Sri Lanka odd shape Lokomotive

This post is meant for Viridian´s Sunday Stamps (though it is not Sunday yet) with topic odd shaped stamps. So here we go with my favorite theme, railway stamps:

Viceroy Special Sream Train B1 251

Sri Lanka has issued five stamps this year, including the longest ever stamp of this country, to mark 25 years of service of the Viceroy luxury coal powered steam train. The 123mm long and 30mm wide stamp was issued at the Rambukkana Railway station under the patronage of Post and Telecommunication Minister Jeewan Kumaratunga and Transport Minister Kumara Welgama.

The illustrated stamps are as follows: Viceroy Special Steam Locomotive B8 240, Viceroy Special Locomotive B2 213, Sentinel Camel Steam Rail Car V2 331 and Narrow Gauge Steam Locomotive J1 220.

The MS I have received from a friend, Dr. Pulak Barua (many thanks), represents the Viceroy Luxury steam Train, popular charter operation on tracks in Sri Lanka. 

The ‘Viceroy Special’ is a 75 year old locomotive train and the only steam train still in operation in Sri Lanka. The train has two air-conditioned observation saloons furnished in period style, with 64 plush reclining seats and individual adjustable tables and a restaurant car.

The Sri Lankan Railway came into operation during the British Era in the 19th century with the main purpose of transporting commodities, especially tea from the up country plantations. It then expanded to many points in Sri Lanka and passenger transportation. The railway continues to be main transportation way until today.

‘Of the journeys to many parts of the island, passengers experience panoramic picturesque views in their 290 kilometer journey to Badulla. This steam engine ‘Viceroy Special’ was introduced as a unique tourism product 25 years ago to offer the visitors and specially tourists a true experience of a journey of colonial times with a modern and relaxing comfort. ‘Viceroy Special’ is one of the few remain steam locomotives in the world’ said Hemasiri Fernando, the Chariman of JF Tours.
The 'Viceroy Special' has come a long way making a tremendous contribution to Sri Lanka tourism with popular trips to Pinnawala, Kandy, Hill country as well as the west coast to the beach resorts. The steam – hauled train is passenger friendly to stop on request for guests to photograph scenic spots. Some even opt to take a ride in the engine driver’s cabin. 

Would be nice to take a ride.
You can watch above a video about the 25th Aniversary, though it is not in English :)
For Viridian´s theme I couldn´t resist and I had to add two nice covers, one with round-shaped stamps from Russia and one with hexagonal shaped stamps from Switzerland:

Title: Sri Lanka Viceroy Special Lokomotive


Date of Issue: February 2011
Country: Sri Lanka

Source: http://www.slpost.gov.lk
Denominations: 4x5 and 45

Romania - Russia Joint Issue: Churches

After the proclamation of the Independence of Romania on May 9, 1877 and following its official recognition as one of the important powers of the time – events that propelled the Romanian nation among the modern European nations – on October 15, 1878 were established diplomatic relations with Russia. Occasioned by the celebration of 130 years since the enforcement of the diplomatic relations between Romania and the Russian Federation, Romfilatelia released a joint stamp issue in 2008, illustrating monuments included in the UNESCO’s world heritage list.

This sheet I have bought myself some time ago, and recently I have received it´s pair, thanks to Irina.

The stamp with the face value of RON 3.00 presents the image of the Sf. Gheorghe church of the Voronet Monastery.
Built in only 4 and a half months, starting from the spring to the autumn of 1488, the Sf. Gheorghe church of the Voronet Monastery is one of the most valuable establishments built by Stefan cel Mare.The architecture of the monument is a twinship of aboriginal, Gothic, and Byzantine elements. In 1547, the exterior of the church was painted under the close supervision of the Metropolitan Bishop Grigorie Rosca. Grace to the great fresco adornishing the Western façade (Final Judgment), the Voronet Monastery is considered to be the „Sixtin Chapel of the Orient“ whereas the „Voronet Blue“ knows no counterpart anywhere in the world.

See more pictures about it here.

The stamp with the face value of RON 4.30 shows the Sf. Demetrius Cathedral in Vladimir.
Rightfully considered as one of the splendors of the city of Vladimir, the Sf. Dimitrie church was built by Prince Vsevolod III.
The exotic ornaments, the bas reliefs representing lions, centaurs, and white leopards cover the white walls of the church. The sculpted interior decorations cover biblical themes and equally Greek mythology. The central part of the church façade envisages the repeated image of King David associated, during the Middle Ages, with the celebration of beauty and harmony of the world.
More information and pictures here.

Title: Romania-Russia Joint issue: UNESCO Churches
Date of Issue: 23 June 2008

Country: Romania and Russia
Source: http://www.romfilatelia.ro
Denominations: 3, 4L30 and 6x12p sheets

Traditional Festive Food Malaysia

Sunday Stamps #31 - click the link on the right sidebar to see more entries on Viridian´s blog (you can always find out something interesting here)


Malaysia Post released a stamp issue on August 10, 2010. The stamp issue on topic of traditional festive food consists of a block of 10 stamps (80s each stamp) from stamp sheet, a block of 10 stamps (60s each stamp) from stamp booklet and a miniature sheet (RM3). The design of stamps is in a format of mirror image - only for the drawing of food but the wordings are not mirror image.

Thanks to Tze Liang, I now have this wonderful booklet that I thought nice to share with you.

Malaysia is a country, comprising of various ethnic communities.These communities have their own traditional food prepared during festive season. For stamp collectors and gastronomes alike, the stamp collection and FDC feature culinary treasures served during festivities such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and festivals celebrated by the Sabah and Sarawak ethnic groups.One interesting thing that I found out on Ian´s blog is the secret code of these "mirror" stamps. It happens that the stamps depicting Malay, Sarawakian and Sabah food can be merged together to form a complete plate! Check this out here.

Title: Traditional Festive Food
Date of Issue: 10 August 2010
Country: Malaysia
Source:http://www.pos.com.my

Denominations: 10x60sen (booklet), 10x80sen, 3xRM1 (sheet)