everyone who works for this railway should be proud to be operating some of the last steam locos in revenue service anytwhere in the world!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Apart from a single Garratt in Zimbabwe at Hwange colliery, these ARE the last non-tourist revenue earning locos in the world now. It's the very end of steam as an industrial power after 200 years of history - a moment and location to be remembered. Andy

@neilhobson3624

5 жыл бұрын

MrBnsftrain . Too true mate. It looks like it has the whole world to itself. Strange horn for a steamer though 👍👍.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@neilhobson3624 All Chinese steam locos were fitted with an air horn as well as a really nice chime whistle. They do use the whistle here but not often. Take a look at this video to hear both being used - kzread.info/dash/bejne/qoR-2pRteKe1h5M.html Andy

This landscape is a photographers dream, just incredible, those loco's are works of art.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

3 жыл бұрын

I have to agree with that! .... Andy

There is nothing like a working ( as apposition to preserved) loco working hard.. At -20C and getting them to work on time is dedication, experience, knowing your loco and down right guts. Well done to them all for keeping them working. Nice work with the camera, with you being at -20C too ......... so you need thanks for the effort too....Amacf

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that. I think they were working harder than me !! Andy

These two JS Mikes were built at Datong in the latter half of 1987. I know that because I toured Datong around the first of July 1987 and 8101 was the newest JS off the line and the one our group got a cab ride in. Datong built a little over 300 more JSs before they quit in late Summer of 1988, last JS was 8419, which is in the States, Iowa to be exact, at the Boone Valley and Scenic Ry. Under the Chinese system, the construction number of a steam locomotive is usually also it's road number. As far as I've been able to find out, 8101 did not survive to today. Thanks for posting.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment, Paul. Everything you said absolutely spot on !! Andy

I've seen your videos before of steam in China a few years ago. I'm so glad some locomotives still operate. I thought it was all over in China. These guys have my utmost respect and admiration. They work hard. Thank you for getting out there in the cold and documenting this operation.

I love the sound of the air pump sounds like the engine is breathing

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

4 жыл бұрын

These Westinghouse (type) pumps are common in most countries and it's a part of the steam scene around the world. It's not a sound we're used to in the UK though. Steam age trains here were all vacuum braked rather than air braked. A few preserved locos are now fitted with them in the UK and I have to say it just doesn't seem right to hear an A4 (or similar) pumping away when it's standing in a station!! ...... Andy

This is amazing. Thank you for sharing.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment. Andy

Thanks for sharing these videos as it’s fantastic seeing those magnificent steam engines working 👍🏻

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

It really is my pleasure to share this. These few locomotives are marking the very end of 200 years of steam power. Andy

wow a steam engine with an air horn instead of a steam whistle

@MrBnsftrain

5 жыл бұрын

Nearly every Chinese steam engine has an air horn as well as a whistle! So did many Southern Pacifc locomotives!

@gc1172

5 жыл бұрын

Avoids lose of steam and they need air for air brakes anyway.

@GaryCameron780

5 жыл бұрын

First time I've heard an air horn on a steam locomotive

@waterloofreak

5 жыл бұрын

@@gc1172 a whistle makes no difference in regards to loosing steam

@dieseldan92

5 жыл бұрын

The air horns are because steam whistles do not cut through fog. The same reason Southern Pacific GS class locomotives had them engines that ran the coast. I learned this a long time ago from documentary I watched on the Coast Daylight.

I mean, Why would you pay for diesel when you have all that free coal?

@henrybn14ar

5 жыл бұрын

Doesn't diesel turn to jelly at those temperatures?

@GaryCameron780

5 жыл бұрын

Diesel does gel at colder temperatures. Here in Canada in thee winter we use additives that prevent or discourage this.

@njandparailfan6332

5 жыл бұрын

Coal isn’t free, the RR has to pay. Also most steam engines are oil burning anyway.

@RichardAndewSwayne

5 жыл бұрын

@@njandparailfan6332 0:33 what's that in the tender?

@njandparailfan6332

5 жыл бұрын

RichardAndewSwayne I get that, but I’m saying most are oil burning locos, some are STILL coal but like I said, most are oil burning. For example SP 4449 is oil burning, I believe UP 844 is oil to.

Surprised at the bowl of hot water. But these guys have been doing it long enough to know what works. Hostile conditions make for a great video, thank you!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

I was a bit surprised at the time too. Especially considering that steam from the loco froze instantly on my tripod and camera. I think the water was to put out the fire started by the flame gun!! Andy

@Ralph2

5 жыл бұрын

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam Ah yes now I look again I see it! Thanks for explaining :)

Superb atmospheric video absolutely lovely to see Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed it along with your other latest Chinese videos so much on my smart Tv I had to log into the laptop to say THANKS

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that. I'm glad you're enjoying them. I have more of China to come and then a selection I've just recorded in Myanmar to follow in early January. Keep watching! Andy

Beautiful. Nicely done. Thanks.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that very kind comment. Andy

Damn these things are beautiful, I volunteer at the Illinois Railway Museum in there Steam Department on there Steam Engines. It’s pretty fun especially working on Frisco No.1630!

Excellent as always!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. Andy

Fabulous footage- thank you, Andy - from warm Hong Kong

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Thank you for your comment. There's lots more to come so keep watching! We went from minus 20 here, straight to plus 37 in Myanmar. It took a lot of careful packing! Andy

@Turitea

5 жыл бұрын

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam Great! Cheers, Paul

Excellent work by the crews and great video from yourself. Be a sad day when these go. Just got to wish you 'Happy Thermal Under ware' and the best of the season :-). Steve

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Haha. Thanks very much. On the same trip we went from minus 20 here to plus 37 in Myanmar ..... watch out for more videos! Happy Christmas to you, Steve. Andy

Great video ,you can almost feel how cold it is.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Not as much as I could feel how cold it was !! Thanks for your kind comment. Andy

If I wasn't told it was -20 I'd have never guessed.

@MagnetOnlyMotors

5 жыл бұрын

-20* C = -4* F

@send2gl

5 жыл бұрын

@@MagnetOnlyMotors Yes, appreciated it was centigrade, that is still very cold.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Take a look at the ice on the loco steps at 3:30 - then you'll know how cold it was! Andy

just love your trains, since five years ago

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Keep watching!! Andy

Omg this is spectacular footage! I had no idea the Chinese were still using coal-burning steam locomotives.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

This is now the very last. Steam in China - and everywhere else - has a year or two at the most. Andy

It's ironic that the locomotive is a Japanese design from the 1920s called Mikado.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

The Japanese locos which gave rise to the use of the name Mikado were built by Baldwin in the 1890's apparently. Wikipedia has a page (I'm not that clever!!) Andy

@johnwang4793

5 жыл бұрын

All the 2-8-2 wheel arrangement steam locos are refered as a "Mikado" type. You should've learned a lot more about locomotives before posting naive comments.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@johnwang4793 We know that John. We're discussing the origin of the term. The names (Mogul, Pacific, Mikado etc) were decided upon in the year 1900 by Frederick Whyte in the USA. The term Mikado for 2-8-2's was chosen after a series of locomotives built in 1897 by Baldwin for use in Japan. Andy

@PokoleizKuleckim

5 жыл бұрын

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam - you guys call it 2-8-2, or Mikado... Polish call it 1-4-1, Germans call it 1'D1'... I am sure someone has written a Ph. D. thesis on the wheel arrangement.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@PokoleizKuleckim Well, there's an opportunity for you !! Andy

Terrific!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that!! Andy

Brilliant video.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, John. It was extremely cold at the time but the result was worth it, I think ....... Andy

@johnbrown9092

4 жыл бұрын

Andy and Dandan Fisher - Steam Around the World As a BR railman now retired, I always thought our engines were the best. I find looking at these monsters makes me wonder how the drivers coped with them. Superb enginemen able to cope with all conditions and still keep the beasts in line. Brilliant. Cheers John.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

4 жыл бұрын

@@johnbrown9092 They are good loco crews still getting the best possible out of their machines despite the out dated technology ...... Andy

Veo que china todo lo hace en grande, hermoso vídeo ,gracias.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

This is a very large coal mine still worked by these great locomotives. I have more videos to come .... keep watching and thank you for your kind comment. Andy

Fantastic Documentary! Earned a new Sub

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for that kind comment. Andy

Aghhh propelling a train at that speed! Amazing. Great footage.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

I agree - it looks scary! Of course, there's no other train in the section so, in theory, no danger. The small cabin, at the forward end of the train, houses a train guard. The cabin has a semaphore signal on the roof. If the guard sees any danger he can put this signal to the "stop" position and hope that the loco driver sees it .... not the safest system in the world!! Andy

@JohntheHuxter

5 жыл бұрын

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam Thanks for the additional information. I thought the cab at the front end of the train might have something to do with the operation. But I was naive enough to think they might have been in radio contact with the driver!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@JohntheHuxter Just to add to the ridiculous operating practice, as the loco goes past me and also just after (at 7:50 onward) you can see that the loco driver (on the left of the cab) has a "car type" wing mirror that he can watch while he's looking the opposite direction to drive the loco! I haven't heard of any accidents on this system but I'm sure there must have been some. Andy

Great video! ***A very good crew keeps 🚂 clean white smoke. Like the sounds. Thank you.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. They're well experienced crews. Andy

@robertborchert932

5 жыл бұрын

I noted this as well! Beautiful white column. The fireman on this rig knows his job well. There are plenty of lame comments from the children here...well, it's KZread and the young generation I guess. Steam power isn't inherently evil, diesel took over for many reasons. It's still nice to see a hot boiler in action.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@robertborchert932 The crews on these locos are among the best I've seen in the world. They know their job well. I was lucky enough to have two hours riding the cab in 2016 and was well impressed. See - kzread.info/dash/bejne/q6BrmtCMcbyqYto.html and - kzread.info/dash/bejne/aa16xJWCddTLd84.html&index=7&list=PLNKEdhmODMJxI2j-Vg4jtbeZqw2GfatEM Andy

Thank you Andy and Dandan. That was so awesome. And to contradict a reply from below LOL, This indeed is not a tourist RR, but a full blown working steam RR in 2018/19...God bless someone out there for not killing steam over in that part of China. -20C Good Griff

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. It survives for 2 reasons. First, the coal mine has an endless supply of free fuel. Second, it's in Xinjiang Province and the Chinese are starving the area of investment as a punishment for campaigning for their independence. The locals are Uyghurs - not Chinese. Andy

WOW! Thanks!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment. Andy

I didn't know any steam was still operating in China. Good news. It's too bad they don't have a heated engine facility for overnight storage.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

I'm afraid they have very few facilities. You're lucky if you have a heated facility for yourself in this part of China! Andy

@rkan2

5 жыл бұрын

Andy and Dandan Fisher Yeah, as I understand the typical heater in a home is the very stove you cook your food with. Often it is the heating system for some part of the house or the bed..

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@rkan2 That is still the case - but only in this part of China. Xinjiang province is being sidelined by the Chinese authorities because they are pushing for independence. The public are still living about 10 years behind the rest of China. Andy

@xinyiquan666

3 жыл бұрын

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam stop BS, entire north china has central heating system, every home has heating system pipes, china is not your shat hole murica

Happy and a good and healthy 2019!!!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Well, thank you .... and the same to you too !! Andy

Just brilliant 👍👍👍

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind comment. Andy

Awesome and magnificent work🤔 Great capture 👍 Renato RS 🇧🇷 BRASIL

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for a very kind comment. Andy

Great stuff.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that. I'm glad you enjoy the video. Andy

Great to see the steam and belching and bellowing and creaks and groans and hisses and whistles...and on a cold winter morning. Kind of nice what to think what it would have been like during the peak of steam at somewhere like Kings Cross station in London during winter, with all the tracks running and all the hissing and noise and steam clouds....pretty cool...nice vid.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. I remember Kings Cross in the 60's .... a very smoky place!! Andy

This has an exciting atmosphere that as a train enthusiast I am addicted to lol!!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

Жыл бұрын

It's an aspect of steam operation that most "western" enthusiasts wouldn't be aware of. Sandaoling regularly had temperatures below minus 20c ..... Andy

Un bonheur de voir ces locomotives toujours en activité fin décembre 2018!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Mais c’est la dernière véritable vapeur industrielle au monde et elle est dans ses derniers mois ...... Andy

My crew was doing similar just a few weeks ago. But in - 5c or - 10c. I immediately knew they were thawing out the cylinder cocks and air lines before the subtitles. Oh the sound of that poor clunking air pump... That needs an overhaul soon. I had a chuckle at "icy rails" as im sure that was not a thing with the weight let alone 13 cars worth of axles leading. Icy rails is only an issue if the snow is deep enough to cover the railhead or reach the wheels to mix moisture with residual oil... It looked dry as a bone in the vid(as it usually is in extreme cold) haha... That is normal slipping with that kind of throtle use. Still a fantastic video and im glad revenue steam is still getting flogged on planet earth.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. With or without your experience of ice conditions, I can assure you that the first train of the day is always the hardest for the crews to get up to the summit. It has to be frozen condensation on the rails causing that. It's minus 20c remember. The slightest moisture turns to ice. My camera and tripod was covered in ice at 3:28, which I had to scrape off!! Andy

Love old locomotives

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Nothing quite like them!! Andy

Very cool

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you enjoyed my video. Please take a look at some more of my stuff - you might find some more that you like!! ..... Andy

Steam is still going strong in China! Well done!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Steam is still operating but only here at Sandaoling now. I wouldn't say it's going strong. It's really hanging on by its finger nails !! This is now just about the end of real (non-tourist) steam around the world. Andy

Very cool!!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your kind comment. Andy

@kawasakiz76

5 жыл бұрын

You are welcome! You guys make some awesome videos!

Impressive. I never got to see locomotives in operation myself (they were withdrew from service in my country in 1984), but they are beautiful beasts to behold. It is sad to see them going out of service, but that's progress for ya. I certainly wouldn't want to be the one of the guys who has to wake them up in -20 °C every morning, and run them all day. It's hard work, and I imagine the smoke isn't very healthy to inhale either.

@gitepetit-aigu3741

5 жыл бұрын

in 1967 the electrician drivers looked already with big eyes theses monsters in Vierzon, that were the type 230 Pacific I beleive, ; they were the last who disappeared in 1972 in france. But the team driver-stoker continued to exist on electric locs, till the second ( former stoker) vanished because of the generalization of the VACMA ( veille automatique ) I don't know the english name of this system called too " l'homme mort " ( dead man ) .

Now that is one hell of a cold start.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

It takes some getting going!! Andy

Cracking video

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for that kind comment. Andy

Great video. Minus 20c my oh my!

@davidwpinkston4226

5 жыл бұрын

-4f; not so cold

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@davidwpinkston4226 Cold enough !! I have recorded steam at minus 30c on the JiTong Railway in Inner Mongolia. Andy

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your kind comment. It was just a bit chilly (despite David Pinkston's comment)! Andy

This is so friggin cool

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

In more than one sense!!! Andy

Steam is still going in the mines? YAY new years is officially better.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

This is now really the very end of steam as an industrial power .... anywhere in the world !! There are odd locos hanging on for shunting work but nothing else like this. It's the end of 200 years of history. Andy

@andredescheemaecker5865

5 жыл бұрын

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam I remember you said the same thing of these mines a few years ago, but look, they're still running. So maybe we will see them for another couple of years? I will be there next year not so far from Sandaoling.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@andredescheemaecker5865 The management at Sandaoling told us they expect the steam to continue until September 2020 but they're going to try to keep going until 2022. I imagine it depends how long the coal supplies hold out. Andy

@RailPreserver2K

5 жыл бұрын

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam did they say anything about preserving these final working engines or possibly having one brought over here to be preserved just wondering

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@RailPreserver2K I'm sure that if you go over there with a bagful of money, you can have yourself a JS loco in the US (or wherever). There are already about 3 or 4 Chinese locos in the US now. We helped to get a narrow gauge loco brought to the UK about 10 years ago. Andy

There is steam coming from places steam should not be coming from...

@skoldmo762

5 жыл бұрын

Chinese engineering, use it till it dont work, replacing is cheeper than repairing in China. Sadly :7

@MattExzy

5 жыл бұрын

I guess being that cold, any blow-by will be more pronounced. They're just sweating power lol

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

They're actually maintained quite well considering the situation. As Matt says, the slightest steam at minus 20c shows up clearly. Andy

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@Milind Benjamin Funny !!! Andy

@AKAtheA

4 жыл бұрын

apart from one pipe going to the air compressor with a clear hole in it, all seems to be reasonably OK...the valves for clearing water out of the cylinders not sealing perfectly is nothing, especially considering the use and abuse these locos see every day.

how...could...anyone...give this a thumbs down????? BIG thumbs up from me, just marvelous

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for your kind comment. Andy

Excellent video.👍☘️. Subbed.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you - for the compliment and the sub. I have about 1000 videos on my channel. I hope you find more of them entertaining too ...... Andy

I offened wondered how you would get on, with sub-zero temperatures and condensate in lines both Steam and Air.. I take it that, these locos have been stabled for a period of time? The Driver Obviously knows he has icey conditions on the Rail but also having to keep momentum up, so as to get the wagon axle-bearing grease to heat up. Hope you had an Awesome Christmas Andy. Can't wait to meet you and your wife in Person. Cheers Adrian.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

The locos hadn't been stabled Adrian. One had been kept working all night and the other - the one they're working on - had stood, warm, overnight for about 12 hours. At those temperatures, everything external freezes up quickly. As for meeting .... make a suggestion!! Andy

If you want to see a JS in a more accessible place, check out the Boone and Scenic Valley RR in Boone, IA (about 40 miles NW of Des Moines Iowa, USA). They have the last 2-8-2 produced in the Chinese locomotive works.

@karlosbricks2413

5 жыл бұрын

yes, but the reason anyone goes there isn't because it''s a js or any other class, it's because this is a fully revenue service steam system with engines working hard to earn their keep, not a tourist(heritage) railway.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

KarlosBricks sums it up perfectly!! Andy

Does China know the tourist fasenation with these locos world wide People will travel from everywhere just to see these locos working

@Brobrobagins420

5 жыл бұрын

they dont give a fuck lmao

@Buynot

5 жыл бұрын

They don't care. In fact one the reasons why China's railways stopped using steam is because the government was embarrassed by them.

@anindrapratama

5 жыл бұрын

I think there's a Narrow gauge line in China got converted to Tourist use running C2's

@henrybn14ar

5 жыл бұрын

Better than a dinosaur park.

@PreservationEnthusiast

5 жыл бұрын

They don't care . It won't be long before they're firing up the cutting torches to chop these for scrap. I hope we can see some videos of that on You Tube. I love a good cutting torch video.

This is the true spirit of steam locomotives👍🏻

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

2 жыл бұрын

You couldn't do this with diesel or electric ..... Andy

Doing something constructive. Great work guys!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your kind comment. We do our best ! By the way, you're not the BBC's Mike Bushell are you?!! Andy

@78106218

5 жыл бұрын

No I'm not. I live in Markham, Ontario, Canada. I'm a huge steam locomotive fan.@@AndyDandanFisherSteam

Yay, the Mikes still shout!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

But not for much longer. Andy

I am VERY surprised that there's still a steam train running in China somewhere. I thought they were all taken out of regular service some years ago already. But I guess it's limited now to a few small trains in a few rural regions.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

4 жыл бұрын

This operation at Sandaoling is still working into 2020 but is due to finish in September. Apart from a couple of tourist lines, it's now the last in China. In fact, it is the very last regular industrial steam operation in the world and represents the very end of a 200 year history. September 2020 will be a sad time ...... Andy

;-) the high speed train network in China.. I love steam engines.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

The high speed train network in China is the best in the world now. We owe the astonishing survival of this handful of steam locos to the local Uighur population who have been pushing for independence from China. This has meant that the Chinese authorities have sidelined this area and left it with no investment .... other than a dramatically increased police force !! Andy

All was good, till i heard that lousy air horn

@MyDiesel101

5 жыл бұрын

Actually the Hiawatha in the 1930's was pulled by a Steam locomotive with a Air Horn. Air Horns are just more practical.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

They're all fitted with air horns and a nice steam chime whistle, which they rarely use. Take a look at this to hear both being used (in another location) - kzread.info/dash/bejne/qoR-2pRteKe1h5M.html Andy

@soundwavesuguremashita1608

4 жыл бұрын

The nyc niagaras had air horns as well

@jamesgroccia644

4 жыл бұрын

Vileth Von dreyfuss So did Pennsy’s “Broadway Limited” and “Trail Blazer.” Both we’re headed by their S1 duplex, which had an air horn as opposed to a more conventional- and better-sounding- steam whistle.

Lucky men right there

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

3 жыл бұрын

You might think they're lucky - but it's really hard work and done at minus 20c. Some might think they're not lucky !! ....... Andy

Good video. Thank you. Please consider more informational content. A map. Some narration. Some text explanations.Who, what, when, where, how.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. I try to put relevant subtitles where I think they're essential. I'm not keen on doing a commentary but I have been considering this. Please feel free to ask any questions you may feel you wish to. I'll always try to answer. Andy

What a disgrace, an air horn on a steam engine!

@Patrick_3751

5 жыл бұрын

The sound of air horns carries farther than whistles. Therefore, it's more practical and safer.

@thedevilneveraskstwice7027

5 жыл бұрын

AMEN

@Thunderbolt_1000_Siren

5 жыл бұрын

Yes 4449 has a Leslie A200 "honker" also a steam engine with an airhorn is better than one with ditchlights (Looking at you Canada! you ruined my 2100 with those lights!)

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

All Chinese steam locos were fitted with an air horn as well as a really nice chime whistle. They do use the whistle here but not often. Take a look at this video to hear both being used - kzread.info/dash/bejne/qoR-2pRteKe1h5M.html Andy

I hope that after the withdrawal of steam locomotives from the freight service they will not be cut. And they will be operated in tourist trains.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

8 ай бұрын

I think that is NOT likely. This line is in Xinjiang Province. This is an area which is disputed. The local Uighur population want independence but China is violently opposed to this - Andy

Great Stuff ! But how did they get the hot one hot ?! XX

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

It stays operational all night. It's used to move staff and loco crew around and to do basic shunting as necessary. Andy

I really hope that after these locomotives are retired, that they get preserved. Perhaps a US tourist line will purchase one and operate it over here!

@rescue270

5 жыл бұрын

Buynot Not likely. They are already very worn out and would require more than just an overhaul. They are just kept operating until they can be replaced with electric or diesel-electric locomotives, after which they will be smelted.

@Buynot

5 жыл бұрын

@@rescue270 That's a shame. They should atleast be kept for display purposes.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

There's a growing interest in the steam scene in China and a few tourist lines are being developed. However, this operation is in Xinjiang Province and there's a lot of political unrest there. The province is being sidelined by the Chinese authorities. It's unlikely there'll be any tourist development in the area, so I suspect they'll end up being scrapped. I think the current management policy is to keep them going until the opencast mine is exhausted. I don't think we'll ever see diesels running into the open mine. It's possible the two deep mines will continue for longer and these may end up being diesel worked within a couple of years, or so. I'm not certain, but I think there may already be a JS in the USA. There are examples of the smaller SY and the larger QJ classes for sure. Andy

Amazing. I was under the impression China wanted to get rid of steam by the time of the China Olympics 10 years ago. Maybe they meant main line steam.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Everything else has gone in China ... even the industrial stuff. It's a miracle that Sandaoling is hanging on so long. It's in China's Xinjiang Province, which is starved of investment by the Chinese government. The local Uighur population has been pressing for independence for many years and the authorities in Beijing don't like it !! The province is around ten years behind the rest of China in my experience. Andy

@gc1172

5 жыл бұрын

They didn't come close, and have plenty still. But, they signed the Paris Accord with all the environmental improvements as a big political stunt.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@gc1172 I'm afraid, Gary, they don't "have plenty". There's a handful of locos steamable around China for tourist purposes but you can count them on two hands! This is now the very last regular use of steam (in China and, just about, in the world too). Andy

I really wanna visit that place! How did you get to?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

You can fly to Beijing, then fly or get overnight train to Hami and then bus or taxi to Sandaoling. The area is heavily policed though and travelling individually is tricky. Contact me if you need more information. Andy

@justinvasko3577

5 жыл бұрын

Andy and Dandan Fisher Wow thank you. Sounds like quite an experiance!

Can someone explain why the steam is not turning in to instant snow, like those videos where the throw boiling water in the air with minus 30?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Well I'm afraid I cannot give you a technical answer to that ... but I can tell you that when I was blasted with steam (at 3:28) it froze instantly all over my tripod and camera !! Andy

Amazing as usual, How many engines are left there at this stage?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the compliment. Your question is a difficult one to answer without spending a lot of time on it ! I'd guess there are about 400 steam locomotives still surviving in the UK. Of these, about 200 are still able to be steamed - mostly on private lines. There are about 50 of these which are able to operate on the main line network, although not all of them are serviceable at any one time. I hope that helps! ..... Andy

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

4 жыл бұрын

Sorry ...... I was thinking you were looking at a video of the UK. I've realised that we're talking about China!! In China, there are hundreds of steam locos lying around, slowly rusting. However, there are now only two lines operating steam (I think). Shibanxi runs a handful of narrow gauge locos, mainly as a tourist line. Sandaoling, featured here, is now the only remaining standard gauge steam operation .... and indeed is the very last regular industrial use of steam anywhere in the world. They have a yard full of rusting locos but maintain about eight steam locos, of which there are about five or six in service at any one time ..... Andy

@TERRYBIGGENDEN

4 жыл бұрын

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam MY apologies. I was too vague. I was referring to the operations at Sandaoling. I remember last year references to a great reduction in engine number there and encroaching diesels. :-(s

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

4 жыл бұрын

@@TERRYBIGGENDEN Yes, Terry, there are far fewer steam locos kept serviceable these days. Diesels are only used to connect with the national network, to the best of my knowledge, although I've not been there since this visit in December 2018. It may have changed this year ....... Andy

I know the 844 does now, but did steam locos in North America have lights over their wheels like this in the 20s-50s?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

In the UK this wasn't the case but, I believe, it was normal practice in the USA. Andy

Would I be right in saying trying to heat up a loco relatively quickly like this causes extra wear on things like the boiler when compared to firing up very early and warming more slowly?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

I'm sure you are right. I'm not sure it would cause more wear in the boiler but it can't do any good for the valve gear etc. However, the conditions here are extreme. The policy seems to be to keep one loco in full operating condition all night long and allow the others to cool a little, although still in steam. At minus 20 to 30 degrees centigrade extreme measures are required to bring a loco back up to full working order. Andy

@MustangsTrainsMowers

5 жыл бұрын

I wonder if water could reach freezing point in the boiler?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@MustangsTrainsMowers I'm sure it would freeze in the boiler if the loco was left to go cold with the boiler full of water. However, the locos are kept warm all night and just need bringing up to working temperature early in the morning. Their fires never go out completely during the winter months. Andy

@renegadeoflife87

5 жыл бұрын

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam They probably bank the fires in all but one at night, that way the boilers stay in steam while that last one stays working through the night. Then in the morning the one that is still going is used to nudge the others about to get them moving as the crews try to thaw out the valve linkages and get the cylinders warmed up again.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@renegadeoflife87 That is exactly their procedure. Andy

Magnifique reportage de ce démarrage d'une vapeur par -20°C ! Merci pour ce partage . . Magnificent report of this start of a steam by -20 ° C! Thank you for sharing .

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Et merci beaucoup a vous, aussi. A very kind comment. Andy

STEAM WHISTLE..👍🚂💨✔ AIR HORN..............👎

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

It's a shame they don't use their whistles here. Maybe it's to limit disturbing the locals in the neighbouring town. Here's a video you might like with both being used alternatively - kzread.info/dash/bejne/qoR-2pRteKe1h5M.html Andy

-20 is probably an estimate because the temperate gauge froze....

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

It is an estimate .... by me! I've filmed in down to minus 30c and guess this to be about minus 20c. Not sure about the temperature gauge freezing though!! Andy

Please tell us this is a historical re-enactment and they are not still using coal burning steam engines for actual work. But I think I know the answer to this question.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

This is genuine daily industrial use. It's now just about the last in the world and is in its last few months. Andy

Great scene and camera work! Excellent work! Greetings from Italy. Stefano.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that very kind comment, Stefano. Andy

Soooo... what century was this filmed in?? I’m trying to recall the “efficiency” of these fine specimens; 1% or 2%? But who’s counting, huh?!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

3 жыл бұрын

This is recorded in China's Xinjiang Province. This is a majority muslim area and the Chinese authorities are very anti-muslim. The area has been starved of investment for many years and there's an active programme of "re-education" going on at the moment. Fortunately for us, it has meant that steam power remains active in this one last location and should do into 2021 .... Andy

@TomPauls007

3 жыл бұрын

@@AndyDandanFisherSteam Oh, I absolutely love it and understand! It is still amazing that these basic machines can still be used these days! Excellent use of available resources, for sure. Put passenger cars on and make some extra tourist loot.

last of the iron giants in commercial use i hope i will not see the day when no steam locomotive runs anymore in the world. this will be the saddest day

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

I'm afraid this will happen and very soon - apart from tourist work, of course. Sad time! Andy

Sandaoling, Hami, Xinjiang

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

Ай бұрын

Correct. It does say that in the notes - Andy

What is the knocking sound from 2 minutes onwards?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

Жыл бұрын

It's the Westinghouse pump. This maintains air pressure in the air braking system .... Andy

Brilliant stuff. You could cut the thick oil with a knife!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that. I do my best to record these historical scenes. Andy

China is about the last place you would see a working steam engine...

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

This IS the last place you can see a genuine working steam engine (almost). Andy

Curious if this also means China is still producing steam locos?

@istillusezune82

5 жыл бұрын

They stopped around 1999.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

These were built in the 1980's. The last was built in 1987. There are only 6 or 7 now working and when these few have finished, that's the end of real working (non-tourist) steam. Andy

mon père auquel j'ai montré ce film m'a dit qu'en 1956 dans le Massif central où il avait fait -30 °c ,alors qu'il était chef mécanicien, avait assister à une scène comparable . Il avait fait si froid dans la nuit que les roues , durant la nuit, s'étaient collées aux rails. Les employés avaient placé un fagot de bois sous la locomotive à vapeur, ce fagot était attaché à une corde qui passait entre les roues. Le fagot avait été arrosé de mazout puis enflammé. un ouvrier avait tiré successivement ce fagot enflammé sous l'engin jusqu'à ce que les roues d'un essieu se décollent. Le mécanicien avait alors rapidement reculé l'engin qui s'était ainsi dégagé de la glace. en Chine on emploie un chalumeau à essence . Cela 60 ans plus tard. Quelle chance d'avoir pu voir ça en 2018.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

That's an interesting story. Thank you. During the winter here at Sandaoling, this is a daily procedure. Nevertheless, it's a remarkable sight for 2018. Andy

Are these locomotives fed coal by hand or is there some type of automation?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

They're all hand fired - no coal pushers are fitted. Andy

Fabulous video, had to make a hot drink after watching it !

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for that comment. You should have been there doing the filming !! At one stage (you can see it happening at 3:27) I was blasted by steam from the loco which froze instantly all over my camcorder and tripod. It took some getting rid of inside our bus before I could continue with recording !! Andy

The horn seems wildly out of place for a steam train. Use a whistle.

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

All Chinese steam locos are fitted with both an air horn and a steam whistle. The whistles are used at Sandaoling but not often. Take a look at this clip. It shows both being used alternately - kzread.info/dash/bejne/qoR-2pRteKe1h5M.html Andy

The only thing you ought to be doing at -20C is looking out the aircraft window while sipping scotch.

0:49 What? Did this Horn got built in after the Locomotive got built?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

3 жыл бұрын

All Chinese steam locos were built with both a steam chime whistle and an air horn. Take a look at the following video. It shows them being used alternately. kzread.info/dash/bejne/qoR-2pRteKe1h5M.html ...... Andy

Todavía existen a vapor 😮

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

This is now the very last regular working industrial steam in the world. The end of a 200 year history. Andy

HI AMY AND DAN DAN! EXCELLENT VIDEO! ENJOYED!! AND THANK YOU FOR GETTING UP EARLY ON A VERY COLD AND FROSTY MORNING TO CATCH IT!! THIS IS THE FIRST IF YOUR WORKS I HAVE SEEN FOR A WHILE! ALSO FYI THE AT&SF 2926 WAS TEST FIRED AT ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO LAST SUMMER! I WAS NOT THERE FOR THE FIRST FIRE BUT WHEN I WAS THERE THE BOILER WAS STILL WARM! HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM KANSAS!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

And a happy new year to you too. Thanks for the update. Andy

locos seem very quiet; noise restrictions?

@justinvasko3577

5 жыл бұрын

david w pinkston Steam is just not as loud as a diesel electric locomotive

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

They use their air horns instead of their steam whistles to keep noise down - which is a shame! They're all fitted with air horns and a nice steam chime whistle, which they rarely use. Take a look at this to hear both being used (in another location) - kzread.info/dash/bejne/qoR-2pRteKe1h5M.html Andy

how easy is it to get to sandaoling from the UK? is it worth the trip?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Getting there is fairly easy. You need a visa (£151) and a flight to Beijing. Then an internal flight to Hami. Then the fun begins. In Xinjiang Province the Chinese police are now like an occupying army. It took us 4 hours to get through airport security. It's then a 90 minute bus/taxi ride to Sandaoling. There are police check points on every street corner and you will be challenged probably. You need someone who can speak Mandarin. I could help if you were serious. You can, of course, go as part of an organised group. Andy

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

@@TPWSProductions Done !! Andy

Наши ЛВ!!

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

These are Chinese built JS Class locos. They're loosely based on Russian designs. The Russian LV is a 2-10-2 loco .... these are 2-8-2 locos. Andy

Holy shit

theyre more 1000 Strength They can pull 12 Trucks and pipes

What's that clicking every second or so ?

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

I think you're referring to the air pump which maintains pressure in the air braking system. Andy

Dragon, Monster n Beast

@AndyDandanFisherSteam

5 жыл бұрын

Well, I guess that sums it up !! Andy