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- Sandaoling, January 2008 -

The dawn chorus - Two JS class locos storm upgrade from the CNR exchange sidings
towards the mine. In January, this nearly always seemed to occur at daybreak, right on the limits
of available light for photography.

Another morning, another train. With up to 60 wagons between them, the two JS class locos provide
one of the most spectacular shows in China, working their train upgrade across the desert.

Shades of Baotou - almost! The spoil tips of Sandaoling where they dump the already combusting coal and shale.

Only a light engine, but with January morning temperatures around -25C, it's well worth getting the camera out of the bag!

In the clear desert air, a "JS" pushes spoil over a frozen river, and on, up to the tips.

On one occasion during our visit, the empties working happened during mid-morning.
Very welcome it was too - with the later time, the temperature rose to a balmy -20C!

A "JS" in repose, in the smokey interior of the depot.

That rare breed at Sandaoling - an SY shunts around the yard.

The "JS" has it all under control, hauling 30 empty wagons up the line from China Rail.