China Steam Spectacular!

China Steam Spectacular!

Imagine thousands of steam locomotives in everyday use, rolling through lands of stunning beauty. That was steam railroading in China in 2001 when this exciting documentary was filmed. Much of it is hauntingly similar to the American railroads of the 1930s-1950s. All of it is fascinating. Join our tour of six unique sites and see why steam in China may be the greatest railroad show on earth!

We begin on legendary Jing Peng Pass with its 40 miles of tunnels, 2% ruling grade, horse shoe curves, and spiral bridges entirely serviced by double-headed 2-10-2 QJ class locomotives. Next we take you to Daban where the entire fleet of 100 QJ's are serviced. Their resemblance to Union Pacific or NYC locomotives, with smoke box deflectors, Boxpok driving wheels, and large smokebox-mounted headlights, is remarkable. In the coal mining region of Tiefa, a fleet of thirty 2-8-2 SY class locomotives pull fast commuter trains with amazing frequency. Our camera catches the action there near a busy double diamond junction. The Dahiuchang Limestone Quarry near Beijing is an enchanting narrow gauge steam line where we'll view endless strings of tiny ore cars pulled by miniature locomotives. At Anshan, we are granted rare access into one of the world's largest steel mills. It operates its own fleet of forty 2-8-2's and the activity level is incredible. Finally, we'll witness the awesome brute strength of three 2-8-2's straining full throttle up the 3-1/2 percent grade to the Chengde steel mill complex. This line has it all: steep curves, rock cuts, narrow tunnels, and terrific rural scenery. Experience the wonder of it all in China Steam Spectacular!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• China
• steam
• pentrex
• locomotives
• railroad
• Jing
• Peng
• Oass
• QJ
• class

[christianlane117]

wow just even seeing the fact that steam is still used would make it worth traveling around the world

[hippeebus]

The chinese were idiots. Had they listened to Wardale, rather than shunning him and continuing with their modernisation plan (economically diabolical, given the phenominal coal supplies the country has,) they would have had a steam fleet more advanced than the majority of diesels and electrics in the world today.

[grl8862]

It's ironic steam trains were replaced because of the supply of cheap diesel fuel. The way things are going maybe we might return to steam. Just got to get past those over educated think they know it all environmentalists. :P

[SPEDMAN84]

4:06  hehe "Mac and me"

[xXDJIndeedXx]

The chines don't know how good they got it over there.

[mackat4ck]

Sad they got rid of their steamers. :-(

[1dogeez]

wtfg china i like it alot steam on iam from california bay area

[1dogeez]

wtfg china i like it alot steam on

[Trainmaster189]

The some of the diesel locomotives that will replace the steamers will be the DF4, and ND5 classes for freight, and the DF11 for passenger service. High speed rail will also move passengers from the west to the eastern cities like Shanghai and Bejjing.

[thomasVSstewie]

that looks awesome.

[chappybolo]

Work those heavy coal drags up them grueling grades!!!!! I wanna see this in person!!!!!!

[mickyblue247]

This is terrific! Very informative. These locomotives are on stouter tracks then the narrow gauge trains that the mines use. Some of them look quite frightening as they wend their way full of ore.