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News by Ronald Olsen 6 Dec 2007: The accident
23/11/07 on Ji-Tong near Xilinhaote occurred at HuiTangLiang
station. The cause has been attributed to the crew of one of the
DF4B's falling asleep and passing a stop signal. One of the
effects of this has been the reemergence of Haoluku as a crew change
point. The crews have been complaining that the run from Baiqi to
Daban is too long and fatigue has been a problem. Haoluku is now
being repaired and will be soon be in service again. A picture of QJ7119 in
Daban, taken by Shao Hui on December 22 is here. And here are a few pictures
from the last days of the festival, by Darryl Bond.
Repairs to steam engines QJ 7119 and 7038 were completed in the
beginning of December, they were
operated in the jiwuduan and found to be serviceable. They were
allowed to go cold again and will be used on the Dec 24 - Jan 1 runs
over the Jingpeng Pass. At present, the idea is to run them from
Galadesitai to Jingpeng in the morning, and again in the
afternoon. I told them that photographers might like them to be
run for three days this way, then have a rest day (for any small
repairs), bring them back to Daban, turn them, and run them Jingpeng to
Galadesetai. This would allow people to see them working up Si
Ming Yi Bridge, Biligou bridge, Xiakenzi, and Erdi curve. They
seem to understand this, and there is some discussion about running one
locomotive only on a train from Gala to Jingpeng this way, and the
other running east, departing after it arrives. this would give
four trains a day through the Pass, and photographers would be
well-positioned for each run. The
operating schedule is here. They do say that there are plans to run
them next year
again, in March for a German operator, AND the year after
that! I haven't talked to the
701 people about the repairs, but I suspect they were in Daban to
certify the boilers for operation.
Since the beginning of this month, QJs are working tender first to Linxi to fetch downbound trains, mostly coal loaded in Linxi, to Daban and thus save diesel turns.
10 new diesel engines, probably DF4D from Dalian, should arrive in Daban. Diesel tanks have been built northeast of Daban depot.
Since end of September, 3 DF4B, 9010, 9516, 9516, are allocated Daban to Chabuga section. On October 14, of the class QJ, only 17 freight engines, one passenger engine (7081) and two shunters (6981, 6991) were serviceable.
Most trains on section Daban-Chabuga run with maximum train lengths and their weight between 3000 and 4000 tons, most of them with two QJ
Tourist train 142 ran the last time on October 6, with QJ 7119 Chabuga to Daban.
Three tracks outside the locomotive planning office in Daban depot were allocated diesel engines since October 9. Only one track is left fro steam. Most of the steam locomotive equipment has been torn down with the depot now looking like a modern diesel facility.
Jitong railways is going to publish a book about their steam traction at their ten years anniversary.
Baiqi still has 23 stored steam engines, and some of the Daban engines are stored in serviceable condition.
Many stations are being upgraded with a third track and longer tracks (850 m long), as well as light signals, usage is to start in early November 2005.
A detailed report by Bernd Seiler is available here
Bad News: Steam in Daban is planned to finish on October 31, 2005 (maybe November 30). They are going to retain 5 QJs for tourist service, amongst them QJ 7038, 7081 and 7119.
New passenger train (from June 28th to Aug 30): L 114 (Hailaer to Hohhot) hauled by steam on the section Chabuga to Daban. Morning hours westbound! From Chauga 9.21, Water stop in Gulumanhan 11.02-11.10, Daban arrival 11.58. The aestbound train (L 113) passes through Lindong in the dark at 22:42. Both trains only run every second day. The train consists of QJ (normally 7030) and 13 green coaches.
Train 6051 was rescheduled: From Daban eastwards 4.34 (probably due to faster running times west of Daban). Gulumanhan 5.16, Lindong 6.17-6.25, arrival Chabuga 7.38. Train 6052 leaves from Chabuga at 21.34, about 6 hours later than before. It was pulled by QJ 6911 until August 16, then QJ 7081.
In mid August one more tourist train, L144, departing Chabuga 9.59 westbound, was observed with steam traction (QJ 7010).
QJ 7119 came back from repair this month.
Shunting engine in Chabuga is QJ 6991 without deflectors.
QJ seen in service this month: 6878, 6891, 6911, 6977, 6984, 6988, 6991, 6998, 7002, 7007, 7010, 7012, 7030, 7037, 7040, 7048, 7049, 7063, 7104, 7105, 7143, 7163 and 7164.
Mudanjiang works has closed down now and its equipment was sold to a coal mine railway near Jixi.
The last steam freight Daban - Haoiluku was with QJ 7163 on March 27, back light engine on March 28.
The crews at Linxi, Jingpeng and Yalagaitu will be fired. However, the contract for the crews in Jingpeng and Linxi has been prolonged until the end of 2005.
Daban should have got three more diesel engines at end of April.
A new line from Sanggendalai to Zhenglan Qi power plant should be opened end of this year. The line is planned to run with steam.
On March 27, Daban had three new DF4D: 4240, 4241, 4242. Baiqi still had 11 workable steam locomotives, for work towards Haoluku. Daban was still running at least one steam train daily over to Haoluku. On March 24, 6986 and 6992 were over, on March 27 number 7163.
Daban depot looks like a scrapyard, with new withdrawn engines being 6751, 6882, 6828, 6905, 6884, 6850, 6851. They are still cutting up engines, porbably one per week.
Nearing the end of steam traction at the Jingpeng pass This is the number of steam trains which were over the pass in daylight time in the month after January 8, 2005. This number is calculated from reports of visitors on English and Japanese website. This is quite far down from 100% steam in early autumn 2004!
Month/ Day---West/East bound
There is am imbalance, which is probably balanced during the nights with return trips.
March 15 was announced as the end date for steam operation on this section.
The end of January 2005 saw the first Plandampf trains between Daban and haoluku, arranged for by Bernd Seiler (www.farrail.net)
Photos from autumn 2004 are posted at hhtp://www.angelfire.com/mac/qj/2004bilder/index.html
Dieselization: Probably the most important reason for using diesels is the ability to increase train weigths, as the line is reaching its capacity limits. As a general rule, a DF4 can pull about 50% more train weight than a QJ. The trouble is cost, both capital investment and fuel. A used DF4B costs 500.000 Yuan, a new DF4D costs 4.7 million. However, maintenance cost on the old DF4Bs is high. Frost safe diesel costs 3,91 Yuan per litre, which gives a per ton price about 12 times as high as coal.
From the end of October to the middle of November, ten "new" used DF4B arrived at Daban. Daban had 6 DF4B on October 31, 8 on November 1, 14 soon after. Some older QJs were withdrawn from service. These diesels were partly from Baiqi, replaced by ten new Dailan built DF4D (numbers 4171 to 4180). They are in use between Daban and Haoluku, however, up to one DF4 may be in service between Daban and Chabuga. Daban has contracted more than 20 pensioners from China Rail Chifeng depot to work on their DF4Bs and train crews for 6 months.
Daban expects three or four more DF4B from Baiqi after four more DF4D are delivered there in spring 2005. They also expect six more used DF4B to be delivered from China Rail in spring.
These diesels are going to virtually abandon steam between Daban and Haoluku.
When they have enough diesels, they plan to abandon the depot at Chabuga and run diesels through from Daban to Tongliao. This will probably happen at the end of 2005 or beginning of 2006. Daban is going to fire more than 200 people after going diesel.
Jitong management announced on Jan 26 that they will keep five QJs for museum purposes.
They are running trains depending on weight to transport and availability of engines. Between Daban and Chabuga as well as Haoluku and Baiqi, heavier trains are generally run with two QJ engines. Trains may weigh up to 4000 tons. Between Daban and Haoluku, traction is difficult to predict, it can be one or two QJ, steam and diesel blended, or one or two DF4. One DF4 can pull trains up to 1750 tons, 2 DF4 trains up to 3500 tons. Some trains, especially westbound trains with a lot of empty cars, may be longer than the station sidings. The railway plans to increase station length from next year. If a DF4 and a QJ share a train, the QJ will normally not work if speed exceeds 30 km/h.
The cost equation has turned slightly in favor of diesel, as the coal price for (bad) coal has risen to 400 Yuan per ton. Diesel trains run faster also, as they need no stops for water and fire cleaning in Jingpeng and Linxi. However, on the line itself, a fully loaded (i.e. heavier than steam) diesel powered train will not run faster than with steam engines, i.e. about 20 km/h upwards from Jingpeng to Shangdian. The trouble is that diesel is still more expensive than steam in use, thus the railway will loose money when totally abandoning steam. This can only be recovered if they run heavier trains, i.e. higher capacity.
Baiqi will only get four new DF4D in spring 2005, but give the DF4B (9516 to 9518) to Daban. Thus steam between Baiqi and Haoluku should remain in service for some time.
Daban is still sending engines for major overhauls to Jinzhou 701 works, Sujiatun and for intermediate overhauls to Tonghua and Fuxin. About 9 QJ are in the works at any time. Rumours tell that all 6xxx QJs should be withdrawn by end of June 2005 and all 7xxx QJ at the end of 2005. However, locomotives 6851, 6853, 6988, 6991 and 6992 have been to major overhauls in December 2004, contradicting this.
Baiqi has still planned running of 10 steam services between Baiqi and Haoluku, with about 17 available QJs. But Baiqi also has a new series of DF4D, numbered between 4171 and 4180, running partially between Baiqi and Haoluku, some even in double traction. Steam is also used a lot more than before in double traction.
The diesel express train between Huhehaote and Tongliao is still runing like in the summer 2004 timatable. The steam trains have slightly changed times.
The steam trains 6057 and 6058 between Daban and Tongliao have been cancelled as from December 1, 2004. The remaining passenger engine QJ 6911 between Daban and Chabuga now runs with three crews, not 2 as before. On the Daban to Haoluku run, there are still two engines sharing passenger service, runing with two crews each. Typically, these engines are 6992 and 6751.
The new Trans-Mongolian Highway has been closed in January 2005. It had been open for inofficial use, but has now been physically closed, probably awaiting the construction of toll booths.
JiTong already bought ten new DF4D for Baiqi. These ten units will arrive mid to end October. After they are put into service, Baiqi will send ten to twelve DF4/DF4B to Daban for service to Haoluku, at least this winter. Further diesel will be aquired until October 2005. Baiqi is going to be all diesel October 2005.
Good news: Daban - Chabuga returned to 100 % steam. Trains between Daban and Chabuga are up to 4000 tons, reshunted at Daban. They use double traction most of the time.
The reason why they do not need conductor cars if a diesel is in the front: A monitoring device for brake pressure at the end of the train: DF4s have the necessary receiver, QJs have not.
The Jingpeng mafia is still active - but got wet! Police is harmless - you can kick these guys in their arse if you like! After confrontation with some foreigners the mafia was absent in the beginning of October.
Some test runs with DF4B over the Jingpeng pass were run. Otherwise Daban to Haoluku is still 100% steam.
The 4 Daban based DF4B are taking about 20-30% of the freight trains Daban - Chabuga. Partly with QJ as second engine. Refuelling is done from trucks in Daban. Turnaround time for a DF4 is 60 minutes.
Benhong has still a QJ for shunting, but else, Baiqi to Benhong is 100% diesel. Baiqi to Haoluku is 20% diesel.
A lot of dumped QJs were being cup up in Daban this month.
DF4 0548, 0552, 0570, 0636 arrived Daban shed for crew training between Daban to Chabuga. Locomotive 0548 had the first Chabuga to Daban freight on 27.7. 2004.
JiTong has decided to officially request 10 DF4 from the Shenyang railway bureau, these locomotives are currently gathered at Tongliao shed. The frist four are above, one (0666) is going to Baiqi. I have no idea about the remaining locomotives. It may also be some are from Jining and going to Baiqi.
The section Zhelimu-Chabuga is effectively under CNR operational control, therefore all cabooses have to be detached from east-bound trains (and added onto trains running westbound) at Chabuga.
Deflectorless 6389 does the shunting at Chabuga.
Baiqi depot is busy cutting up the long lines of scrapped engines: the job has been outsourced and 5 engines were cut up in the last week of June only!
On the section to Haolokou, trains are dominantly steam hauled, on 4 days of linesiding in this section only 1 diesel hauled freight train was seen. The passenger is still steam.
Passenger trains: patronage on the K503/504 DMU has improved and JiTong is happy with the booking numbers - while the service of the local stopping train 6057/6058 is endangered to be finished by the end of the year, (due to unsatisfactory booking levels).
An Australian, Ian Auldist, is currently living in Daban.He can probably give up-to-date knowledge about the road situation, or assistance to passing groups. Contact him at ianauldist@hotmail.com or on mobile 13947628209.
Benhong _ Baiqi
The traffic to Benhong is nearly 100% diesel with DF4B and DF4D. Only the passenger is still a steam duty. Responsible for this section is the depot of Baiqi.
Baiqi _ Haoluku
On this section, the loco depot of Baiqi is responsible for the traction. So they are using a diesel if ever it_s possible. We saw about 80% steam and 20% diesel.
Haoluku _ Daban
Still 100% steam
Daban - Chabuga
For this section, Daban is responsible as well. As they just took over all steam locos of Chabuga, they are able to operate more than 50% of all freight trains with two engines. Whether it makes economic sense or not is doubtful.
Chabuga - Zhelinmu
This section was served by the locos from Chabuga until April 1st, 2004. Now the JiTong line leased DF4Bs from China Railways together with China Railways staff. The workers and engineers from Chabuga are at the state railway_s school to learn how to drive and how to maintain diesel locomotives.
The main question is: When will the remaining steam vanish? To make it short: nobody knows. All reports with fixed dates are rumours and guesswork. The managers in charge are not willing to give you a fixed date. It_s a Chinese problem: the man who made a decision is responsible for the success of it. If you do not change a running system, you_ll not make a mistake. All available information said that steam is by far cheaper than diesel, at least on the section Daban _ Haoluku. In March 2003 they made several more test runs with diesel over the pass. The result of these test runs was that the management was not satisfied. There are several reasons which are difficult to explain. However, it is a fact that neither economical nor technical concerns would stop dieselisation. However, there are some facts that clearly show the future:
1) All 30 steam locomotives assigned to Chabuga were sent to Daban.
2) 17 of the 30 locomotives are dumped in Daban, the rest went into service, mainly to improve the traction of the trains between Chabuga and Daban from single headed to double headed trains. Maybe, it_s just to maintain the surplus manpower.
3) The loco depot of Chabuga, normally staffed with 240 employees, has only 60 remaining employees. The rest was sent to China Rail for education in diesel locomotives.
4) The school period for loco drivers is 15 days only. As long as they are not back to Daban, loco crews from China Railways are working on the leased DF4 locomotives of China Railways.
5) The education for maintenance workers will take 5 months. As long as this staff is not back to Daban, there will be leased China Railways locomotives on the line Tongliao _ Chabuga. After they return to Chabuga, we will have to wait and see what will happen. Maybe, JiTong will purchase used diesels from the state railway.
6) Overhauls for QJs continues as usual. There are five workshops which are used by JiTong: Baicheng, Sujiatun, Mudanjiang, Dahushan, Fuxin
We saw QJ 6912 just returning to Baiqi from a heavy overhaul.
7) A group of engineers visited Daban to decide at which place they want to build the diesel fuel station. No additional work for diesel was done until now. No contract with a private company was signed, no parts were ordered. But, on paper everything is done already.
8) There is no opportunity to repair diesel locomotives in Daban until now. To establish the full facilities and train the workers they need at least six months.
9) They introduced a system of white, yellow and red stars to make it public which loco crew cares for the boilers of their engines well, and which do not. (This system has been in use before also). At every boiler washout they_ll add a new star on the smoke deflectors. A red star shows to others that the boiler was in excellent condition, a yellow star is given for a boiler in medium shape, and a white star is for one in very bad condition. The loco crews will not get any additional payment for good boiler conditions. It is a competition for fame and recognition.
10) The loco crews will get money for saving coal and oil. They_ll get a compensation for less consumption with the same amount as they saved money for the railway. The maximum premium is capped at 200 Yuan per month and per person.
11) The salaries improved another time. Loco drivers now can earn up to 2.000 Yuan per month, while firemen can earn up to 1.400 Yuan. JiTong is paying very good salaries to their workers and this improves the living conditions in the whole region. The local people are keen to get a job with the railway while it seems that the railway workers (although there are many thefts of railway property_ to sell to foreigners) are at least a bit proud to be an employee of this railway.
12) There are plans to purchase new diesel, even if they have to spend a huge amount of money to do so. They_re discussing about nine or ten in 2004. There is no decision made on which section they_ll use these units. But there are people with a significant influence on decisions who want to see the first diesels on the section Daban _ Haoluku over the Jingpeng pass.
13) The main problem for an overnight change of traction are the non existing facilities for the maintenance of diesels in Daban. in addition to the training of the _groundî staff.
Conclusion
According to the little information with which we can be reasonably confident, we can make some educated guesses.
JiTong will be dieselised for sure. It_s only a question of a short time: in the best scenario two years; in the worst case, of two months. Dieselisation is planned step by step. In my opinion, steam operation over the pass will be untouched until August 2004. By the end of August, Chabuga will have both trained workers and facilities for diesel maintenance. So Daban can send their locos to Chabuga for repairs or scheduled checks. As the locos from Daban reach Chabuga regularly there is no problem in doing this. I think that the JiTong management will wait for some weeks before they introduce diesel on the pass to give the Chabuga staff time to get some experience in repairing diesels. So from October 2004 onwards I expect to see diesel on the section Daban _ Haoluku. Not 100 % suddenly, but more and more. The next winter might be see some steam at the pass, but I do not expect the same spectacle as it was before as every train ran with steam. So far Bernd Seiler in AApril 2004.
The line is operating at max capacity in March.
Diesel News: Plans vary a lot. New dates for total dieselization for Chabuge to Zhelimu are constantly changing. On March 20 most trans were still steam, and no diesel engines visible in Chabuga.
On Feb 28 to March 2, Baiqi to Benhong was 100% diesel on freights trains. On March 3, even the passenger train was diesel west of Baiqi. On March 15 and onwards, the remaining coal at the depot in Benhong was removed. Passenger engine QJ 6633 was moved to Daban (unsure if for repair). Baiqi engine QJ 6854 was moved eastwards east of Chabuga on March 20, in tow in a freight train, rods removed. Probably for overhaul.
New report from Daban indicates that Daban to Haoluku is planned to be diesel from this summer. Other reports speak of next winter.
In the middle of March, one heavy freight train was helped from Hadashan to Shangdian by a third engine coupled to the back of the train (Ron Olsen reported). First train with trple traction?
Summary of a Management Meeting in Jitong Railway on Jan 17 about
steam policy (thanks to Bernd Seiler):
In 2004 no NEW diesels (but probably 10 used ones) will be bought.
Zhelimu to Chabuga shall be run completely by leased DF4 from April 1
(later, Mr Heliwen from Daban said March 15). The passenger train is
the last to be dieselized.
Baiqi-Benhong is next to be run by diesel engines. Just now, Baiqi
still has 6 QJ for freights and 2 QJ for passenger trains on this
section. These engines will be replaced by used China Rail DF4 to be
bought. The QJ will be transferred to Daban then to replace older
engines. The other 20 QJ in Baiqi will continue running 100% of
services on Baiqi to Haoluku.
In 2004, Chabuga-Daban-Haoluku-Baiqi will be steam hauled only. In
spring 2005, diesel engines should be introduced to gradually replace
steam. This should be finished in end of 2005/ beginning of 2006.
Daban- Haoluku will probably be the last steam section.
Major repairs on Jitong steam locomotives are just now done in Jilin.
Chabuga - Zhelimu passenger train remains steam, freights some diesel, some steam.
On 1 Dec, DF4 0544 from Tongliao depot had the first freight train with diesel to Chabuga.
Many locomotive people are slowly learning diesel theory. But it takes some time. The first they learn is the different brake valve at the DF4, it being a type JZ-7 instead of the ET-6 at the QJ, but real training in diesel theory is only done to drivers who just now have no engine, for example because it is in the works. The five DF4A (0444, 544, 549, 568, 0658, hired from Tongliao depot), plus DF4D 4054 from Baiqi, in Chabuga, are primarily used for crew training, i.e. for crews who already learnt the theory.
They are now withdrawing engines with boilers more than 20 years old. 6125 was withdrawn on December 8 and dumped into the fenced compound at Daban on Dec 9. QJ 6110 is still working. Earlier during this year, 6230 and 6274 were withdrawn and their motion reused with newer boilers.
For visiting the Daban shed: Mr Sao Hui (or Shou Hui?) is replacing HeLiWen. Fee is 200 as ever. If you do not speak Chinese, Mr Sao Hui asks Mr XuBin for help. No problems to get into the shed. But (illegal) hard selling of stuff is going on. Buy stuff (number plates etc) from Sao Hui, and it will be legal at least.
Many engines have been repaired, intermediate repairs, jiaxiu, at Tonghua this year. Even major repairs are still going on.
High load: A train of 2900 tons weight has been run with QJ 6884 from Daban to Chabuga. Slow in the upslopes Daban - Baomutu and near Gulumanhan, but no problem. Westbound, loads of 2300 tons seem to be the maximum.
Coal use: On the passenger train Daban - Chabuga, the coal use is about 5 tons, westbound 7 tons. With 2300 tons load, coal use Daban - Haoluku has been 16 tons on each locomotive on not too bad engines!
Passenger train schedule: The China Rail schedule still lists trains 997/998, Huhehaote - Daban. They do not run, however. Trains A 263 / 264 run Tongliao - Huhehaote via Daban every second day!
DF4 are hired in from Tongliao (China Rail) and will serve on the line Zhelimu to Chabuga from 1st December, together with QJ.
Diesel test: 2003.09.23. to 09.27 Zhelimu-Chabuga has a diesel engine for testing, Zhelimu to Chabuga 2800T; Chabuga to Zhelimu 3500T. (DF4D 9518, probably on its way to Changchun for overhaul).
The DMU express trains number 995 to 998 are cancelled. However, the steam trains A201 and A202 are running this summer.
An earthquake strength 5.9 on richter scale hit the area in August 16. The worst affected towns are said to be Bairin Zuoqi (Lindong) and Ar Horqin Qi (Tianshan/Chabuga). 2700 homes are reported to be destroyed and 24000 damaged. Xinhua news agency claims it is the worst earthquake in the area for 700 years. The report on Xinhuanet places the epicentre at 43.9N 119.7E, i.e. right by the Jitong line a few km east of Yamenmiao (between Lindong and Chabuga). The railway and hotels along the railway are OK. Lindong station did not collapse, but had to be rebuilt after the quake.
Dieselization: DF4D 9516 to 9518 Ziyang built 2003 new in Baiqi. Baiqi to Benhong to be Diesel in 2003 completely. Steam Baiqi to Haoluku and all else remains as is this year.
Train Baotou to Tongliao number A201, back A202 goes from Baotou on even days, back on odd days, until March 31. Stops only on major stations. Train has 9-10 green cars type 25, YZ, CA, RW, YW. Steam on Jitong line.
Steam special passenger train for English group on March 1 and 2.
Cab riding on Jingpeng pass: Loco crews are fined 200 Yuan if the wrong person sees foreigners on board. This means they will charge at least 300 normally if somebody wants to be on board. You may get an official permit, price however unknown from aodu@jttlgs.com (english is understood there).
QJ 6992 is normally driving A201 and A202 between Daban and Haoluku. The other passenger engine on this section is 6751.
Passenger engines have only 2 crews. These engines normally do only one turn per day between Daban and Haoluku, as opposed to the freight engines who run out and back.
Jitong is constructing a new line Sangendalai to Zhenglan Qi, power station to be built there. Opens in 2005, to haul coal from Xilinhot. Capital has been rised, aomngst other sources, from their own employees.
Mafia at Jingpeng has now a signpost at Simingyi bridge. They are still there! To remind: Payment is not necessary, try to take photos of the guys! They now take 100 Yuan per day.
Freight engines have a turnaround time of less than 24 hours between Daban and Haoluku now. They use 20 engines towards Haoluku from Daban, and 10 towards Chabuga.
The Baiqi based QJs look badly and have a lot of steam leaks. Daban based engines are in a much better shape.
2 empty passenger consists headed for Daban in freight trains in Jan. On 16 Jan 8 white coaches attached to the rear of a goods train in front of the caboose heading west at Yamenmiao. Then a few days later saw a set of 8 silver coaches with a red strip through them, and again just ahead of the caboose heading NE towards Shangdian from Jingpeng. There were 4 rakes of coaches stored at Daban on 16th Jan, each rake being in different colours. These train sets went into service from january 17 as a new train Tongliao - Daban - Jining - Baotou, as far as is known with steam traction. However, in February that train consisted of normal green stock!
The mafia is still active, but seems to only hassle groups with guides. Their "fee" is negotiable as before. They have a new dark green Mitsubishi 4WD reg. no. D20814.
Between Benhong and Baiqi, the DF4Ds now dominate the traffic. Only 1 to 3 steam freights during daylight plus the steam passenger were in Baiqi`s log book.
New Daban pilot is QJ6639, deflectorless now. New pilot in baiqi is 7114.
November 3 saw two freight hauling new DF4D through Daban westbound. First train from Chabuga was QJ + freight (including HAULED DF4D 4088). Second train was a chimney-first steaming QJ, the a tender first (dead ?) QJ, + freight, including HAULED DF4D 4090. Both look quite new, but maybe freshly repaired. According to Daban people they are bound for Baiqi, which will give them a total of eight.
QJ 6135 was last operating in 1999. It was stored, on the roster 2000-2001. Locomotive scrapped 2002.
Plans for new timetable for passenger trains are:
The lineup for passenger will be speeded up somewhat , mainly by
bypassing small stations.
Tongliao - Huhehaote Big stations only Steam
Daban - Huhehaote Big stations only diesel express set
Tongliao - Jining nan All stops Steam
Diesels will be used on the east and west ends of the railway on the above Steam-powered trains as before, no change there.
Since October 30, Jitong line has a third set of diesel motor units. It ran from Huhehaote to Daban on October 31. Probably either the Huhehaote to Xilinhaote or the Huhehaote to Daban service is now daily.
The current timetable of Jitong line is valid until December 31.
On 30 October, locos 6375 and 7038 want to Baicheng CNR depot for repair.
October 20 to 23, Jingpeng pass got 45 cm of snow, temerature down to minus 19 C.
Traffic levels are a bit low at this time, due to lack of empty cars in Northern China. Up to 20 engines at a time have been parked at Daban. In general, 35 engines instead of 42 last year are in use. But even with such low traffic volume, locomotives returned from Shangdian to Jingpeng to help the next trains over the pass.
Daban depot has 133 engine crews. Most engines have 3 crews assigned. Passenger engines running Daban - Chabuga have 2 crews. In addition there are some reserve personnel and people under training.
The coal used at Jitong line this autumn is especially bad. It comes from small mines and has an ash content of up to 30%. This means much more firing than usual, much more smoke, and fire cleaning at all stations where they take water.
Jitong line has just now 5 people in Austria, at Plasser and Theurer, for training. The track maintenance machinery is to be deployed at Daban or Linxi.
The small level crossings are now equipped with windmills to generate electricity for radio, TV etc.
This year had a reasonable amount of rain, giving reasonable crops. Some wheat was destroyed by thunderstorms this summer. However, the government has issued new regulations, forbidding animals to be out in the hills after November 15. This is in order to protect against overgrazing. (In the 1950s the whole area was covered by high grass). Thus, many farmers are now reducing their flocks.
The mafia at the Jingpeng pass is still active. They enter the post hotel in Reshui in the evening. During their national day holiday, they took a break. After that, the local police arrested one Chinese guide who refused to pay twice, and CITS had to struggle to get her out. But as a results of complaints, finally the Beijing Tourism Administration is looking into this issue.
Iron ore is loaded at Shangshuitou station. It comes from the iron ore mine by lorry. Also Yuzhoudi station still sends iron ore.
Jitong line has started to sell ash from the depots to local brickworks.
A new road is being constructed in the river bed at Reshui, bypassing the town. The construction work makes crossing the river very difficult at times, leaving the railway bridge as the only access way to the hills.
Intermediate repairs (jiaxiu) are still done at Baicheng, Zhangwu, Dahushan, Fuxin and Tonghua depots. Heavy overhauls at Sujiatun, Changchun, Mudanjiang and JInzhou works. This shows that Mudanjiang is not closed!
A new highway is being constructed between Hailaer and Huhehaote for 30 billion RMB. Construction is visible near Chaganhada, besides the km 666 bridge. Let us hope this motorway will not steal too much traffic from the railway.
Jitong line has produced some nice picture postcard with steam locomotive motives. They sell a package of ten postcards for 15 RMB at Daban depot and Jitong hotel in Reshui.
Aodu travel service of Jitong railway announces that they now can organize group trips in the conductor cars of freight trains. Mail: aodu@jttlgs.com. (For individuals it may still be easier just to ask the conductor).
On September 26, QJ 3073 was parked in Daban depot in fron of the power station outside the rails. It was moved to the depot scrapyard a few days later. QJ 6825 arrived new at the depot this day.
QJ 6925(Daban) and QJ 6997(Baiqi) were noted on successive days at Chabuga returning west after repair. These locos were at Shenyang Bureau depots for minor repairs ("jiaxiu").
6356 was for heavy repair ("changxiu") at Sujiatun.
All facilities and the shed layout were originally designed for diesels. Therefore they will not have to invest a single Yuan in the infrastructure. The maintenance costs of one DF4D is similar to that of two QJs, due to expensive parts.
But the test runs Haoluku - Daban in November 2001 with DF4D produced an interesting result concerning the operating costs.
Fuel Costs:
A QJ consumes 6 tons of coal for a trip to Haoluku and about 3.5 tons
for the way back to Daban. (Remark by Hans Schaefer: This seems a quite
bit low, comparing to what has been seen in reality, but maybe it is
the average...) So you need 19 tons of coal for a return trip with two
QJs. One ton is 240 Yuan. Fuel costs for a round trip are 4,560 Yuan
for a QJ double header.
A DF4 needs 2,800 litres of diesel for Daban - Haoluku and 800 litres
for Haoluku - Daban. A litre diesel is about 2.45 Yuan. So, a DF4
return trip will cost some 8,800 Yuan, 4260 Yuan more than QJ+QJ train.
The costs for the second locomotive crew of a QJ+QJ train make little
difference. A loco driver earns about 1,400 to 1,800 Yuan per month,
firemen 900 to 1,400Y. One crew will have about 11 return trips per
month. So the additional costs for the second crew amounts to some 360
Yuan per roundtrip. There are still some 4,000 Yuan additional profit
left if you use steam instead of diesel. (Hans Schaefer: And then there
is the additional capital cost for a diesel!)
Furthermore a double headed OJ-hauled train has a permitted maximum load of 2,300 tons, a single DF4 only 2,000 tons - 15 percent less...
Five ex Da'an Bei depot QJs are at Changchun works for overhaul. They are destined for Daban.
Freight rates: 0,1 Yuan per ton-km within Jitong railways, 0,08 Yuan per ton-km for transit goods.
Rumours say that Jitong railways seems to have given up the practice of using special passenger locomotives. QJ 7007 and 6631 were in freight service! However, later observations show that they are still using fixed engines to haul the passenger trains. Daban is using 6840 and 6911 in autumn 2002.
Benhong: Police now (March 2002) enforces that Benhong is in a closed area: You are only allowed on the platform of the station, not to the locomotive service station any more.
QJ 6135 is now scrap engine at Daban, not to be repaired. There are three parts locos here off the track, you can take them off the active roster. They are 6135, 2706, and 2388 (missing #2 driving axle). Crushed cabs and running boards indicate that they were lifted off the rails by 160 ton crane NS1601C -1010, in bright orange paint.
The Diesel motor unit is just now running every second day, ODD days from Daban. (Reported in daily service mid January). No run on 31th of month. No one that I have asked knows when the second train will return to service. The train was here in Daban (minus one power car) in August 2001 but is not there now.
Jingpeng photo permission mafia claims they are collecting a government imposed fee. However they refuse an official receipt for the money and are very abusive about the matter. They now have an interpreter (lady). However, people who do not pay are not pestered by them any more even if they met them during days after refusing to pay!
On Jan 30, one DF4 reappeared in service on a Haoluku to Daban freight train. DF4D 5054 has been seen during the days after on, amongst others, a permanent way train. The Jingpeng pass mafia is as active as before. They now even operate their own guide bureau, while they try to force others to pay.
The Jingpeng pass mafia
Unfortunately, the rip off continues. The KeQi Tourism Bureau must be
the only such organisation in the world that fines people for visiting
their area. The grip is RMB 50 per person per day. The grippers have
changed their tactics though. They now patrol the Jingpeng to Reshui
road around 10:30 to 11:30 every morning in a maroon Volkswagen
Santana, reg no
D 20374 . We saw them on the main road and also the old road
through Xiakengzi, as well as on the brick works side road. They go all
the way
to Reshui. They even climb the hills now, at least near the road
(contrary
to earlier practice).
Independent travelers should be aware that even if they stay away from
the roads, they won’t necessarily escape. Hotels have to inform the
police of anyone staying overnight and this information gets back to
the mafia very quickly. One evening we decided to extend our stay at
Reshui by one day. The following morning they knew we had changed our
plans and were demanding more money. However, some people declined
to pay and only got angry discussions, no further trouble as a
result. More see here.
Traffic level in November 2001: During Nov 5 to 18, the average daily traffic was 15 freights or light engine movements in every direction. With about 26 engines for freight use over the Jingpeng pass, this is the maximum they can perform. Some days, locomotive turnaround time was less than 24 hours. Often nearly no engines at depots. Returning engines from Shangdian to Jingpeng amply used. Lots of empty container and empty oil cars going west.
Bill Alborough has provided the following information: "21st
November 2001: from the Daban Chief of Motive Power.
November 13th to 18th DF4D 4055 from Baiqi Depot was borrowed for
traction trials on Jingpeng Pass (Daban - Halokou). A November 19th
assessment meeting decided:
1. Diesel traction reduces Galidesitai - Jingpeng times by 60%, for the
same load, or 35% more load is possible for similar timings.
2. Taking into account, first cost, fuel, maintenance and depot
facilities, far more profit can be achieved by steam traction using two
locos, against 1 diesel.
3. Baiqi depot confirms that since buying 6 diesels and operating them
to Ben Hong, their profit compared to steam is lower. Hence the recent
emphasis on more steam
4. Therefore Daban depot will continue with steam for 3-4 years, will
not buy new or second-hand diesels until a further traction assessment
in 2004."
After the trials, the diesel was sent back to Baiqi (confirmed by Daban
depot on December 4).
DF4 4055 ran on November 14 to 16 on daylight freights, up to 2350
tons. Typical configuration on first three days: DF4D, 3 freight cars,
1 not working QJ, freight train of 2050 tons.
From November 17, the QJ was cut out. The tests continued with DF4D
only in a freight on Nov 18 westbound and November 19 estbound (picture
at SiMingyi).
New projects planned in Inner Mongolia ( Chinadaily 23 Nov 2001):
... 3. Zhenglan Power Plant; (requires the railway to extend there from Sanggendalai) ...
6. Sanggendalai-Zhangjiakou Railway;
7. Hohhot-Junggar Railway;
8. Jining-Zhangjiakou Railway;
12. Chifeng-Daban Railway.
Station buildings at Hadashan and SanDi (new stations) much more
sophisticated than other stations buildings in their architecture.
Shangshuitou has even a mongolian style architecture. (Louis Cerny)
Many more crossings are being equipped with guards. Amongst them the
footpath crossings on level 1 and 2 above Reshui! All
major village roads share this. They have a photo exhibition about
the level crossings at their hotel at Reshui.
The main road crossings are manned with one guard who works 12 hours shifts, 36 hours free, etc. They are equipped with radio. The small crossings are not equipped with radio or phone. The guard lives there with his wife or husband. Always one must be there. The gates are closed at all times and whoever wants to pass must contact the guard. The railway provides the house, monthly pay to them is 500 Yuan per guard family. Many of them must go to the nearest village to get water. They collect coal to burn along the line.
Louis Cerny reports that they load iron ore at Yuzhoudi for westbound trains! That iron mine was still in operation in Oct 2002. There is a new one about 40 km from Shangshuitou.
Shangshuitou: In addition to the new station with two sidings, a junction is planned with a new 40 km line to be built heading northeast to an iron ore mine in the mountains north of Jingpeng. A fill and road overpass has already been constructed for the new iron ore line as it leaves from the east end at Shangshuitou. No completion date for the new line is known. (Louis Cerny)
The triangle of the disused depot at Linxi is demolished due to construction of a new 4 lane road underpass.(Louis Cerny). Map
A new line Chifeng to Daban is proposed for the next five year plan. Construction should be between 2002 and 2007.
Baiqi has now 6 DF4D diesels.
The second diesel motor unit had at least a trial run in September. Thus, daily service from Huhehaote to Daban is restored.
New station under construction: SanDi and Hadashan will have three tracks.Switches are clear for putting into the line. Many trains have 2-3 cars with construction material right behind the engines. Stop at the construction sites for 2-3 hours for unloading. The line is blocked at such times. This happens 2 times daily. Much more traffic at other times then! (Florian Menius)
New stations are being built between Daban and Haoluku. Earthworks are completed, ballast being laid. Stations are SanDi (between Reshui and Liudigou) (Picture , Picture ), Hadashan (between Xiakengzi and Shangdian) ( Pictures ), and Shangshuitou west of Jingpeng.
1 - Some senior locomotive drivers in Daban have received training books about operating diesel locomotives. Not sure if DF4 or diesel motor unit.
2 - Closed area: A recent visitor to the west end of the line was fined RMB500 for entering closed area near Huade (using his own bicycle). Thus: there is at least SOME risk...
3 - Bicycle transportation in passenger trains: Sorry, passenger trains at Jitong railway take no bicycles, because there is no baggage car. Your best choice, if you have your own bike, is to hitch a ride with a freight.
4 - The highest station on the line is indeed De Yi. It is listed at 1513.87 meters at the probably largest cut on the railway. I will provide altitudes of the other stations soon. GPS measuring was accurate to between 2 and 28 meters.
5 - Economies of passenger train (steam and diesel: Operating at a loss, according to management, but probably needed anyway, as it is often the only means of transport, especially for railway people. The charter of Jitong railway is to help develop Inner Mongolia...
Livery is the same as the "Hanlu" DMU or the 160km/h - indicating
livery of CNR`s "25K" - type, air condition coaches which form most
"Tekuai" (T xxx) - express trains. However, this train is not air
conditioned, but still coal fired. Configuration of a set : 4YZ + 1CA +
2YW + 1YZ. No air condition in use, cars still coal fired! In the rear
end, the end is open, only closed by a railing. This gives nice views,
at least during summer, if you want to stand in the rear. In winter
they mount a door.
Fares : With the introduction of the new rolling stock, a "supplement"
of 2Y has been added to the YZ fare - regardless of distance.
The old green cars are worn out, will be scrapped, part of them stored
for reserve, not used on Xilinhaote line.
At first, Jitong line did not use guards at level crossings. One of the few exceptions was the level crossing at the eastern end of Daban station, where trains and shunts passed. Otherwise, most level crossings had no guards until the end of 1999. However, in ealry December 1999, a coal truck was caugt by a train when paasing the level crossing at SanDi (km 509). Two people were killed. The damaged truck was parked for about a weeks time at the level crossing, with a man mounring and everything intact. Then, in about one day, everything was taken by the villagers. The wreck was taken away a short while after. This accident probably triggered the building of guareded crossings along the main road. In June 2000 there were guards along all main road crossings, and in November 2001 even on village road crossings.
