GIP-1 to 8
The GIP-1 to 8 were 8 locomotives produced by Vulcan Foundry in 1851, to operate on the Great Indian Peninsula Railway's line from Bombay to Tannah. Three of these would reportedly pull India's first Train from Bori Bunder to Tannah on 16 April 1853.
The 2-4-0 type tender locomotives were ordered by the GIPR to operate on the first railway line in India. The Vulcan Foundry rotation numbers of these were from 324-331, while the working numbers were 680-687. These locomotives had a water capacity of 800 gallons, and a tender capacity of 600 gallons. They had 5 feet diameter driving wheels, a firegate area of 13.5 sq.ft and a heating surface of 777.25 sq.ft.
Three locomotives arrived at Bombay on the ship Charles in September 1852, along with carriages and six European drivers accompanying them. Since the locomotives were still in the process of being made ready in November that year, the trial journey conducted on 18 November 1852, was pulled by the E.B.Wilson manufactured Lord Falkland shunting Locomotive. They were expected to be made ready by February 1853.
Three of this series of locomotives were used to haul the first passenger train in India. They were ceremoniously named Sindh, Sultan and Sahib. They together pulled the 14 carriage train from Bori Bunder to Tannah on 16 April 1853.
The history of Sahib and Sultan is lost, however it is suggested, that they were later scrapped.
Blueprint and other links
Original Blueprints at IRFCA website -- Blueprint with details
- Blueprint handwritten
- Sketch