QJ - Qian Jin Class Steam Locomotive

QJ (Qian Jian, Advanced Forward), heavy freight mainline steam locomotive, was constructed between 1956 and 1988. A total of 4708 units were built. The valve gear, cylinders and coupled wheels were derived from the Soviet LV class. This locomotive was built with Soviet technical assistance and many features such as main steam pipe clearly displayed its Russian characteristics. At year 2000, there are not many places where QJ can still be found. One of the last lines that still use QJs for passengers and freight services is Ji-Tong Line (Jining Nan - Tongliao). 

	Dimension layout
	QJ 1018, a shunter at Baisha - April 1998. Photo by Rick Wong.
	QJ 3554 at Sanshui station - April 1998. Photo by Rick Wong.
	Another look at QJ 3554 - April 1998. Photo by Rick Wong.
	QJ 3572 coaling at Sanmao's Baisha Depot - April 1998. Photo by Rick Wong.
	QJ3575 crosses Romanian built diesel ND2 at Sanshui Station - January 1998. Photo by Rick Wong.
	QJ 6886 at Changchun - November 1992. Photo by Robin Gibbons.
	QJ 1174 pulls out of the passing track at Dianbai with an eastbound San Mao freight - Summer 1998. Photo by Robin Gibbons.
	What a fantastic shot! The very essence of the San Mao, a free wheeling QJ rolling a heavy eastbound freight through Wanbian station with its pretty sub-tropical garden. There is something about this photograph that brings to mind Ivo Peters work on the Somerset and Dorset, the same quality of soft summery light, lush greenery and a black painted locomotove... Summer 1998. Photo by Robin Gibbons.
	Another view from the hill overlooking the station at Wanbian. That's an interesting collection of modern buildings on the platform, again adding to the unique 'modern' atmosphere of the San Mao. The station seems to have been inspired by the Sydney Opera House! This shot is a rarity - the QJ is hauling the Guangzhou - Chegdu air-conditioned express, diverted from its normal route for a few days in 1998. There must have been a generator car at the rear of the formation? - Summer 1998. Photo by Robin Gibbons.
	Another S&D shot... showing why its worth trekking along the San Mao in search of the more scenic locations. This is the afternoon westbound local at Xinxing - Summer 1998. Photo by Robin Gibbons.
	An afternoon westbound local leaving Chunwan May 1998. The track in the foreground appears to be the start of a branch but currently goes nowhere (not the one near the depot which ends in a cliff). There are a couple of derelict QJs about 200yds further on. The shed yard is out of sight on the left in the direction from which the train is coming. Note that the San Mao has painted its passenger cars in an elaborate red/white/blue/grey livery very different from the usual green/yellow of most China Rail stock. Photo by Robin Gibbons.
	A QJ on Jitong Line near Jingpeng pass - January 1997. Photo by Roger Gillard.
	Another shot of a QJ on Jitong Line near Jingpeng pass - January 1997. Photo by Roger Gillard.

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