![Just after sunrise on October 2, 2005, QJ 2-10-2 steam locomotive no. 7002 leads a westbound freight train up the grade out of Chabuga, Inner Mongolia, China, on the Jitong Railway. This was the first train I saw on the Jitong Line--the first of fifteen I'd see during 12 hours at trackside that day, and they were all steam-powered.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F671%2F21264640604_82689d3785_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Just after sunrise on October 2, 2005, QJ 2-10-2 steam locomotive no. 7002 leads a westbound freight train up the grade out of Chabuga, Inner Mongolia, China, on the Jitong Railway. This was the first train I saw on the Jitong Line--the first of fifteen I'd see during 12 hours at trackside that day, and they were all steam-powered.
![Jitong Railway workers exchange flag waves as a westbound freight train passes a road crossing near Xigou, Inner Mongolia, on October 2, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5803%2F23230191973_fee1a69a85_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway workers exchange flag waves as a westbound freight train passes a road crossing near Xigou, Inner Mongolia, on October 2, 2005.
![Westbound Jitong Railway freight train near Xigou, Inner Mongolia, China, on October 2, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F663%2F23830893086_e8585bec15_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Westbound Jitong Railway freight train near Xigou, Inner Mongolia, China, on October 2, 2005.
![Westbound Jitong Railway freight train led by two QJ steam locomotives approaching LIndong, Inner Mongolia, China, though a sweeping curve on October 2, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F663%2F23830892106_d484c4ecde_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Westbound Jitong Railway freight train led by two QJ steam locomotives approaching LIndong, Inner Mongolia, China, though a sweeping curve on October 2, 2005.
![Two QJ steam locomotives lead a westbound JItong Railway freight train over the big bridge near Chagganhada on October 2, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F653%2F23748628792_456614c661_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two QJ steam locomotives lead a westbound JItong Railway freight train over the big bridge near Chagganhada on October 2, 2005.
![Two QJ steam locomotives pass a semaphore signal near Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, on October 2, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F619%2F23489078159_7bcc34200a_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two QJ steam locomotives pass a semaphore signal near Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, on October 2, 2005.
![Eastbound Jitong Railway freight train rolling through the mountains around Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, on the afternoon of October 2, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F700%2F23857007685_b44eee62dc_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Eastbound Jitong Railway freight train rolling through the mountains around Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, on the afternoon of October 2, 2005.
![Westbound Jitong Railway freight train charging out of Yamenmiao station after meeting an eastbound at sunrise on October 3, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F709%2F23489076219_afd3ffb69d_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Westbound Jitong Railway freight train charging out of Yamenmiao station after meeting an eastbound at sunrise on October 3, 2005.
![The gatekeeper's donkey waits at the road crossing in Yamenmiao, Inner Mongolia, China, as the Jitong Railway's morning passenger train approaches on October 3, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F588%2F23228840254_cb49523ba7_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The gatekeeper's donkey waits at the road crossing in Yamenmiao, Inner Mongolia, China, as the Jitong Railway's morning passenger train approaches on October 3, 2005.
![Jitong Railway worker waits as he fills the tender of a QJ steam locomotive at Daban on October 3, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F594%2F23561260150_ce205e43f6_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway worker waits as he fills the tender of a QJ steam locomotive at Daban on October 3, 2005.
![Crane used to coal steam locomotives at Daban.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F645%2F23230182403_5b8fac70be_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Crane used to coal steam locomotives at Daban.
![Jitong Railway worker in the cab of QJ no. 70730 at Daban.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5812%2F23228836184_4295b7bb4d_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway worker in the cab of QJ no. 70730 at Daban.
![Two Jitong railwaymen work on the running gear of a QJ steam locomotive at Daban.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F622%2F23830854906_b530cce85a_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two Jitong railwaymen work on the running gear of a QJ steam locomotive at Daban.
![Jitong Railway worker takes a quick drink from the hose used to clean locomotive fireboxes at Daban.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5773%2F23489071159_9a194481c0_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway worker takes a quick drink from the hose used to clean locomotive fireboxes at Daban.
![Jitong Railway worker swings the water column over the tender of a QJ steam locomotive in Daban.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F630%2F23830881066_9a93ca4abc_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway worker swings the water column over the tender of a QJ steam locomotive in Daban.
![Jitong Railway worker climbing into the cab of a QJ steam locomotive at sunset in Daban.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5808%2F23489068519_ad9b643742_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway worker climbing into the cab of a QJ steam locomotive at sunset in Daban.
![Jitong Railway welders prepare new fueling racks in Daban for the diesel locomotives that will replace steam in just two months.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F711%2F23856997475_4dd84e0bca_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway welders prepare new fueling racks in Daban for the diesel locomotives that will replace steam in just two months.
![Just after sunrise on October 4, 2005, a short westbound freight train steams though Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, on the Jitong Railway.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5654%2F23856995975_1155571217_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Just after sunrise on October 4, 2005, a short westbound freight train steams though Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, on the Jitong Railway.
![A farmer works the fields near Lindong as a westbound freight train passes behind him.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F577%2F23561250320_bb2b52cf49_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A farmer works the fields near Lindong as a westbound freight train passes behind him.
![A farmer leads his donkey cart over the Jitong Railway near LIndong, Inner Mongolia, China, during the 2005 harvest.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5767%2F23230172973_ce7ff6e218_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A farmer leads his donkey cart over the Jitong Railway near LIndong, Inner Mongolia, China, during the 2005 harvest.
![A farmer near Lindong winnows wheat by hand during the 2005 harvest.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5805%2F23830874056_061adcc70d_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A farmer near Lindong winnows wheat by hand during the 2005 harvest.
![Westbound Jitong Railway freight train steaming through the windswept fields near Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5622%2F23856990205_f7e257b3e4_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Westbound Jitong Railway freight train steaming through the windswept fields near Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China.
![Jitong Railway freight train sweeps through the s-curves near Chagganhada.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F743%2F23856989325_3d5ec9fdfe_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway freight train sweeps through the s-curves near Chagganhada.
![Just before sunset, a westbound Jitong Railway freight train departs Chagganhada.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F619%2F23230168323_1eb58a278a_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Just before sunset, a westbound Jitong Railway freight train departs Chagganhada.
![Westbound Jitong Railway freight train heads off into the sunset at Chagganhada.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F746%2F23561243980_91ff6f9f8e_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Westbound Jitong Railway freight train heads off into the sunset at Chagganhada.
![The switchmen at the east end of Yamenmiao siding lines the signals for the Jitong Railway's eastbound local freight train, following a meet with a westbound freight on an October 2005 morning in Inner Mongolia.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5765%2F23489056759_db67f1f714_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The switchmen at the east end of Yamenmiao siding lines the signals for the Jitong Railway's eastbound local freight train, following a meet with a westbound freight on an October 2005 morning in Inner Mongolia.
![Eastbound Jitong Railway freight train passing farmers winnowing wheat by hand near Xigou, Inner Mongolia, during the 2005 harvest.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F708%2F23830867516_362ba24d28_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Eastbound Jitong Railway freight train passing farmers winnowing wheat by hand near Xigou, Inner Mongolia, during the 2005 harvest.
![Steam engulfs the running gear of a Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotive in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F628%2F23230164583_dddb16c0b0_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Steam engulfs the running gear of a Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotive in October 2005.
![A Jitong Railway worker sweeps the station following the departure of the morning local passenger train.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F700%2F23489053979_84224e85c6_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A Jitong Railway worker sweeps the station following the departure of the morning local passenger train.
![Westbound Jitong Railway freight train passing the 700-year-old pagoda in Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F574%2F23561238990_a46f68f421_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Westbound Jitong Railway freight train passing the 700-year-old pagoda in Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China.
![Just after sunset in October 2005, an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train pulls into Gulumanhan.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F731%2F23230161863_38f407cf1d_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Just after sunset in October 2005, an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train pulls into Gulumanhan.
![Jitong Railway eastbound freight train departing Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, at twilight in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5830%2F23856980765_46bcb2e5ae_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway eastbound freight train departing Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, at twilight in October 2005.
![Crescent moon setting behind a pair of Jitong Railway semaphores at Gulumanhan.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5623%2F23230160063_2600d2473f_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Crescent moon setting behind a pair of Jitong Railway semaphores at Gulumanhan.
![Two Jitong Railway workers inside the Gulumanhan station's office on an October night in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5787%2F23774469861_6ca282bb60_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two Jitong Railway workers inside the Gulumanhan station's office on an October night in 2005.
![Eastboudn Jitong Railway freight train steaming through the fields past a flock of sheep at Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F760%2F23830861346_803e608e85_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Eastboudn Jitong Railway freight train steaming through the fields past a flock of sheep at Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.
![Gulumanhan station at dawn.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F696%2F23561233030_115f90568c_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Gulumanhan station at dawn.
![View out the back of a caboose on a Jitong Railway westbound freight train near Chagganhada.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5833%2F23489044469_dd814e831f_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
View out the back of a caboose on a Jitong Railway westbound freight train near Chagganhada.
![Jitong Railway morning local passenger train steaming through Gulumanhan at sunrise in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5801%2F23228806644_105d827e25_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway morning local passenger train steaming through Gulumanhan at sunrise in October 2005.
![A herd of goats waits at the Jitong Railway crossing shanty in Baomutu, Inner, Mongolia, China, while an eastbound freight train passes.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5760%2F23489167869_7121051dbe_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A herd of goats waits at the Jitong Railway crossing shanty in Baomutu, Inner, Mongolia, China, while an eastbound freight train passes.
![Jitong Railway workers hang new color light signals next to the semaphores at Baomutu, Inner, Mongolia, China, as the sun sets on a fall day in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5686%2F23561350840_5dc19ded0a_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway workers hang new color light signals next to the semaphores at Baomutu, Inner, Mongolia, China, as the sun sets on a fall day in 2005.
![The Jitong Railway gatekeeper at Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, raises the crossing gates following the passage of a westbound train at twilight.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5786%2F23748713082_6548b2dab9_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Jitong Railway gatekeeper at Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, raises the crossing gates following the passage of a westbound train at twilight.
![Jitong Railway switchman at the west end of the Baomutu siding in Inner Mongolia, China, at sunset on an October 2005 evening.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5716%2F23561348800_f541075809_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway switchman at the west end of the Baomutu siding in Inner Mongolia, China, at sunset on an October 2005 evening.
![The Jitong Railway's diesel-powered streamlined passenger train passes a crossing shanty in Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, beneath the full harvest moon of October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F590%2F23830972976_8395556ee6_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Jitong Railway's diesel-powered streamlined passenger train passes a crossing shanty in Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, beneath the full harvest moon of October 2005.
![The Jitong Railway's crossing gatekeeper at Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, rests in his shanty on a mild October night in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5669%2F23230271143_0043075da9_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Jitong Railway's crossing gatekeeper at Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, rests in his shanty on a mild October night in 2005.
![The red driving wheels of a QJ 2-10-2 steam locomotive on the Jitong Railway flash by on an eastbound freight train approaching Gulumanhan in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F589%2F23230269783_688f522e47_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The red driving wheels of a QJ 2-10-2 steam locomotive on the Jitong Railway flash by on an eastbound freight train approaching Gulumanhan in October 2005.
![The full moon rises over the semaphore signals guarding the Jitong Railway at Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5654%2F23774581031_ace6093365_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The full moon rises over the semaphore signals guarding the Jitong Railway at Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.
![Moonlight illuminates the water tower on the Jitong Railway at Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, on an October night in 2005. Gulumanhan was a water stop for all westbound train.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F687%2F23857089575_0564e66ac1_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Moonlight illuminates the water tower on the Jitong Railway at Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, on an October night in 2005. Gulumanhan was a water stop for all westbound train.
![The Big Dipper rises above the distant signal at Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, on the Jitong Railway in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5651%2F23830969186_955351d918_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Big Dipper rises above the distant signal at Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, on the Jitong Railway in October 2005.
![On a fall morning in Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, a westbound freight train departs behind a pair of 2-10-2 QJ steam locomotives. The switch tender at the west end of the siding waits to inspect the train as it passes.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5670%2F23230267703_21bb734876_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
On a fall morning in Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, a westbound freight train departs behind a pair of 2-10-2 QJ steam locomotives. The switch tender at the west end of the siding waits to inspect the train as it passes.
![A westbound Jitong Railway freight train steams away from Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, behind two QJ 2-10-2 steam locomotives in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5704%2F23230266633_a6cccd36ea_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A westbound Jitong Railway freight train steams away from Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, behind two QJ 2-10-2 steam locomotives in October 2005.
![The Gulumanhan station agent watches the passage of an eastbound JItong Railway freight train on an October 2005 morning.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F592%2F23230266043_c6e2b44ba3_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Gulumanhan station agent watches the passage of an eastbound JItong Railway freight train on an October 2005 morning.
![The weathered hands of a broom maker along the Jitong Railway near Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5693%2F23748704302_28a0a6ddb7_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The weathered hands of a broom maker along the Jitong Railway near Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.
![A woman bundles straw to make brooms along the Jitong Railway in Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005. She and her family were paid 25 cents for each bundle.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F639%2F23489155529_e8be724d18_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A woman bundles straw to make brooms along the Jitong Railway in Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005. She and her family were paid 25 cents for each bundle.
![The harvest moon rises above an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train near Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5680%2F23857083455_7025a94835_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The harvest moon rises above an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train near Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.
![Orion rides high above the west end of Chagganhada siding as an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train passes on an October night in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F570%2F23774573091_27f4339ef8_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Orion rides high above the west end of Chagganhada siding as an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train passes on an October night in 2005.
![Two Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotives depart Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, on an October morning in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F597%2F23748698602_4e45a31fdb_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotives depart Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, on an October morning in 2005.
![Westbound Jitong Railway freight train crossing the big bridge just east of Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5721%2F23857079615_f85c8a1eba_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Westbound Jitong Railway freight train crossing the big bridge just east of Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.
![A crossing gatekeeper along the Jitong Railway near Dariqiga, Inner Mongolia, China, watches from his shanty as a westbound freight train passes behind two QJ steam locomotives in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F621%2F23857078745_98500b4d18_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A crossing gatekeeper along the Jitong Railway near Dariqiga, Inner Mongolia, China, watches from his shanty as a westbound freight train passes behind two QJ steam locomotives in October 2005.
![Two Jitong Railway workers stand at attention as the morning passenger train stops at the station at Yamenmiao, Inner Mongolia, China, on an October 2005 morning.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F679%2F23561332950_4af3d9d42c_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two Jitong Railway workers stand at attention as the morning passenger train stops at the station at Yamenmiao, Inner Mongolia, China, on an October 2005 morning.
![Westbound Jitong Railway freight train climbing the grade out of Tianshan (Chabuga), Inner Mongolia, China, under the light of the full moon in the wee hours of October 21, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5683%2F23748694712_2b1d35e88c_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Westbound Jitong Railway freight train climbing the grade out of Tianshan (Chabuga), Inner Mongolia, China, under the light of the full moon in the wee hours of October 21, 2005.
![Westbound freight train behind a single QJ steam locomotive charging up the grade out of Tianshan (Chabuga), Inner Mongolia, China, just after sunrise on October 21, 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5778%2F23230276813_9c49b6eb5a_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Westbound freight train behind a single QJ steam locomotive charging up the grade out of Tianshan (Chabuga), Inner Mongolia, China, just after sunrise on October 21, 2005.
![The Jitong Railway's diesel-powered, streamlined passenger train streaks through Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, on an October night in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5646%2F23489145879_919ec26062_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Jitong Railway's diesel-powered, streamlined passenger train streaks through Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, on an October night in 2005.
![The Jitong Railway's morning passenger train greets the rising sun on the Inner Mongolian grasslands near Gulumanhan in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F768%2F23489144199_a95d9e9c88_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Jitong Railway's morning passenger train greets the rising sun on the Inner Mongolian grasslands near Gulumanhan in October 2005.
![The rising sun silhouettes a crossing gatekeeper on the Jitong Railway near Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5805%2F23748690792_343f63a989_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The rising sun silhouettes a crossing gatekeeper on the Jitong Railway near Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.
![Eastbound Jitong Railway freight train approaching Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, as twilight descends on a cloudy day in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5776%2F23748690202_98b6edad74_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Eastbound Jitong Railway freight train approaching Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, as twilight descends on a cloudy day in October 2005.
![Steam replaces diesel on the Jitong Railway's morning passenger train at Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in the wee hours of a fall day in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5640%2F23230249663_9b48176e6e_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Steam replaces diesel on the Jitong Railway's morning passenger train at Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in the wee hours of a fall day in 2005.
![The Jitong Railway's morning passenger train departs Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5733%2F23774560371_a64ccd2eb4_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Jitong Railway's morning passenger train departs Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in October 2005.
![An eastbound Jitong Railway freight train departs Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, behind a single QJ steam locomotive in October 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F652%2F23561323490_0438ec927c_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
An eastbound Jitong Railway freight train departs Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, behind a single QJ steam locomotive in October 2005.
![Lights from an arriving westbound train silhouette the switch tender and shanty in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, on a fall night in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5791%2F23561322680_360912ec0c_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Lights from an arriving westbound train silhouette the switch tender and shanty in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, on a fall night in 2005.
![The morning sun casts a long shadow of two Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotives departing Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in the fall of 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5770%2F23230246203_8724e890e2_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The morning sun casts a long shadow of two Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotives departing Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in the fall of 2005.
![Viewed from a hill at the brickworks just east of the city, an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train departs Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5637%2F23748684862_71c2fa4ffb_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Viewed from a hill at the brickworks just east of the city, an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train departs Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![Jitong Railway trackworkers in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5710%2F23561320430_164e896ed8_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway trackworkers in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China.
![Two young railway workers at the Jitong yard in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in fall 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5807%2F23748682632_f419f781f3_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two young railway workers at the Jitong yard in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in fall 2005.
![The engineer and two fireman of Jitong Railway QJ no. 7119 look back from their cab prior to departing Daban with an eastbound freight train in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F616%2F23230242653_c14e5a2c2e_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The engineer and two fireman of Jitong Railway QJ no. 7119 look back from their cab prior to departing Daban with an eastbound freight train in November 2005.
![A single QJ steam locomotive leads an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train out of Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, on a November night in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F605%2F23830943376_d6f23b4489_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A single QJ steam locomotive leads an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train out of Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, on a November night in 2005.
![Steam replaces diesel on the Jitong Railway in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005. Steam operations ended the following month.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5701%2F23228894404_5face4040d_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Steam replaces diesel on the Jitong Railway in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005. Steam operations ended the following month.
![On a fall night in 2005, the Jitong Railway's streamlined diesel passenger train passes a rural road crossing near Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5678%2F23489131229_019d0d006e_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
On a fall night in 2005, the Jitong Railway's streamlined diesel passenger train passes a rural road crossing near Gulumanhan, Inner Mongolia, China.
![The rising sun silhouettes bare trees and two Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotives in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5687%2F23857058805_6149daaf3e_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The rising sun silhouettes bare trees and two Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotives in November 2005.
![A Jitong Railway westbound freight train passes a herd of cattle in Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5721%2F23774549171_5567e36db1_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A Jitong Railway westbound freight train passes a herd of cattle in Baomutu, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![A single QJ steam locomotive leads a westbound Jitong Railway freight train across the tall viaduct near Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, at dawn of a November day in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F609%2F23830937926_a8428aa11b_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A single QJ steam locomotive leads a westbound Jitong Railway freight train across the tall viaduct near Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China, at dawn of a November day in 2005.
![A young Jitong Railway workers fills the tender of a QJ steam locomotive in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5666%2F23489127199_044cff3a55_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A young Jitong Railway workers fills the tender of a QJ steam locomotive in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![Detail showing the eccentric crank of a QJ steam locomotive on the Jitong Railway at Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F631%2F23857055185_edf33b87eb_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Detail showing the eccentric crank of a QJ steam locomotive on the Jitong Railway at Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![The Jitong Railway ready tracks in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, are filled with QJ steam locomotives for several eastbound freight trains on November morning in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F621%2F23230232413_6bafa33a82_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Jitong Railway ready tracks in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, are filled with QJ steam locomotives for several eastbound freight trains on November morning in 2005.
![At twilight on a November day in 2005, a Jitong Railway freight train heads west near Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F659%2F23561307600_ec2bfd6658_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
At twilight on a November day in 2005, a Jitong Railway freight train heads west near Chagganhada, Inner Mongolia, China.
![Two QJ steam locomotives lead a Jitong Railway freight train out of Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, at sunset on a November day in 2005. Workers are busier extending the tracks of the Daban yard to accommodate the longer trains that will result when diesels takeover in the following month.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5703%2F23857051605_c4e6fd40fb_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two QJ steam locomotives lead a Jitong Railway freight train out of Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, at sunset on a November day in 2005. Workers are busier extending the tracks of the Daban yard to accommodate the longer trains that will result when diesels takeover in the following month.
![Steam from an eastbound freight train curls around the 700-year-old pagoda in Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, on a November morning in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F671%2F23748668322_26f85ac49f_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Steam from an eastbound freight train curls around the 700-year-old pagoda in Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, on a November morning in 2005.
![Two QJ steam locomotives lead a westbound freight train into Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, on a clear day in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F642%2F23830928466_0cd8eaccd1_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two QJ steam locomotives lead a westbound freight train into Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, on a clear day in November 2005.
![Two QJ steam locomotives lead a westbound Jitong Railway freight train through a sweeping curve in the mountains just east of Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5708%2F23228880034_61c14a6755_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two QJ steam locomotives lead a westbound Jitong Railway freight train through a sweeping curve in the mountains just east of Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![Two QJ steam locomotives lead a westbound Jitong Railway freight train into Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5760%2F23830925676_f00fc652a4_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two QJ steam locomotives lead a westbound Jitong Railway freight train into Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![Steam shrouds a westbound QJ steam locomotive approaching Lindong.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5771%2F23857043475_b81362703c_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Steam shrouds a westbound QJ steam locomotive approaching Lindong.
![As the sun sets in Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, an eastbound freight train pulls into the siding.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5640%2F23489113879_73a9b48e59_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
As the sun sets in Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, an eastbound freight train pulls into the siding.
![The Jitong Railway's morning passenger train departs Lindong at dawn in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5790%2F23748660092_53f659bc5b_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Jitong Railway's morning passenger train departs Lindong at dawn in November 2005.
![A westbound Jitong Railway freight train approaches Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, on a hazy November morning in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5724%2F23830921206_b2cccb2dfa_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A westbound Jitong Railway freight train approaches Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, on a hazy November morning in 2005.
![Two QJ steam locomotives lead a Jitong Railway westbound freight train through a sweeping curve just outside of Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5772%2F23857038655_85b38757eb_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two QJ steam locomotives lead a Jitong Railway westbound freight train through a sweeping curve just outside of Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![A worker loads a bag of rice into a boxcar in Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5727%2F23489109429_29100fd742_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A worker loads a bag of rice into a boxcar in Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![The setting sun outlines the pagoda and an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train at Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F622%2F23230217243_d939edb1a1_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The setting sun outlines the pagoda and an eastbound Jitong Railway freight train at Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![A westbound JItong Railway freight train sweeps through a curve near Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, by the light of the full moon in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F601%2F23230216283_b065f49413_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A westbound JItong Railway freight train sweeps through a curve near Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, by the light of the full moon in November 2005.
![Jitong Railway workers repair the main line just east of Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5806%2F23748654732_ccdd42a145_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway workers repair the main line just east of Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, in 2005.
![Jitong Railway worker at Tianshan (Chabuga), Inner Mongolia, China, as the sun sets in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5712%2F23230214193_0fc7c67ee2_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway worker at Tianshan (Chabuga), Inner Mongolia, China, as the sun sets in November 2005.
![The Jitong Railway's westbound local passenger train charges up the grade west of Tianshan, Inner Mongolia, China, by the light of the full moon in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5638%2F23857034455_0ccd0b310c_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The Jitong Railway's westbound local passenger train charges up the grade west of Tianshan, Inner Mongolia, China, by the light of the full moon in November 2005.
![At dawn of a November day in 2005, the Jitong Railway's eastbound local passenger train steams through the fields approaching Tianshan, Inner Mongolia, China.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F718%2F23830914526_16e9554279_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
At dawn of a November day in 2005, the Jitong Railway's eastbound local passenger train steams through the fields approaching Tianshan, Inner Mongolia, China.
![The full moon rises over the Jitong Railway's Chabuga engine terminal at Tianshan, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5791%2F23489102889_de9d92f874_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The full moon rises over the Jitong Railway's Chabuga engine terminal at Tianshan, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![A westbound Jitong Railway freight train charges up the grade west of Tianshan, Inner Mongolia, China, on a moonlit night in November 2005. The orange glow on the steam comes from the open doors of the firebox as the fireman adds another shovel full of coal.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F630%2F23830911876_71878fed3d_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
A westbound Jitong Railway freight train charges up the grade west of Tianshan, Inner Mongolia, China, on a moonlit night in November 2005. The orange glow on the steam comes from the open doors of the firebox as the fireman adds another shovel full of coal.
![The morning sun silhouettes the Jitong Railway's bridge at Reshui, Inner Mongolia, China, on a November 2005 morning as a westbound passenger special crosses.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5659%2F23748647662_cf20189f83_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The morning sun silhouettes the Jitong Railway's bridge at Reshui, Inner Mongolia, China, on a November 2005 morning as a westbound passenger special crosses.
![Regular steam operations on the Jitong Railway over Jinpeng Pass in Inner Mongolia ended in spring 2005, but a steam passenger special crossed the pass in November of that same year, just a month before all steam operations ceased.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F624%2F23748646972_3b9beb7361_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Regular steam operations on the Jitong Railway over Jinpeng Pass in Inner Mongolia ended in spring 2005, but a steam passenger special crossed the pass in November of that same year, just a month before all steam operations ceased.
![Regular steam operations on the Jitong Railway over Jinpeng Pass in Inner Mongolia ended in spring 2005, but a steam passenger special crossed the pass in November of that same year, just a month before all steam operations ceased.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F734%2F23857027025_95758286e7_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Regular steam operations on the Jitong Railway over Jinpeng Pass in Inner Mongolia ended in spring 2005, but a steam passenger special crossed the pass in November of that same year, just a month before all steam operations ceased.
![Railroad photographers flock to a steam-powered passenger special crossing Inner Mongolia's Jingpeng Pass on the Jitong Railway in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F694%2F23774518251_c7b289773e_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Railroad photographers flock to a steam-powered passenger special crossing Inner Mongolia's Jingpeng Pass on the Jitong Railway in November 2005.
![Jitong Railway passenger special crossing the viaduct at Simingyi on Inner Mongolia's Jingpeng Pass in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F647%2F23748644742_594c16abd1_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway passenger special crossing the viaduct at Simingyi on Inner Mongolia's Jingpeng Pass in November 2005.
![Westbound, diesel-powered freight train meeting an eastbound, steam-powered passenger special at the summit of Jingpeng Pass in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F749%2F23830905376_7bb7c219e6_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Westbound, diesel-powered freight train meeting an eastbound, steam-powered passenger special at the summit of Jingpeng Pass in November 2005.
![After meeting a freight train, a steam-powered passenger special pulls onto the Jitong Railway main line at Jingpeng Pass on a November afternoon in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5784%2F23748642642_e4fff8d161_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
After meeting a freight train, a steam-powered passenger special pulls onto the Jitong Railway main line at Jingpeng Pass on a November afternoon in 2005.
![After meeting a freight train, a steam-powered passenger special departs Jingpeng Pass on a November afternoon in 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F751%2F23748641862_12172d7c57_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
After meeting a freight train, a steam-powered passenger special departs Jingpeng Pass on a November afternoon in 2005.
![Jitong Railway workers lay rail for a new yard track in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F622%2F23830902556_ca3e30969f_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway workers lay rail for a new yard track in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![Jitong Railway workers clean the firebox of a QJ steam locomotive in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F671%2F23748640182_ca0268e9fd_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway workers clean the firebox of a QJ steam locomotive in Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005.
![Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotive no. 7143 receives a load of coal at Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005, as several workers look on.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5685%2F23857019705_6b277d48fd_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotive no. 7143 receives a load of coal at Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, in November 2005, as several workers look on.
![Jitong Railway worker and QJ steam locomotive at Daban in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5812%2F23857018565_99b0e112c9_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway worker and QJ steam locomotive at Daban in November 2005.
![Jitong Railway workers in the Daban ashpit in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F748%2F23230197063_88c318fb94_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway workers in the Daban ashpit in November 2005.
![Jitong Railway's eastbound passenger train departs Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, under the light of the moon in the wee hours of a November 2005 morning.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5771%2F23830897216_36664b09c3_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Jitong Railway's eastbound passenger train departs Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, under the light of the moon in the wee hours of a November 2005 morning.
![Two Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotives lead an eastbound freight train out of Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, just after sunrise on a November 2005 morning.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5641%2F23774506781_8f44bea1ef_k.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
Two Jitong Railway QJ steam locomotives lead an eastbound freight train out of Daban, Inner Mongolia, China, just after sunrise on a November 2005 morning.
![The evening passenger train arrives at the Jitong Railway station in Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, on a November 2005 evening.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5779%2F23774506111_bf2e7000e7_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The evening passenger train arrives at the Jitong Railway station in Lindong, Inner Mongolia, China, on a November 2005 evening.
![The conductor of a westbound Jitong Railway freight train relaxes in his caboose during the run from Lindong to Daban in November 2005.](https://scottlothes.com/wp-content/plugins/justified-image-grid/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F680%2F23774505181_4501a4f01e_h.jpg&h=400&q=90&f=.jpg)
The conductor of a westbound Jitong Railway freight train relaxes in his caboose during the run from Lindong to Daban in November 2005.