Mys Rail Museum unveils restored 19th century weighing scale

Mysuru: A rare piece of railway heritage dating back to the late 19th century has been restored and unveiled at the Mysuru Rail Museum. The restored exhibit, a 2,000-kg-capacity mechanical platform weighing scale, was inaugurated by Mysuru divisional railway manager Mudit Mittal. It offers visitors a glimpse into the engineering excellence and operational practices of a bygone era.

The heritage asset has now been dedicated to the public as part of the museum’s efforts to preserve and showcase the rich legacy of Indian Railways, a release said on Saturday.

Manufactured in the late 1880s by the renowned British engineering firm Henry Pooley & Son of Liverpool, the weighing machine was originally procured by the South Indian Railway. Following the reorganisation and merger of railway networks in 1951, including the erstwhile Mysore State Railway, South Indian Railway and Madras & Southern Mahratta Railway, the equipment became part of Southern Railway, it said. Its last known operational location was Bangarpet Junction, which now falls under the South Western Railway zone.

Designed for weighing passengers’ luggage, parcels and freight consignments, the scale is a remarkable example of Victorian-era engineering. Built with durable cast-iron components and a precision lever-and-beam mechanism, it was capable of accurately measuring loads of up to two tonnes, the release stated.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Henry Pooley & Son earned a global reputation for manufacturing reliable weighing equipment used extensively across railways, ports, factories and commercial establishments, the release said.

Railway officials said the restored exhibit highlights the evolution of railway operations and illustrates how baggage and parcel traffic were managed before the introduction of modern electronic weighing systems. The scale also serves as an important link connecting the historical legacy of the South Indian Railway with the present-day South Western Railway.

Visitors to the museum are invited to view and photograph the exhibit. However, authorities have urged the public not to climb onto the platform or handle its delicate mechanical components, ensuring that this valuable heritage asset is preserved for future generations.