Heritage weighing machine restored and unveiled at Mysuru Railway Museum

A rare and historically significant railway artifact - a 2,000 kg capacity mechanical platform weighing scale dating back to the late 1880s - has been restored and unveiled at the Mysuru Railway Museum.

The exhibit was inaugurated by Mudit Mittal, Divisional Railway Manager, Mysuru division, who dedicated the restored heritage asset to visitors. Branch officers were present on the occasion.

Manufactured by the renowned British firm Henry Pooley & Son of Liverpool, the weighing machine was originally acquired by the South Indian Railway. Following the merger of Mysore State Railway, South Indian Railway, and Madras & Southern Mahratta Railway in 1951, it became part of Southern Railway. It’s last operational location was Bangarpet junction, now under South Western Railway.

The mechanical platform scale, designed for weighing passengers’ luggage, parcels, and consignments, represents the engineering excellence of the Victorian era. Built with robust cast-iron construction and precision lever-and-beam mechanisms, it was capable of accurately weighing loads up to 2,000 kilograms, according to the Railway division.

Henry Pooley & Son was one of the most respected manufacturers of railway and industrial weighing equipment during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their products were widely used across railways, ports, factories, and commercial establishments throughout Britain and the British Empire, a press release said.

The restored exhibit highlights the evolution of railway operations and showcases how passenger baggage and parcel traffic were managed before the advent of electronic weighing systems. It also serves as an important link connecting the legacy of the South Indian Railway with present-day South Western Railway, the release added.

Visitors are encouraged to view and photograph the exhibit. However, they are requested not to climb onto the platform or touch the delicate mechanical components in order to preserve this valuable heritage asset for future generations, the officials said.