DVDs of real steam and narrow gauge lines in China, Java, Cuba, France, Germany and elsewhere
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DVDs of real steam and narrow gauge lines in China, Java, Cuba, France, Germany and elsewhere |
Initial posting 3
July 2013
Upated - introduction added - 4 July 2013
This page documents the final steam-worked railways in China. The focus is on real working steam locos not those retained for charters. Your input is most welcome.
There are probably 40-50 steam locos working in China every day that can be described as real working steam. The largest number at any one location is at Sandaoling (19-20 locos) followed by Fuxin (8-9) and Shibanxi (up to 6 in the tourist season). Baiyin may use 3 locos and Pingzhuang 3-4, most other places only have 1-2 loco in steam and in some cases they do very little. Steam is being phased out gradually but most locations can carry out full overhauls including boiler work themselves so steam could theoretically continue indefinitely. However, other factors such as the availability of cheap second-hand diesels or a decline in the use of coal or a worked-out resource can also cause the reduction and end of steam. There are now only 3 classes of steam loco working – 2 standard gauge (SY 2-8-2 and JS 2-8-2) and 1 narrow gauge (C2 0-8-0). Until quite recently, another 2 classes (the mighty QJ 2-10-2 and the narrow gauge C4 0-8-0) could also be found. Both classes are now thought to be completely out of use. With steam now sparse and widely spread throughout China, it is only the major centres which offer guaranteed steam in quantity and with interesting work to do that attract the group tours. With the end of China Rail and provincial railway steam (the famous Jitong line was the last), there are fewer tour operators bringing smaller numbers of enthusiasts to visit only the major centres and few individuals seem to be searching out steam at the other locations. Once steam disappears from Sandaoling, Rongshan, Baiyin, Fuxin, Pingzhuang and Yuanbaoshan (or a significant number of these), tours to see real working steam will end. The remnants will not be interesting or certain enough to base a tour around. The number of Chinese enthusiasts is growing and they will share their finds with the world so we may discover new steam locations. The narrow gauge line at Shibanxi (and probably the one at Rongshan) will become increasingly touristy but this should ensure the survival of working steam locos in some places in China. Charters are also possible at some locations and, for those who like such recreated events and can afford to pay for it, it should be possible to see a narrow gauge demonstration steam-hauled logging or coal train or a standard gauge chartered steam-hauled passenger or coal train for some time to come. You can see what we found on my last group trip here. John Raby |
There are 3 versions of this list. Click on the links to navigate to these lists on this page.
| By Province | By Status |
Further unlikely but possible surviving steam locations
can be found on SY-Country’s Steam Lines http://www.sy-country.co.uk/line/lines.htm
(for example Ma’anshan had 4 SY in use in 2005 but no report since then).
The book ‘Industrial Locomotives of the People’s Republic of China’
2nd edition (Rob Pritchard, IRS) also has locations that have not be definitely
confirmed to have finished using steam. Confirmation of the end of or the continuing
use of steam at any of the locations below or in those lists would be welcome.
Surprising discoveries have been reported on SY-Country as recently as 18 January
2013 (Tianjin Heavy Machinery Works) so there are most likely more locations
to be discovered/rediscovered. This location was noted also in 2010 and 2005
so it can’t really be described as a new find which is why SY-Country
and the Pritchard book may be good places to start the search for additional
surviving real working steam.
This is the first version of this list – listed alphabetically, dividing steam locations into narrow gauge and standard gauge, and showing the province and a brief comment on its status.
Narrow Gauge
Huanan, Heilongjiang – line has no regular traffic but
C2 available for charter on the remaining line from Huanan to Lixin (beyond
Lixin to coal mines track lifted)
Rongshan, Sichuan – this area and the line is now open
to westerners. Two C2 available for the twice daily passenger/mixed train. The
coal haulage has resumed and is taken out by the mixed train. The SY which once
worked the branch to China Rail is no longer used. How coal is taken out from
the end of the narrow gauge is not yet clear (to me). Management charge a fee
for visiting groups but how rigidly this is enforced and how easy it is for
individuals to visit is not yet known
Shibanxi, Sichuan – now have the second ex-Pengzhou loco
in action and should have 6 steam locos available along with normally one electric
on the coal trains on the lower section. Four return trains per day of which
the second is a tourist train. Gaily painted locos and bright new blue carriages
do not appeal to those who know the line of old but we will probably get used
to them. More tourist trains operate at the weekends and for national holidays
and the flower season.
Suiling, Heilongjiang – diesel logging line still active
(but for how much longer?) with no passenger service and with C2 (in very poor
condition) available for charter
Xinglongzhen, Heilongjiang – diesel logging line still
active (but for how much longer?) with railbus passenger service over part of
the line with C2 available for charter
Standard Gauge
Baiyin, Gansu – 2-3 locos in use along with diesels,
steam activity appears to increase for the winter passenger-train steam-heat
season and possibly also when visiting groups are present
Bajiaotai, Liaoning - still operating (3 JS, all recently undergone
heavy overhaul by Sujiatun), but the power station there is due to close imminently
Beitai steelworks, Liaoning - closed to foreigners but still
had steam (SY) SiC Jan 2013
Chanzhi, Shanxi - SY Country/Pocohontas April 2012 (1x JS)
Diaobingshan/Tiefa, Liaoning – one steam passenger turn
– this has now switched to the more scenic line to Faku and beyond –
steam is retained for movie work and this means a regular steam passenger service
operates to keep the locos in service and for enthusiasts (permission to visit
and photograph the trains is for a fee payable at Diaobingshan Station office).
Dontonghua steelworks, Jilin (5xSY) SY country Bernd Seiler
Dec 2011
Fula’erji, Heilongjiang – JS finished here but
SY may continue?
Fushun Coal Mines, Liaoning – around 2 SY retained for
shunting and trip work
Fushun Petro-Chemical Works, Liaoning (2x SY) Bruce Seymour
reported seeing these locos newly overhauled at Sujiatun August 2012
Fuxin Coal Railway, Liaoning – still around 7 SY in use
along with 3 diesels – the management now charge separately for all access
to stabling point, workshop and depot – access to spoil trip is still
free and the power station fly ash tipping remains a highlight. One decorated
loco remains in use (but normally stabled) on the open cast pit railway.
Guanlin Steelworks, Henan Luoyang, Pocohontas recorded it as
closed by Jan 2012 and Michael Reilly reported it had gone in April 2013
Guanglin Chemical Fertilizer Plant, Guangxi SY 0371, SY0980
- SY Country/News Mar 2012
Hanwang, Sichuan – still using 1 SY from the pool of
2 locos available - http://www.sy-country.co.uk/trains/china651.htm
Hongmiao Coalmine, Nei Mongol – nearby Yuanbaoshan with
its own branch to China Rail but not normally visited by groups going there
– 2 SY available but management said to be unfriendly and not much work
for the locos?
Jailanouer, Nei Mongol – 1 SY in steam SY Country/Isao
Kanda Mar 2012.
Jixi, Heilongjiang – now finished
Luzhai Fertiliser factory, Guangxi (2x SY) SY Country July
2012
Maogang, Chongqing/Sichuan SY Country/Adrian Freeman Jan 2011
– 1 SY in steam, another in reserve.
Mianzhu, Sichuan – reported to no longer have any SY
left in use – this updates the report http://www.sy-country.co.uk/trains/china651.htm
Panzhihua, Sichuan – last visited 2009? Steam may continue
here but official permission to visit is not available
Pingzhuang, Nei Mongol – still 100% steam 3, often 4,
SYs in steam daily, now working uphill smokebox first, with a road that parallels
most of the lower section of the line (between Pingzhuang Nan and the washery)
making access relatively easy, even for individual travellers, and easy to get
to from Beijing, Visits to the stabling point now need to be a bit surreptitious
(perhaps only if you are with a group rather than an individual) and deep pit
and workshop remain off limits
Sandaoling, Xinjiang – still uses around 20 JS but the
SYs are now finished and plans for the phasing out of steam are in place with
the west side (spoil side) losing steam first with the east side (coal side)
retaining steam longer. Steam will also be used initially on the western extension
to the new deep mine starting 2013.
Sishui, Shandong last QJ in China stopped working March 27th
2013 and is reported scrapped
Sujiatun Loco Works, Liaoning – no longer overhauling
- the last one they did was one of the Bajiaotai JS - although they still may
send staff out to do on site overhauls
Tianjin Heavy Machinery, Tianjin City 1 SY, http://www.sy-country.co.uk/trains/china649.htm
Yakeshi, Nei Mongol, regular steam finished winter 2012-3 but
one SY is still available for charter
Yamansu, Xinjiang – fully dieselised as far as we know
– 4 steam locos may still be stored there and there is a remote chance
that one might shunt if required if the diesel is not available – when
last seen in October 2012 the mainline connection at Shankou had been cut but
has probably been reinstated
Yaojie, Gansu – last reported 2009 – SY may still
operate here but this line was close to full dieselisation then - - evidence
of SY movement from Google Earth images dated Aug/Sept 2012
Yemao Nylon Plant, Guangxi (2x SY) Pocohontas SY Country Dec
2011, SY 1702 was still in steam Mar 2012 - SY Country/News
Yima, Henan (1x JS) Pocohontas April 2012
Yiyang Chemical Fertiliser Plant, Henan (32 km SW of Guanlin)
SY0509 and SY1316 SY Country/Isao Kanda Mar 2011
Yuanbaoshan, Nei Mongol – one JS for the twice daily
passenger/mixed train – being predictable, this is still worthwhile but
line is flat, scenery is uninspiring with plenty of poles and wires and it needs
a good covering of snow or good steam effects in the extreme cold to make it
photogenic
Yuxia, Shaanxi – 1 SY (Pocohontas photo on Panaramio
from May 14th 2012)
| By Province | By Status |
This version of the list removes the narrow and standard gauge split and lists the locations by province
Maogang, Chongqing/Sichuan SY Country/Adrian Freeman Jan 2011 – 1 SY in steam, another in reserve.
Baiyin, Gansu – 2-3 locos
in use along with diesels, steam activity appears to increase for the winter
passenger-train steam-heat season and possibly also when visiting groups are
present
Yaojie, Gansu – last reported 2009 – SY may still
operate here but this line was close to full dieselisation then - - evidence
of SY movement from Google Earth images dated Aug/Sept 2012
Guanglin Chemical Fertilizer Plant, Guangxi
SY 0371, SY0980 - SY Country/News Mar 2012
Luzhai Fertiliser factory, Guangxi (2x SY) SY Country July
2012
Yemao Nylon Plant, Guangxi (2x SY) Pocohontas SY Country Dec
2011, SY 1702 was still in steam Mar 2012 - SY Country/News
Fula’erji, Heilongjiang –
JS finished here but SY may continue?
Huanan, Heilongjiang – line has no regular traffic but
C2 available for charter on the remaining line from Huanan to Lixin (beyond
Lixin to coal mines track lifted)
Jixi, Heilongjiang – now finished
Suiling, Heilongjiang -– diesel logging line still active
(but for how much longer?) with no passenger service and with C2 (in very poor
condition) available for charter
Xinglongzhen, Heilongjiang – diesel logging line still
active (but for how much longer?) with railbus passenger service over part of
the line with C2 available for charter
Guanlin Steelworks, Henan Luoyang,
Pocohontas recorded it as closed by Jan 2012 and Michael Reilly reported it
had gone in April 2013
Yima, Henan (1x JS) Pocohontas April 2012
Yiyang Chemical Fertiliser Plant, Henan (32 km SW of Guanlin)
SY0509 and SY1316 SY Country/Isao Kanda Mar 2011
Dontonghua steelworks, Jilin (5xSY) SY country Bernd Seiler Dec 2011
Bajiaotai, Liaoning - still operating
(3 JS, all recently undergone heavy overhaul by Sujiatun), but the power station
there is due to close imminently
Beitai steelworks, Liaoning - closed to foreigners but still
had steam (SY) SiC Jan 2013
Diaobingshan/Tiefa, Liaoning – one steam passenger turn
– this has now switched to the more scenic line to Faku and beyond –
steam is retained for movie work and this means a regular steam passenger service
operates to keep the locos in service and for enthusiasts (permission to visit
and photograph the trains is for a fee payable at Diaobingshan Station office).
Fushun Coal Mines, Liaoning – around 2 SY retained for
shunting and trip work
Fushun Petro-Chemical Works, Liaoning (2x SY) Bruce Seymour
reported seeing these locos newly overhauled at Sujiatun August 2012
Fuxin Coal Railway, Liaoning – still around 7 SY in use
along with 3 diesels – the management now charge separately for all access
to stabling point, workshop and depot – access to spoil trip is still
free and the power station fly ash tipping remains a highlight. One decorated
loco remains in use (but normally stabled) on the open cast pit railway.
Sujiatun Loco Works, Liaoning – no longer overhauling
- the last one they did was one of the Bajiaotai JS - although they still may
send staff out to do on site overhauls
Hongmiao Coalmine, Nei Mongol –
nearby Yuanbaoshan with its own branch to China Rail but not normally visited
by groups going there – 2 SY available but management said to be unfriendly
and not much work for the locos?
Jailanouer, Nei Mongol – 1 SY in steam SY Country/Isao
Kanda Mar 2012.
Pingzhuang, Nei Mongol – still 100% steam 3, often 4,
SYs in steam daily, now working uphill smokebox first, with a road that parallels
most of the lower section of the line (between Pingzhuang Nan and the washery)
making access relatively easy, even for individual travellers, and easy to get
to from Beijing, Visits to the stabling point now need to be a bit surreptitious
(perhaps only if you are with a group rather than an individual) and deep pit
and workshop remain off limits
Yakeshi, Nei Mongol, regular steam finished winter 2012-3 but
one SY is still available for charter
Yuanbaoshan, Nei Mongol – one JS for the twice daily
passenger/mixed train – being predictable, this is still worthwhile but
line is flat, scenery is uninspiring with plenty of poles and wires and it needs
a good covering of snow or good steam effects in the extreme cold to make it
photogenic
Yuxia, Shaanxi – 1 SY (Pocohontas photo on Panaramio from May 14th 2012)
Sishui, Shandong last QJ in China stopped working March 27th 2013 and is reported scrapped
Chanzhi, Shanxi - SY Country/Pocohontas April 2012 (1x JS)
Hanwang, Sichuan – still
using 1 SY from the pool of 2 locos available - http://www.sy-country.co.uk/trains/china651.htm
Mianzhu, Sichuan – reported to no longer have any SY
left in use – this updates the report http://www.sy-country.co.uk/trains/china651.htm
Panzhihua, Sichuan – last visited 2009? Steam may continue
here but official permission to visit is not available
Rongshan, Sichuan – this area and the line is now open
to westerners. Two C2 available for the twice daily passenger/mixed train. The
coal haulage has resumed and is taken out by the mixed train. The SY which once
worked the branch to China Rail is no longer used. How coal is taken out from
the end of the narrow gauge is not yet clear (to me). Management charge a fee
for visiting groups but how rigidly this is enforced and how easy it is for
individuals to visit is not yet known
Shibanxi, Sichuan – now have the second ex-Pengzhou loco
in action and should have 6 steam locos available along with normally one electric
on the coal trains on the lower section. Four return trains per day of which
the second is a tourist train. Gaily painted locos and bright new blue carriages
do not appeal to those who know the line of old but we will probably get used
to them. More tourist trains operate at the weekends and for national holidays
and the flower season.
Tianjin Heavy Machinery, Tianjin City 1 SY, http://www.sy-country.co.uk/trains/china649.htm
Sandaoling, Xinjiang – still
uses around 20 JS but the SYs are now finished and plans for the phasing out
of steam are in place with the west side (spoil side) losing steam first with
the east side (coal side) retaining steam longer. Steam will also be used initially
on the western extension to the new deep mine starting 2013.
Yamansu, Xinjiang – fully dieselised as far as we know
– 4 steam locos may still be stored there and there is a remote chance
that one might shunt if required if the diesel is not available – when
last seen in October 2012 the mainline connection at Shankou had been cut but
has probably been reinstated
| By Province | By Status |
This version of the list divides the location into those known to retain real working steam, those that may still retain steam but where the information is hazy or more than one year old and those that have dieselised or closed. The third status also includes those lines known to retain one or more steam loco that is available to charter. These locos are not thought to be used unless they are chartered but, of course, there may be exceptions to this. Your input to ensure that lines are recorded by their true status is encouraged.
Real working steam locations
Baiyin, Gansu – 2-3 locos in use along with diesels,
steam activity appears to increase for the winter passenger-train steam-heat
season and possibly also when visiting groups are present
Bajiaotai, Liaoning - still operating (3 JS, all recently undergone
heavy overhaul by Sujiatun), but the power station there is due to close imminently
Beitai steelworks, Liaoning - closed to foreigners but still
had steam (SY) SiC Jan 2013
Diaobingshan/Tiefa, Liaoning – one steam passenger turn
– this has now switched to the more scenic line to Faku and beyond –
steam is retained for movie work and this means a regular steam passenger service
operates to keep the locos in service and for enthusiasts (permission to visit
and photograph the trains is for a fee payable at Diaobingshan Station office).
Fushun Coal Mines, Liaoning – around 2 SY retained for
shunting and trip work
Fushun Petro-Chemical Works, Liaoning (2x SY) Bruce Seymour
reported seeing these locos newly overhauled at Sujiatun August 2012
Fuxin Coal Railway, Liaoning – still around 7 SY in use
along with 3 diesels – the management now charge separately for all access
to stabling point, workshop and depot – access to spoil trip is still
free and the power station fly ash tipping remains a highlight. One decorated
loco remains in use (but normally stabled) on the open cast pit railway.
Hanwang, Sichuan – still using 1 SY from the pool of
2 locos available - http://www.sy-country.co.uk/trains/china651.htm
Pingzhuang, Nei Mongol – still 100% steam 3, often 4,
SYs in steam daily, now working uphill smokebox first, with a road that parallels
most of the lower section of the line (between Pingzhuang Nan and the washery)
making access relatively easy, even for individual travellers, and easy to get
to from Beijing, Visits to the stabling point now need to be a bit surreptitious
(perhaps only if you are with a group rather than an individual) and deep pit
and workshop remain off limits
Rongshan, Sichuan – this area and the line is now open
to westerners. Two C2 available for the twice daily passenger/mixed train. The
coal haulage has resumed and is taken out by the mixed train. The SY which once
worked the branch to China Rail is no longer used. How coal is taken out from
the end of the narrow gauge is not yet clear (to me). Management charge a fee
for visiting groups but how rigidly this is enforced and how easy it is for
individuals to visit is not yet known
Sandaoling, Xinjiang – still uses around 20 JS but the
SYs are now finished and plans for the phasing out of steam are in place with
the west side (spoil side) losing steam first with the east side (coal side)
retaining steam longer. Steam will also be used initially on the western extension
to the new deep mine starting 2013.
Shibanxi, Sichuan – now have the second ex-Pengzhou loco
in action and should have 6 steam locos available along with normally one electric
on the coal trains on the lower section. Four return trains per day of which
the second is a tourist train. Gaily painted locos and bright new blue carriages
do not appeal to those who know the line of old but we will probably get used
to them. More tourist trains operate at the weekends and for national holidays
and the flower season.
Tianjin Heavy Machinery, Tianjin City 1 SY, http://www.sy-country.co.uk/trains/china649.htm
Yuanbaoshan, Nei Mongol – one JS for the twice daily
passenger/mixed train – being predictable, this is still worthwhile but
line is flat, scenery is uninspiring with plenty of poles and wires and it needs
a good covering of snow or good steam effects in the extreme cold to make it
photogenic
May still have real working steam (information
hazy or last reported more than 1 year ago)
Chanzhi, Shanxi - SY Country/Pocohontas April 2012 (1x JS)
Dontonghua steelworks, Jilin (5xSY) SY country Bernd Seiler
Dec 2011
Fula’erji, Heilongjiang – JS finished here but
SY may continue?
Guanglin Chemical Fertilizer Plant, Guangxi SY 0371, SY0980
- SY Country/News Mar 2012
Hongmiao Coalmine, Nei Mongol – nearby Yuanbaoshan with
its own branch to China Rail but not normally visited by groups going there
– 2 SY available but management said to be unfriendly and not much work
for the locos?
Jailanouer, Nei Mongol – 1 SY in steam SY Country/Isao
Kanda Mar 2012.
Luzhai Fertiliser factory, Guangxi (2x SY) SY Country July
2012
Maogang, Chongqing/Sichuan SY Country/Adrian Freeman Jan 2011
– 1 SY in steam, another in reserve.
Panzhihua, Sichuan – last visited 2009? Steam may continue
here but official permission to visit is not available
Yaojie, Gansu – last reported 2009 – SY may still
operate here but this line was close to full dieselisation then - evidence of
SY movement from Google Earth images dated Aug/Sept 2012
Yemao Nylon Plant, Guangxi (2x SY) Pocohontas SY Country Dec
2011, SY 1702 was still in steam Mar 2012 - SY Country/News
Yima, Henan (1x JS) Pocohontas April 2012
Yiyang Chemical Fertiliser Plant, Henan (32 km SW of Guanlin)
SY0509 and SY1316 SY Country/Isao Kanda Mar 2011
Yuxia, Shaanxi – 1 SY (Pocohontas photo on Panaramio
from May 14th 2012)
Dieselised or closed (including where steam
is retained for charter use)
Huanan, Heilongjiang – line has no regular traffic but
C2 available for charter on the remaining line from Huanan to Lixin (beyond
Lixin to coal mines track lifted)
Guanlin Steelworks, Henan Luoyang, Pocohontas recorded it as
closed by Jan 2012 and Michael Reilly reported it had gone in April 2013
Jixi, Heilongjiang – now finished
Mianzhu, Sichuan – reported to no longer have any SY
left in use – this updates the report http://www.sy-country.co.uk/trains/china651.htm
Sishui, Shandong last QJ in China stopped working March 27th
2013 and is reported scrapped
Suiling, Heilongjiang - diesel logging line still active (but
for how much longer?) with no passenger service and with C2 (in very poor condition)
available for charter
Sujiatun Loco Works, Liaoning – no longer overhauling
- the last one they did was one of the Bajiaotai JS - although they still may
send staff out to do on site overhauls
Yakeshi, Nei Mongol, regular steam finished winter 2012-3 but
one SY is still available for charter
Yamansu, Xinjiang – fully dieselised as far as we know
– 4 steam locos may still be stored there and there is a remote chance
that one might shunt if required if the diesel is not available – when
last seen in October 2012 the mainline connection at Shankou had been cut but
has probably been reinstated
Xinglongzhen, Heilongjiang – diesel logging line still
active (but for how much longer?) with railbus passenger service over part of
the line with C2 available for charter
| By Province | By Status |
This list compiled by John Raby. I am grateful to John Athersuch and Michael Reilly for their input but any errors or omissions are mine.
The following tour operators still offer trips to China to see real working steam (and in some cases charter steam). If you are not fluent in Chinese or an experienced traveller in China, it makes sense to hire an experienced guide to visit what are mainly private industrial locations where permission is required (and a fee may be payable). Travelling with a group can make the experience more enjoyable and in most cases will lead to a trip which is more affordable or more successful or both of these. Group tours also offer support with visas and flights and select itineraries based on multiple previous visits and years of experience.
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DVDs of real steam and narrow gauge lines in China, Java, Cuba, France, Germany and elsewhere |
The only other country with a significant amount of real working steam is Indonesia. You can see a summary of real working steam in Indonesia here.