weight of the engine from being transmitted to the front compartments. Just imagine the momentum of two 70-ton engines and 12 compartments on a steep descent?

Now there is an infinite train of 12 compartments with a combination of dual M6 engines, respectively.

The second M6 engine is subjected to constant deceleration by the brakes, while the train is primarily controlled by the new rear M6 engine. Most importantly, banking / piloting is based entirely on fruitful habits. Unlike power sets, they cannot control both engines at the same time. Therefore the two engines must be controlled correctly and safely by two drivers separately. Communication between the two engines is through horns.

When all this is happening, the cold is almost unbearable. But even in that cold door is the best place. More deaths if there is a shot. The best solution for a cold sore is to have Uncle’s milk coffee. The 292km Kandyan Railway is one of the most dangerous and beautiful railways in the world, with mountains, ravines, bridges, bunk houses and a rail link going through the clouds.

An interjection

The spiral loop is an amazing construction. This is the only loop in the world where the same railroad runs exactly under a train station. One of the problems faced by the engineers during the construction of the railway line was the steep incline from Demodara to Badulla. The maximum inclination of the Sri Lankan railway system is considered to be 1:44. Therefore, as the gorge could not be crossed, the engineers of the time were able to design a new track with a tunnel (Tunnel No 42) under the railway station. It is said that he came up with the idea when he saw the thalappa tied to the head of a tea plantation worker while looking for an alternative.

again

If it is a rainy day, this trip will take a long time. This is because it significantly reduces friction and makes train travel extremely difficult. At times, natural disasters do not seem to be moving forward. So understand how complicated the journey is. But it is also an experience that must be experienced as a human being born in this country.

Not gone yet? Go check out one Colombo Ella night mail once.