Steam Locomotives in China Formally End on 2024-01-15
Posted: 10 Jan 2024 01:57
According to https://www.internationalsteam.co.uk/syc/qjc/news.htm:
I wanted to go to see the "last steamer" before they end. However, my parents don't allow me to go to that "cold and dangerous" place... There are still sightseeing steamers in e.g. Jiayang, Sichuan and "museum-living" steamers in Diaobingshan, Liaoning, however they are no longer used for any formal and crucial purposes...
Sandaoling, Xinjiang is (will be "was") the last place in China where steam locomotives are (will be "were") used for "formal" (i.e. not sightseeing, but industry and commuting related) purposes. In 2022, I already heard they would be obsolete soon, but they unexpectedly survived until now, although they will end in 5 days...Sandaoling (4th January 2024)
The latest date for the final 'end of steam' is 15th January 2024, it may, of course, happen a few days before or after. Sufficient HXn5b diesels have been delivered and crews are undergoing final training. No doubt a few dedicated enthusiasts will make their way there before the final curtain falls, it will be a significant moment in world industrial history and without the internet it may have passed almost unnoticed..
I won't be shedding any tears, I moved on more than 10 years ago but I do understand how others must be feeling now. Anyone reading this will, like me, most likely have seen the long term love of his/her life pass into history.
I wanted to go to see the "last steamer" before they end. However, my parents don't allow me to go to that "cold and dangerous" place... There are still sightseeing steamers in e.g. Jiayang, Sichuan and "museum-living" steamers in Diaobingshan, Liaoning, however they are no longer used for any formal and crucial purposes...
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