Uploaded December 2012 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
While searching through the tapes shot in India in 2005 tapes I found some more material from Tipong colliery.
The Colliery is in an isolated area of the state of Assam, NE India. Coal is transported from the mine, 2.5km down the valley by a 2' gauge tramway to the transshipment point.
In 2005 two steam locomotives were active:
'David' a diminutive Bagnall 0-4-0 saddle tank built c1924. The exact identity of this locomotive is uncertain.
Four ex Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, B class 0-4-0 saddle tanks were present. Only number 789, built by the North British Locomotive Company in 1914 was serviceable. One other was under repair the others in scrap condition. They were all transferred to Tipong in 1968.
Also seen in operation is a small diesel mechanical locomotive.
The mines were closed following accidents about three years after my visit but the latest news (March 2012) is that they are now working again and steam is available for use.
While searching through the tapes shot in India in 2005 tapes I found some more material from Tipong colliery.
The Colliery is in an isolated area of the state of Assam, NE India. Coal is transported from the mine, 2.5km down the valley by a 2' gauge tramway to the transshipment point.
In 2005 two steam locomotives were active:
'David' a diminutive Bagnall 0-4-0 saddle tank built c1924. The exact identity of this locomotive is uncertain.
Four ex Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, B class 0-4-0 saddle tanks were present. Only number 789, built by the North British Locomotive Company in 1914 was serviceable. One other was under repair the others in scrap condition. They were all transferred to Tipong in 1968.
Also seen in operation is a small diesel mechanical locomotive.
The mines were closed following accidents about three years after my visit but the latest news (March 2012) is that they are now working again and steam is available for use.
