Early morning backlight coupled with a smoky haze provides moody lighting conditions for some of the world's last steam locos in revenue service.

Activity at the pit head as shift change time brings 3 SY class locomotives together.

New DF8 diesels power a loaded coal train. These modern engines sound impressive, especially when working in pairs.

A group of locals gathered around the China Rail crossing chat and enjoy a smoke as an SY 2-8-2, refelcted in a small pool, heads loads from a nearby mine back towards the Didao Washery

It's several degrees below as one of the Hengshan system's SY 2-8-2's marshalls empties, recently arrived from China Rail, for distribution to local mines.

SY #1369 is in steam, but doesn't look as if its going anywhere - the wheels are chocked and there is some kind of device attached to the cylinder block.

2 SYs, tender first, top and tail a heavy loaded train up the hill, framed in the local gas station. I was much ridiculed at the time for taking this, but I think it sums up the survival struggle ... (more)

Two workers brandishing a red flag with hammer-and-sickle logo. The purpose of this display is not known, but they were happy to be photographed - indicating a thumbs-up sign when I showed them th... (more)

Pedestrians are much in evidence, walking unhindered across the tracks, as SY 0905 positions itself.

2 SY 2-8-2s wait for work as a mine employee picks his way across the tracks.

A group of locals - who had gathered around the China Rail level crossing , watch an SY 2-8-2 take spoil back towards Didao washery. 27/3/07

SY #1544 propels 2 covered hoppers - probably for coal slurry - towards the screens.