 |
| After
the long haul to Daban, there is copious snow but no trains
other than the passenger. The shed has plenty of QJs in steam,
but ominously, there are plenty of spare diesels also. |
|
 |
| Deflectorless
Daban shunter 7063 receives coal during a break |
|
 |
| 7081
has been the passenger loco since the withdrawal of 6911and she
steams past the new diesel servicing racks after turning on the
triangle |
|
 |
| The scrapping has stopped,
but the deadline grows longer. The two
boilers with the Chinese flag have gone. |
|
 |
| 7081 simmers away while waiting for her 4am passenger assignment
|
|
 |
| High
steam in the twilight |
|
|
|
 |
| The
next day sees no shortage of diesel trains, but again, no
steam |
|
 |
| 7063
shunts at Daban |
|
 |
| 7143
has lost her blue nameplate, but is still alive after exiting
the shed |
|
 |
| As
7143's exhaust dissipates in the cold air inside the shed, 7038 receives
some attention before her big day out on the official trains |
|
 |
| 7038
receiving attention to her rods and bearings
|
|
 |
| The
surreal atmosphere in the Daban shed continues right to the
end
|
|
 |
| The
last plates are welded on |
|
 |
| Storing
firewood for the winter |
|
 |
| Chabuga
silhouette |
|
 |
| One
final visit to Daban |
|
|
|
 |
| One
of the chosen ones, 7038
receiving brass boiler bands for the final big show and
retention for future 'special occasions'
|
|
 |
| All
dressed up and no place to go. 7119 (in the background) would
join 7038 a week later decked out in ribbons and placards for
the official 'farewell' excursion and a trip and a final steam
hauled freight the next day |
|
 |
| The
end is nigh. Ah, the memories... I wish I could have seen more
of JiTong, but am glad to have seen it at all |
|
