Darjeeling - Himalaya Railway

This is a classic line, much loved and very unique. There are many books on the subject, some holding considerable value secondhand. The original line climbs around 7000ft from the hot plains to the cooler mountains with some impressive earthworks including several spirals and reversing sidings, and perpetual damage from the powerful streams that plummet donwards from the steep hillsides. The locomotives have until recently been entirely small 0-4-0 steam locos. Larger engines were built for the later built branches to Kishenganj and up the Teesta Valley but one line has been converted to metre gauge and the other has long since closed as a result of constant damage by floods.

The Iron Sherpa - Vol 1 The History, by Terry Martin, Rail Romances, 2006, 367 pages, ISBN10  1-900622-10-6

The first volume outlines the History of the DHR from inception to the modern day position with diesels mostly working the full line and steam being relegated to shorter trips and specials for enthusiasts. The books contains some high quality b&W and colour images, along with many maps and diagrams and colour scans of documentation. The history is amazing and the fact that the line survived terrible damage on several occasions shows how much it has become part of the culture of the area. The 2 lesser known branches are well covered. (It is hoped that the second volume will cover the infrastructure and the rolling stock and is awaited with baited breath).