China 2003

New York Railroads

CHINA STEAM 2003
Jingpeng Pass
February-March 2003

Photography by Tom Trencansky

Once in a lifetime! China was just a distant name of a country, that is, before my friends convinced me to accompany them for a two-week visit to see steam in 2003. I love trains and have photographed them extensively throughout the US and Canada but never thought about more distant lands.

We were with an organized group [small] and were able to be flexible on where we went and what we wanted to photograph. There are many GREAT photographs of these trains in locations that are absolutely flawless and spectacular, but require extensive hiking and limiting photography to only an occasional train. This was probably our only venture to this land so we made an effort to set up for some spectacular views and hiked into a couple, BUT, we also devoted some time to being mobile, in a small mini-van, and moving along the Pass, "railfanning" that particular train as it worked its way up either side.

Both methods can yield excellent photographs with the decided advantage to the mobile approach when trains were few and far between. Due to our once-in-a-lifetime visit and limited days on the pass, taking 7 very good, clear views of a train in 7 locations, including meets with the next opposing train was well worth the effort. We were active fans and after just one trip over the pass from Reshui to Jingpeng, we knew and planned for dozens of views, if and when a train would operate through, keeping in mind direction and time of day for lighting. The 40-50 miles of road and track were absolutely easy to follow planning views ahead of time.

Once in a lifetime. A few days at the pass allowed us literally hundreds of views, from spectacular overlooks to views of the people and villages. This area of China, in 2003 was like visiting an American rail facility in the 1930's or 40's. I hope you enjoy this brief glimpse.

Photographs by Tom Trencansky, Dryden, NY

Just a test. The last view is not on the Pass but rather a nightview of the logging operation at Weihe in northeastern China. That railroad survived just a few short weeks after our February 2003 visit and we witnessed what would be the end of that era.
But that's another story, for another page one day.

Jingpeng Pass. GREAT place. I hope you enjoyed this brief look at what has to be one of the most spectacular steam operations left in the world.

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