Simon Says…let six trains move.
That was Mr. Simon the man from Chennai RRI who was behind the entire data set that Sridhar presented. He was answering a question on simultaneous departures. he says that the RRI is equipped to operate six simultaneous movements either way.
Now we are watching the charts and maps in live real movements. Sridhar’s running commentary is helping us understand what is happening.
It is Sridhar Joshi’s turn to take us thru the RRI cabin operations.
Quite a job! Most of the time, the controllers are on their feet.
There is a rake line and an engine line apart from the fast and slow lines.
Sridhar showed us the charts and maps of operations and the control panel, its switches and indicators.. Now he is showing us a video of train management
IR had to identify the property by giving complete demographics of the route.
They had to have a 72 hour continuous wait for the certification preceded by a grilling interview without a break.
Justification is important as is the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value.
NMR had to show how the coal quality, supply and usage issue would be dealt with.
Mr. Ram followed his presentation with photographic images of the actual inspection before certification.
By the way, the Certification is not specifically for NMR but for Mountain Railway of India that includes the DHR (Darjeeling) too.
A lot of questoions followed. This was a good presentation. A hard copy is available with Sridhar Joshi.
Just got off the coffee break 
The delegates had some time to interact and view the array of photo blow-ups and the NMR model. The starter signal is at caution. We migth get a Clear anytime. Next on the stage is Mr. Syamadhar Ram, Deputy CME, Southern Railway.
He will be making a presentation on the NMR’s quest for UNESCO Heritage Status.
He is covering Culural as well as Natural Heritage.
That was Apu on photography with expert inputs from Poochi.
Poochi shows some of his classic snaps and takes the delegates through each of them.
Draw frames in mind. Keep an eye on potential pictures. Visualise the scene against changing backgrounds.
Know the response of your camera. There is one magical moment where you get the best result. Do not miss that. Be aware of it.
Take the date stamp off Please!
Take as many shots as possible. Know your window for that.
Buy the best you can afford. Avoid B&W and Sepia without processing knowledge.
Those days are gone when pics of trains standing on the platform mattered.
Try interesting background…a wall, flowers, trees, passes, mountains etc.
Anticipate the events…know when that diesel notches up.
Build a story. Do not take random pics.
Learn at least a few imaging software. It will help you crop the pictures to make a better composition.
The same picture can generate different feelings…so cropping can help you show what you see that is not apparent to others.
“You need a good picture…go back to school…study”
Study everything in the scope of the picture before taking the snap.
”Be prepared!” Do u know your camera well? Many of us are even callous about batteries.
Have a good camera bag.
Have a good rapport with the railway staff around.
Know the timetable well. Know when the trains come and go.
SAFETY. Take adequate safety measures. Especially at tunnels.
Dheeraj Sanghi arrives…a founder member among us!
Apu and Poochi take over. Photography!
“Taking pictures is the most potent forms of expression that rail fans have”
“ It is not the camera…but the tecnique”. Even a point and shoot can be used for great pics if u have the right technique.
Light, timing, vantage and RPF! These are what we have to look for.
Your camera maybe slow…you maybe slow with your camera. Remember trains are moving.
He discussed the McLeod Lines, Martin Burn Lines in detail and also the Rohtas Light Railway in detail.
# Ahmadpur famous from the infamous”jackfruit letter” was on one of the Martin Burn Lines.
# Howrah Amta line was a fairly busy line and despite that was a lossmaking entity.
Next on line is none other than Mr. VSP with his amazing gyaan on Reservation Quotas.
VSP started to explain why Ashish Kuvelkar never got a reserved berth from Pune to Vasco.
Remote Location Quota always has RAC. Pune is under pooled Quota …about 60 to 70 berths for who start at originating station but get off at other than terminating station.
Chaos! VSP’s presentation has turned the entire venue into a reservation complex…too many queries. Even on Ladies Quota!
