National
Rail Museum Delhi is for people who love engines, especially antique ones. The
Rail Museum is a popular tourist spot for both adults
and children. It has one of the finest collections of both vintage and
modern train engines. Spread over an area of over 11 acres the museum
maintains a collection of 26 vintage locomotives, 17 carriage and
saloons, that were found in the 19th century.
The Rail Museum in Delhi comprises of an elegantly designed
air-conditioned octagonal building housing nine display galleries and a
large open area laid out to simulate a Railway Yard. The indoor gallery
has an impressive collection of photographs, exhibits, models, records,
coat of arms and documents with over 100 life-size exhibits displaying
the departed era's brilliance. One gallery has also been set apart to
focus attention on the post-independence developments and modernization
of the Indian Railways including self-sufficiency, export promotion and
development plans for the future.
Location
National Rail Museum is located on Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, Delhi
near Moti Bagh flyover.
Fairy Queen
The most sought-after asset of the museum is the Fairy Queen, built in
1855. The Fairy Queen was the second locomotive to be brought and the
first one to be built in India. Undoubtedly the best-preserved
locomotive of its era and genre, it is the pride of the museum.
Other Museum Assets
You can see a locomotive of 1880's still kept in working position.
Visit some lavish salons of those times. See the Viceroy Dining Car that
was built in 1889. Look the lavish royal coaches of the Victorian era
such as the Prince of Wales Saloon built in 1875, Maharaja of Mysore
Saloon built in 1899 and the Maharaja of Baroda's Saloon built in 1886.
See the erstwhile coaches of the famous tourist train Palace on Wheels.
See here 'WL' class of locomotive which was built by the Vulcan Foundry
in 1955. You could also enjoy a ride in the toy train.
