China Steam,Daban shed & loco yard

Daban shed and loco yard. Until diesels took over the Ji-tong line in 2005, Daban was the last working main line steam shed in the world. Locomotives were serviced here for the arduous duty over the Jingpeng Pass. Steam cranes were used for coaling duties. November 2003.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• QJ 2-10-2
• steam locomotive
• steam shed
• Ji-Tong Railway
• Daban
• China

[mastersgta1]

I grew up with a lot of JF and RM classes on the Jiaoji ling back in the early 90's. Tho I've seen quite a few QJ class working near some factories as well. You video have definitely captured the essence of these beasts.

Is that coal bucket thing steam driven too? I have honestly never seen one up close!

[blackthorne57]

@mastersgta1 Yes, they are steam cranes. One can still be seen in action in the station area at Diaobingshan (Tiefa) (Dec 2011) but not for much longer.

[blackthorne57]

I cannot offer you an answer. I have been on a Chinese loco footplate several times, including across the Jing Peng Pass. The coal dust is just drawn off the shovel by the draft. As you say, why it doesn't shoot straight through the tubes and up the chimney remains a mystery. Despite the fuel, most Chinese locos steamed very well and rarely had to stop for a "brew up". Incidentally many Chinese loco crew were on a bonus scheme related to how little coal was used.

[ryosvet]

kinda looks like the japanese D-51... except for the fact that this chinese train has 5 wheels instead of 4

[bilgerat671]

Surprising that certain countries still shoveled their coal into the firebox, whilst the US was using automatic stokers. I would think that the inefficiencies of opening the firebox door and admitting cool air, even if for a second and not to mention the possibility of stressing and cracking the boiler if the door was open longer than that for whatever reason, would have urged them to upgrade.

[bilgerat671]

Excellent video. I wonder where all of the pattern makers went when they shut down the shops?

[Bimmelbahner]

The steam crane ios the highlight!

[SteffanLlwyd]

Wonderful document.

I still can't understand how they burnt such small coal - much of it dust - without it a) going straight through the tubes unburnt b) going straight between the firebars into the ashpan where it would burn and bung up the airflow or c) cakeing up on the grate in a mass preventing any air getting through the fire and not burning properly. I just don't get it!

[Shanawolfo1]

No other machine seems more truly alive than a steam locomotive.

No matter how "modern" we become, I think there will always be a place in the hearts of many for these wonderful beasts of burden.

[Turitea]

Superb! 25 years ago on my honeymoon - my wife is from Hong Kong - we went by train from Xian to Beijing. Saw at least 300 locomotives, spent most of the time with my head out the window and got absolutely filthy. What a memorable trip that was. Later found out my wife had been to the locomotive factory at Datong. She had no idea she had married a train nut. I have subscribed to your videos, they are the best by far of what I've found on youtube. Big thank you!