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{{short description|1855-built steam locomotive in India}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox locomotive
| name = '''Fairy Queen'''
| image = The Queen in a somewhat dilapidated condition. Nevertheless, my tenth visit was of worth^^ - Flickr - Dr. Santulan Mahanta (cropped).jpg
| caption = The ''Fairy Queen'' in 2011,<br> note the [[dual gauge]]
| powertype = Steam
| builder = [[Kitson and Company|Kitson, Thompson and Hewitson]]<ref name="recognition" />
| serialnumber = 481
| builddate = {{Date and age|1855}}
| whytetype = [[2-2-2]]WT
| uicclass = 1A1 n2t
| gauge = {{track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}}
| driverdiameter = {{convert|72|in|0|abbr=on}}
| locoweight = {{convert|26|t|abbr=on}}
| tenderweight = {{convert|2|t|abbr=on}}
| watercap = {{convert|3000|L|impgal USgal|abbr=on}}
| cylindercount = 2
| cylindersize = {{convert|12|x|22|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| maxspeed = {{convert|40|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| poweroutput = {{convert|130|hp|abbr=on}}
| operator = [[East Indian Railway Company]]
| fleetnumbers = 22
| retiredate = 1909
| restoredate = 18 July 1997
| disposition = Operating from [[New Delhi]], [[Delhi]] to [[Alwar]], [[Rajasthan]]
}}

The '''''Fairy Queen''''', also known as the '''East Indian Railway No. 22''', is a [[steam locomotive]] which was built in 1855. It was restored by Loco Works Perambur, Chennai in 1997, and housed at the [[Rewari Railway Heritage Museum]].

The train occasionally runs between [[New Delhi]] and [[Alwar]].<ref>{{cite news |date=13 October 2017 |title='Steam Express' to run between Delhi cantonment-Rewari from tomorrow: All you need to know |work=The Indian Express |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-railways-commences-delhi-cantonment-rewari-tourist-train-from-tomorrow-steam-express-4889094/ |access-date=22 August 2022}}</ref> In 1998 it was listed in the ''[[Guinness World Records|Guinness Book of Records]]'' as the world's oldest steam locomotive in regular service. The ''Fairy Queen'' runs on the same route as the ''[[Palace on Wheels]]'', the [[tourist train]] launched in 1982, and was awarded the National Tourism Award in 1999.

The locomotive was built by Kitson, Thompson & Hewitson of England and worked on passenger and freight services for more than 55 years.<ref name="loco">{{cite news |title=Independence Day 2022: Indian Railways to run world's oldest working steam train EIR-21 |url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/independence-day-2022-indian-railways-to-run-worlds-oldest-working-steam-train-eir-21-3448210.html |website=Oneindia |access-date=18 February 2023 |date=15 August 2022}}</ref>

Unlike other luxury trains in India, the ''Fairy Queen'' has a total of only two coaches and a capacity to carry 50 passengers.<ref name="capacity">{{cite news |title=Five luxury trains that redefine happy journeys |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/specials/five-luxury-trains-that-redefine-happy-journeys-1127504.html |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |date=17 July 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
The locomotive was constructed by [[Kitson and Company|Kitson, Thompson and Hewitson]] at [[Leeds]], in [[England]], in 1855,<ref name="1855 built">{{cite news |title=Luxury on wheels: Royal trains of India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/luxury-on-wheels-royal-trains-of-india-101669969207692.html |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=2 December 2022 |language=en}}</ref> and reached [[Kolkata]], then known as ''Calcutta'', in the same year.<ref name="rao">{{cite book |last=Rao |first=Jammi Srinivasa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-78QewtubgoC&q=%22Fairy+Queen%22+%22locomotive%22&pg=PA32 |title=History of Rotating Machinery Dynamics |publisher=Springer Science and Business Media |year=2011 |isbn=978-94-007-1164-8 |location=Dordrecht |pages=32 |access-date=8 January 2013 |url-access=limited |via=Google Books}}</ref> On arrival, it was given fleet number "22" by its owner, the [[East Indian Railway Company]]; it was named in 1895.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sood |first1=Jyotika |title=162-year-old Fairy Queen train to grace railway tracks again |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/TBBlHIZ3NjttVkosonmrnL/162yearold-Fairy-Queen-train-to-grace-railway-tracks-again.html |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |date=10 February 2017 |language=en}}</ref> Initially, the {{track gauge|5ft6in}} gauge locomotive was used to haul light mail trains in [[West Bengal]], operating between [[Howrah]] and [[Raniganj]], and during the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]] hauled troop trains. Subsequently, the train was consigned to a line construction duty in the state of [[Bihar]], where it served until 1909.<ref name="replacing pitara">{{cite news |title=World's oldest steam engine will ferry people between Delhi and Rewari from February 11 - On track |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/infrastructure/worlds-oldest-steam-engine-fairy-queen-will-ferry-people-between-delhi-and-rewari-from-february-11/piece-of-history/slideshow/57094326.cms |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref><ref name="government website">{{cite news |title=World's Oldest Working Steam Engine 'Fairy Queen' Ready to Haul Heritage Train Once Again |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158386 |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=pib.gov.in |publisher=Press Information Bureau Government of India Ministry of Railways}}</ref>

The ''Fairy Queen'' spent the next 34 years on a pedestal outside [[Howrah station]].<ref name="Ahrons, Faerie Queen" >{{harvnb|Ahrons, ''British Steam Railway Locomotive''|page=142}}</ref> In 1943, the locomotive was moved to the Railway Zonal Training School at [[Chandausi]], in [[Uttar Pradesh]], where it served as a curiosity object for many of the students based there.

=== Other contemporary locomotives ===
A number of similar locomotives were built around the same time as the ''Fairy Queen''. These were supplied by [[Kitson and Company|Kitson, Thompson and Hewitson]] and also by [[Avonside Engine Company|Stothert, Slaughter and Company]] of [[Bristol]]. One of these, Stothert-built ''Express'', had been preserved at [[Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop]], in [[Bihar]], since 1901.<ref name="Ahrons, Express" >{{cite book|title=The British Steam Railway Locomotive|last=Ahrons|first=E.L. |author-link=E.L. Ahrons|volume=I, to 1925|publisher=[[Ian Allan Publishing|Ian Allan]]|year=1966|ref={{harvid|Ahrons, ''British Steam Railway Locomotive''}}|pages=141–142}}</ref> As the inscription on ''Express''{{'}} pedestal claimed that it was the first locomotive to operate between [[Howrah]] and [[Raniganj]], and it was numbered "21" by the [[East Indian Railway Company]], it has been claimed that ''Express'' is the older of the two. ''Express'' was restored by Loco Works Perambur for running in 2011, making it a contender as the world's oldest operating steam locomotive.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Verma |first=M. Dinesh |date=16 August 2011 |title=At the age of 156, she is no mere showpiece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/at-the-age-of-156-she-is-no-mere-showpiece/article61582148.ece |access-date=22 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Special run for oldest locomotive|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=16 August 2011|location=Chennai|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-16/chennai/29892008_1_steam-engine-chennai-egmore-jamalpur-loco-works|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707062454/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-16/chennai/29892008_1_steam-engine-chennai-egmore-jamalpur-loco-works|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2012}}</ref> Express EIR 21 is currently running in different divisions of Southern Railway on weekends.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Varma |first=M. Dinesh |date=2018-07-25 |title=Time travel to the steam engine era |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/time-travel-to-the-steam-engine-era/article61582153.ece |access-date=2021-07-30 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Specifications==
The ''Fairy Queen'' was built by [[Kitson and Company|Kitson, Thompson and Hewitson]] at [[Leeds]] in [[England]] in 1855.<ref name="rao"/> The coal-fired engine is powered by two outside [[cylinder (engine)|cylinders]] measuring {{convert|12|x|22|in|mm|0}}, and has a power output of {{convert|130|hp}}, producing a maximum speed of {{convert|40|km/h|mph}}. It carries {{convert|3000|L|impgal USgal}} of water in an underslung water tank. The locomotive weighs {{convert|26|t|1}}, and the [[Tender (rail)|coal tender]] {{convert|2|t|2}}.<ref name="indian railways">{{cite web|title=The Fairy Queen |url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,2,320,378,1062 |publisher=Indian Railways |access-date=8 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115175935/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C2%2C320%2C378%2C1062 |archive-date=15 January 2013 }}</ref> Built for the {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} [[broad gauge]], it has a [[2-2-2]] [[wheel arrangement]], developed by [[Robert Stephenson and Company]] in 1833, with a [[driving wheel]] measuring {{convert|1829|mm|in}} in diameter.<ref name="indian railways"/><ref>{{cite web |date=November 2003 |title=Records of Robert Stephenson and Company, Locomotive Manufacturers, Newcastle upon Tyne |url=http://www.nrm.org.uk/~/media/Files/NRM/PDF/archiveslists2012/businesses/Intro%20to%20RS%20co%20archive%20%20drawing%20lists.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330224924/http://www.nrm.org.uk/~/media/Files/NRM/PDF/archiveslists2012/businesses/Intro%20to%20RS%20co%20archive%20%20drawing%20lists.pdf |archive-date=30 March 2015 |access-date=23 February 2013 |publisher=National Railway Museum}}</ref>

==Restoration==
[[File:Fairy Queen Engine.jpg|thumb|''Fairy Queen'' after restoration, [[Delhi Cantonment railway station|Delhi Cantonment station]], 2017]]
[[File:Rewari Railway Heritage Museum.JPG|thumb|[[Rewari Railway Heritage Museum]] (formerly ''Rewari Steam Locomotive Shed'') is the home of the ''Fairy Queen'']]
The Indian government bestowed heritage status on the ''Fairy Queen'' in 1972, rendering it a [[national treasure]]. It was restored and given a special spot in the newly built [[National Rail Museum, New Delhi|National Rail Museum]] at [[Chanakyapuri]], in [[New Delhi]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Amid tussle between NRM & IRCTC, railways' souvenir shop at New Delhi station in trouble |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amid-tussle-between-nrm-irctc-railways-souvenir-shop-at-new-delhi-station-in-trouble-6160625/ |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=11 December 2019 |language=en}}</ref> which offers a comprehensive history of the Indian railway's defunct and operational models, their signalling apparatus, antique furnitures used, historic photographs, relevant literature, etc.<ref name="museum">{{cite news |title=How well do you know India? This Independence Day weekend, here are 10 museums to test your GK |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/how-well-do-you-know-india-this-i-day-weekend-here-are-10-museums-to-test-your-gk/articleshow/93345753.cms |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |date=5 August 2022}}</ref>

Following the success of the ''[[Palace on Wheels]]'', the locomotive was restored to full working order in 1997, in preparation for its first mainline journey in 88 years and its return to commercial service on 18 July.<ref name="replacing pitara" /> The two-day excursion saw the train plying the {{convert|143|km|mi}} from New Delhi to [[Alwar]] in [[Rajasthan]], with passengers spending an overnight stay at the [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]]. The locomotive hauled a carriage capable of carrying 60 passengers at a maximum speed of {{convert|40|km/h|mph}}, with a service car holding a generator, compressor and pantry.<ref name="indian railways"/> The operation was repeated between December and February in the following years.<ref name="travpr">{{cite web |date=21 December 2012 |title=Fairy Queen All Set to Embark on Her Maiden Voyage |url=http://www.travpr.com/pr-20488-fairy-queen-all-set-to-embark.html |access-date=8 January 2013 |publisher=TravPR}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=de Bruyn |first1=Pippa |url= |title=Frommer's India |last2=Bain |first2=Keith |last3=Allardice |first3=David |last4=Joshi |first4=Shonar |publisher=Wiley Publishing |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-470-55610-8 |edition=Fourth |location=Hoboken |pages=60 |access-date= |url-access=}}</ref> It was certified by the ''[[Guinness World Records|Guinness Book of Records]]'' in 1998 as the world's oldest [[steam locomotive]] in regular operation.<ref name="shankar">{{cite web|title=National Rail Museum|url=https://www.angelfire.com/ak5/nrmindia/fairyqn.htm|publisher=S Shankar|access-date=9 January 2013}}</ref> The following year, the train received a National Tourism Award for the most innovative and unique tourism project from [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]], the then [[Prime Minister of India]].<ref name="indian railways"/>

In 2011, it was discovered that rare locomotive parts that were "as good as irreplaceable" had been stolen, and the locomotive was moved to [[Integral Coach Factory|Perambur Loco Workshop]] at [[Chennai]], in [[Tamil Nadu]], for repair.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dastidar |first=Avishek G |date=23 December 2011 |title=Fairy Queen Loot: No FIR, Only a Cover-up Plan |newspaper=The Indian Express |location=New Delhi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/fairy-queen-loot-no-fir-only-a-coverup-plan/ |access-date=22 August 2022}}</ref> On arrival, it was found that an estimated 50 to 60 parts had been looted, including "the boiler, condensor, lubricator and flow tubes". The Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer at the workshops stated "What we received is a dead body, a piece of metal whose every removable part has been removed, leaving only the metal shell. The list of parts to be procured is huge." Officials estimated that it could take at least a year to restore the engine, even if suppliers of replacement parts could be found.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dastidar |first=Avishek G |date=23 January 2012 |title=Fairy Queen Is in Need of a Magic Wand |newspaper=The Indian Express |location=New Delhi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/fairy-queen-is-in-need-of-a-magic-wand/ |access-date=22 August 2022}}</ref> Following a substantial rebuild, in which the workshops had to construct the missing parts themselves, the locomotive returned to service on 22 December 2012.<ref name="travpr"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Steam Express: Fairy Queen|url=http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/heritage-trains/steam-express|publisher=Indian Luxury Trains|access-date=8 January 2013|archive-date=1 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101213009/http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/heritage-trains/steam-express|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Chandra |first=Nikhil |title=Indian Luxury Trains Adds 'Fairy Queen' to its Portfolio |url=http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/news/steam-express-fairy-queen-train-23539.html |publisher=Indian Luxury Trains |date=21 December 2012 |access-date=8 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101213354/http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/news/steam-express-fairy-queen-train-23539.html |archive-date= 1 January 2013 }}{{dubious|date=November 2013}}</ref>

== Recognition ==
In 1998, the train was certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest steam locomotive which was currently in regular operation.<ref name="recognition">{{cite news |title=Goodbye Fairy Queen: All about world's oldest steam locomotive to be replaced by Vande Bharat train at the Rail Bhavan |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/goodbye-fairy-queen-all-about-world-s-oldest-steam-locomotive-to-be-replaced-by-vande-bharat-train-at-the-rail-bhavan/830203 |access-date=18 February 2023 |work=[[Times Now]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="replacing pitara" />

In 1999, it received a National Tourism Award for the most innovative and unique tourism project from the then prime minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.<ref name="recognition" />

== In fiction ==
*The locomotive served as the basis for Rajiv from [[Thomas & Friends|Thomas and Friends]].
*The locomotive appears in the game Roller Coaster Tycoon 3's Wild Expansion Pack.

==See also==
{{colbegin}}
*[[Luxury rail in India]]
{{colend}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=35em}}

==External links==
*[http://www.royalindiantrains.com/fairy-queen.html ''Fairy Queen'' website]
*[http://www.rangan-datta.info/Jewels%20of%20time.htm Rangan Datta: Jewels of Time: Delhi National Rail Museum]
*[http://www.leedsengine.info/leeds/histk.asp A M Johnson and K Ward: A Brief History of Kitson and Company]
*{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/time-travel-to-the-steam-engine-era/article24508707.ece|title=Time travel to the steam engine era|last=Varma|first=M. Dinesh|date=2018-07-25|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-10-27|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}
{{Indian Luxury Trains}}
{{Indian Railways}}

[[Category:Railway locomotives introduced in 1855]]
[[Category:Individual locomotives of India]]
[[Category:Steam locomotives of India]]
[[Category:Preserved steam locomotives of India]]
[[Category:Passenger locomotives]]
[[Category:5 ft 6 in gauge locomotives]]
[[Category:Luxury trains in India]]
[[Category:Tourism in Delhi]]
[[Category:Tourism in Haryana]]
[[Category:Tourism in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:2-2-2WT locomotives]]

Fairy Queen (locomotive) - Revision history

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