End of Chinese Steam

[the_viffer]

Not really on topic but compared with some of the other stuff posted ("Who? Me?")...


BEIJING (Reuters) - China pulled on the brake on its last steam train on Friday, bringing an end to two centuries of old technology in the world's fastest-growing economic power.


China's last 27 steam engines stopped service at Jitong Railway Section in the sparsely populated grasslands of Inner Mongolia, Xinhua news agency said.


The railway was built in 1995, stretching for about 1,200 km (720 miles) across the prairie.


"Steam engines ... were regarded as important symbols of modern industrialisation, but they were inevitably substituted by internal-combustion engines with modern technology development," Xinhua said, quoting Su Nan, deputy board chairman of Jitong Railway Co.


China's last steam engines were produced in 1986. "The retired engines will be used in tourism in the following three years, according to the company," Xinhua said.

[3405jimmy]

Steam must be tremendously uneconomic if it’s not viable in China given the cost of oil and labour rates out there

[steammadman]

Well that unfortunatley is that, all i can say is it's their greatest loss.
Some of those chinese "giants" were awsome to say the least.
CAN WE HAVE 2 mins. SILENCE PLEASE FOR THE LOSS OF ANOTHER
OF OUR (us older guys),historic greats R-I-P

[lancelot]

Hello folks,
just as a matter of interest,what would the comparable costs in skilled labour, equiptment, parts, etc. be to maintain one of those steam giants as opposed to diesel electric or plain diesel units.
All the best for now,
John.

[andrewtoplis]

As well as comparing it to one of their current steam locos, how would it compare to one built with the latest technology, eg the 5AT project's design? Or the ultramodern loco built a few years ago (In Switzerland, I think)?

andyt

[3405jimmy]

Reading David Wardales’ The Red Devil, in the section on his adventures in China. You got the impression everyone couldn’t wait to get into a nice new shiny diesel. If you have no one batting in your corner you’re lost and so with steam.

[the_viffer]

lancelot said:

Hello folks,
just as a matter of interest,what would the comparable costs in skilled labour, equiptment, parts, etc. be to maintain one of those steam giants as opposed to diesel electric or plain diesel units.
All the best for now,
John.

I think it is an interesting debate. My surmise is that is now cheaper in many parts of the world to produce myriad replacement parts for a diesel on a CNC to the nearest 10th thou or closer than it is to train and retain a skilled fitter to do the kind of ad hoc one off maintainence to a much lower tolerance out in the field on a steam engine

[Phil Sutton]

Viffer,I think part of the reason is that it is old fashioned or "uncool" to be seen to be getting your hands dirty.People would sooner twinkle their fingers over a keyboard (risking Repetative Strain Injury) than do spannering or machine work.

Phil

[dscott]

Steam in China, now having met a Chinese woman on the internet, a visit just after last Christmas was arranged. Included in our holiday together was a 15 hour train journey to visit a mountain in the centre of the country. Yes we did see a QJ, sitting in a siding and I get the feeling that many engines will be doing the same just in case there is an emergency.
We had a wonderful time and are now married.
A Chinese meal every night!!!!

All the best.

David Scott.

Devon.

[chris vine]

Now you have just got to make some small scale humans!!

Chris.

[3405jimmy]

Ahh but Dave, how is she handling the clotted cream teas?

Jim

[dscott]

We try to stay clear of English food, so saves me saying that " I fancy an English tonight!!!"

[ron]

There was a very large Chinese loco in the York rail museum the last time I was there, must have cost a bob or two to transport it there!
Ron