World of Steam: China (cont)

China has emerged as the last significant location where large numbers of steam locomotives can be seen performing the work for which they were built.  In recent years the fleet has shrunk rapidly, but even in 2003 there were still more than enough pockets of steam to render a visit well worthwhile.

 
At Dahuichang a C2 762mm-gauge 0-8-0  loco works
 empty wagons from the crushing plant to the mine

This programme celebrates the last days of steam in China with top-grade, previously unpublished video material obtained during sessions in 2000, 2001 and 2003.  Dahuichang, Tiefa, Weihe, Dongsheng, Yuanbaoshan, Jinchengjiang, the JiTong line and the brand new Beijing Railway Museum are visited, providing a superb account of all the standard classes in diverse scenery.

A JS 2-8-2 works the afternoon mixed train northwards from Jinchengjiang

For those who have been lucky enough to witness the spectacle for themselves this programme will serve as a superb reminder of their visit, while for those pondering a trip, it will soon sweep away any lingering doubts and leave them reaching for their passport!

China The Endgame (on VHS tape) runs for an hour and costs £18.

Please note that an enhanced version of this programme is now available on DVD at no extra cost.  Click here for details.

"....... a treasure for the steam-free years ahead."
 

Continental Railway Journal
 Winter 2003/04
 

 
An immaculate JS 2-8-2 works the afternoon mixed train at Yuanbaoshan

Two QJs cross the viaduct at Reshui
on the JiTong line. 

Twilight in the forest.  A C2 762mm-gauge
0-8-0 heads a loaded train of logs back to Weihe.