Approaching Baofeng

On the last trip to PIngdingshan it was becoming quite hard to find steam on freight duties and we decided to head for the long branch to Baofeng and beyond as this would guarantee at least one shot of the passenger service. As we approached the toll booth outside Baofeng a long train of coal empties headed by JS 8338 appeared parallel to the road and running at speed. Our driver quickly realised that a chase was in order and he pursued the train with great enthusiasm. After a rather hurried attempt at a shot from a bridge where the line crossed under the road we rejoined our minibus and hurtled along until we were able to reach another overbridge with just enough time to pile out, cross the road and try for a shot in the murk and smog. wonderful steam action and the sound of that train really hurrying along was just great. Sadly now just a memory as diesels have taken over entirely on this line.