Quote:
Originally Posted by astroron
|
Hi Ron,
Thanks for the link. They are certainly something that gets into the blood
and I think because they do stimulate every sense they are an exciting mode
of transport.
I remember in China even in the mid-80's they were commonplace, with something
like one being manufactured a day up in Datong and seven out of eight trains
in China then drawn by steam locomotives. By the early 90's, they could still
be seen but were already less common. To see them come shunting through the
station in the freezing, early morning mist, blowing their whistles as they went by,
was a romantic sight. I believe only about three years ago they officially
pulled the last from active service in the network, but undoubtedly there are
some still operating in some capacity there somewhere.
Though not as common as they were in China, you would also see the occasional
steam train in India in the mid 80's.
Alas, diesel and diesel electric are not quite the same.
Thanks again for the link!
Best Regards
Gary
P.S.
For train and travel fanatics, highly recommended is Paul Theroux's 1975 book "The Great Railway Bazaar"
about traveling from London to Asia and back again by train.
To this day, when traveling anywhere, Mai and I will warn each other "not to get
duffilled", an expression borrowed from
the book. Early on his trip, Theroux shares a compartment with a man by the name of Duffill. At some point,
Duffill alights the train to buy some snacks on the platform, only to get left behind when the train suddenly departs,
his luggage still on board.
I traveled across India in 1977 by Steam Train which was quite an experience, 
then I realised they all wanted to speak to me
