In the gloom of Daban's repair hall, this image needed an ultra wideangle lens (21mm equivalent) and an exposure of F2.8 at 1/8th second. More than that, it needed a mate's steady shoulder (thanks... (more)
Golden dusk at Daban. This was my breathtaking first view of a 'real' steam depot in the 21st century. It could scarcely have been more perfect (or surreal)!
The pool in the foreground is starting to freeze as QJ 6992 sits in the fading sun awaiting duties. This is the running shed side of Daban MPD yard and the depot's newly-delivered breakdown crane ... (more)
Shattered dreams! If ever there was such a place as the mythical 'elephant's graveyard', then surely this is the equivalent for the noble 'iron horse'. Slowly sinking into the mire is this woebego... (more)
Only six years ago and now consigned to history, this quartet of QJ's are waiting for their next tour of duty in Daban MPD yard. The late afternoon sun is slipping away, lending a warm glow to the... (more)
Blue pool at Daban. The temperature on this perfect March evening hovered just above freezing, providing some great opportunities for reflection.
The gigantic cutting to the east of Lindong is the backdrop to westbound QJ 6828. She is hauling a wonderfully colourful mixed train and the driver has just eased off the regulator as 6828 will ta... (more)
QJ 6580's fireman pays last minute attention to his charge before her eastbound departure from Lindong. The broad grin is characteristic of many Chinese people, particularly if you offer it first!
Monday morning, 0600 hours, it's a new dawn. Another mixed freight rolls lazily into awakening Lindong.
Monday morning, 0730 hours, daily produce from local growers awaits onward shipping. It will be loaded in minutes by hand when the workers arrive. Until then, the local rodents will feast on the s... (more)
After 40 minutes of hard climbing, the train seen near Jingpeng in this shot emerges from Tunnel 4. The climbing on the part... (more)
A pair of QJs hoist a perfect exhaust plume into the cool morning air as they accelerate away from Jingpeng, building speed for the gradients and curves that lie ahead.
After a meet with an eastbound a westbound glides downgrade near tunnel one.
After taking on water a crewman boards for departure.
