AWE-22907 'Virat' --- This is one of the war design locomotives procured in large numbers during early 1940’s. AWE Stands for American War Design. This brand of locomotives entered the industry at the beginning of the world war, when British manufacturers were engaged in the war. This new design with a light bar frame and lighter wheels was faster, more efficient and easier to maintain and soon replaced it's bulkier predecessors.

This magnificant broad-gauge steam locomotive aka 'Virat', was built in the year 1943 by Baldwin Locomotive Workshop of Philadelphia, USA. It was imported by the Great Indian Peninsular Railway (GIPR) and used for both and passenger and goods services. This 183 tonnes locomotive with 'Mikado' 2-8-2 wheel arrangement, has Washaeterts valve gear & two outside cylinders and capable of doing maximum speed of 100 kmph. Now stationed at the Rewari Steam Loco Shed in full working condition. Photographed by Somsubhra Das. D.O.P. - 16th August 2019.