QJ 6988 At Speed

[@victorwesley2725]

Greetings from China,nice to see this thing in such a good shape :D I hope it'll keep on running in the states.

[@nicolasgoldring7128]

从美国的问候。

[@randyyoung3332]

@@nicolasgoldring7128 你好！我们大家都爱看火车，特别是中国火车在美国。

[@nicolasgoldring7128]

@@randyyoung3332 真的吗? 哦、太棒了! 谢谢你的赞美!

[@highflyinryan76weezer25]

QJs are wonderful engines.

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

So far that seems to be the case. We should have another operational QJ here soon since RJ Corman donated theirs to the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. It still has time left on its boiler certification, and likely only needs minor repairs to run again.

[@RsRj-qd2cg]

Wild that 6988 was being built at the same time as the Dash 8 prototype, and there were still a few QJs rolling out when the Dash 8 production run started in the mid 80s.

[@whatthefunk05]

Additionally, the last SYs were rolling out when the Acelas were built

[@AXDrives]

QJ class was the most iconic steam engine of Chinese Railway in 1980’s. During almost 30 years it measures thousands of kilometers of railways in China with its powerful wheels. When somewhere has natural disaster like earthquakes and floods it always runs forward and takes supplies into the disaster area. But much years later the faster, more powerful and more clear energized engines has been invented and they started to be forgotten by people, really feels grateful for our American friends can give the place where they can still work on and can see they wearing American cultural coating and runs on foreign lands. Thanks for the American friends who keep supporting for QJ class and can learned it’s unique stories 🇺🇸🇨🇳

[@ICGDeltaDivision]

I had to stop in the middle of the video to let you know that this is simply great! The sights of a steamer running fast, and the sounds of it at a distance are awesome. I don't know why I haven't seen this already, but thank you for making and posting this video!

[@davidurban6813]

I love your name and the logo. A man after my own heart ❤. And your comment is spot on. Have a great 2022 everyone.

[@stephensmith799]

‘Hear the lonesome whistle blow’

[@1940limited]

Long after we scrapped our ability to manufacture such a machine, China kept them alive. Thank you!

[@joelmarksbury4376]

Because the labor was cheaper than buying new diesels.

[@MrStingray358]

It’s not that we can’t build new ones at all, it’s just that it would be very difficult to build them at an affordable price.

[@RsRj-qd2cg]

Cheap labor, abundant coal but limited petroleum reserves, no environmental ordnances against smoke, and lighter safety requirements. If the same conditions in the US existed, Class I's would've run steam into the 21st century. Dieselization and electrification on the coast of China happened long ago, probably in the late 70s-early 80s. Steam ran much longer in the rural western provinces because the entire region in general wasn't modernized. In the west, there are still large areas where there isn't a power grid.

[@jvondrova]

@@joelmarksbury4376 ccQdqw;22222 Kui. Pooˇlnk. Vy

[@stephensantangelo2054]

Shows how smart they really are !

[@RsRj-qd2cg]

I'm not a fan of the PRC, but it's amazing that they were building the last QJs when GE was rolling out the first Dash 8's, and the Dash 9 was on the drawing board.

[@andrzejszyszo4284]

They couldn't build a good diesel locomotive themselves, but they could build a good steam locomotive. They don't have their oil and they have their coal. They wanted to be self-sufficient and they were. If you are looking for something really amazing then compare the development of China and the US since GE showed the Dash 9.

[@eriknewland3686]

The influence of the Soviet FD class 2-10-2 on which the QJ was based is clear everywhere. Even the whistle!

[@tomankt]

It was based on 1950's LV class (as well 2-10-2), the last Soviet steam locomotive class ever, rather than 1930's FD. (Maybe, the old Chinese series designation FD leads to confusion, but it isn't related to 1930s Soviet FD class). BTW, Soviet FD class itself was very uncommon for Russian/Soviet steam locomotive traditions, being very "american" in design, and also with very low (as for Russian/Soviet traditions) boiler height. While LV was a quite typical late Soviet steam engine class, developed as a more powerful version of previous 1940s (post-WWII) successful class L.

[@eriknewland3686]

@@tomankt I always thought that the QJ was based off the older FD because more of those were exported from the USSR to China (at least I thought so); I didn’t realize it was based off the more modern LV. Thanks for the info! I will say though, to me it actually seems like quite a few Soviet steam locomotives owe certain design aspects to American locomotives (boxpok drivers, box frames, American-style power reverse, that kind of thing. Both American and Soviet rail development prioritized robustness and ease of maintenance, especially with freight designs, so it makes sense that there would be certain similarities.)

[@RavennaRailfan4070]

Spectacular video, old 6988 is absolutely gorgeous, love that they let her run at speed too!

[@eriknewland3686]

Haha. "Old 6988". Pretty sure she was built in the late 80s lol.

[@StryderK]

Which today would be 40 years old........Pretty old for a steamer!

[@mratsfrailfan1894]

@@StryderK that’s pretty young for a steamer

[@WA1LBK]

VERY impressive locomotive at speed! Gives us a good idea now in 2023 what the "glory days" of late - 1940's American steam must have looked (& sounded!) like. Great videography, also! 🙂

[@johntitor2955]

I don't know why I feel like crying when watching this - I haven't seen a steam train for long

[@AstroPghLFilms]

1:01 QJ #6988 CN 5 Chime Sound Effects

[@BCSchmerker]

*This particular QJ, built at CRRC Datong in the early 1980's,* packs a US-standard headlamp (with underslung "6988" number plate) on the smokebox access door and a remotely-rung bell above it as part of an "Americanization" refit. Her sister locomotive 7081 retains the China Rail-spec headlamp on the smokebox door with a remotely-rung gong above it.

[@eal8645]

This is the best compilation I have seen on QJ engines by far. A great video. Thank you.

[@highlandwinterwolf8589]

I hope they plan to keep her in steam and not retire her

[@OctoberChad]

For a low-drivered 2-10-2, that engine is haulin'!

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

They max out around 50-ish. Definitely hauling since QJs were never meant for fast trains in revenue service.

[@johnfellows2867]

The British Railways Class 9F 2-10-0 could touch close to 90 MPH when pushed !

[@ToothlessThedragon9]

2:03 6988 meets a 2001-130 siren

[@Willysmb44]

Great video! I LOVE the shot at 5:45 especially, but it's all very well done.

[@danielboone3770]

I love engine #6988. What a beautiful QJ 2-10-2!

[@tomyrail7468]

what chime are these fitted?

[@Kanten8501]

0:50〜 Nice whistle！！

[@MrBnsftrain]

I'm glad 6988 is running again after 4 years! I wonder if 7081 will be returning soon, or if its undergoing an overhaul?

[@TG-cf6qb]

She just needs some work done before she can run again

[@iatif1995]

7081 is used for parts on 6988

[@trainking79]

@@iatif1995 nuh uh

[@JohnSmith-rr2ti]

Nice shots...thanks for posting. That is one bad MOTHER moving down the tracks...

[@rob7047]

Son and I caught filming at 2:00

[@mratsfrailfan1894]

Konstanley Jerknov ....

[@sargentrowell81]

I'm really wishing that Athearn would make a model of the three Americanized QJ steam locomtives.

[@jpmoney384]

Bachmann did-for the Asian market. You can still see them kicking around eBay in HO.

[@robinzhao4952]

Great to see this. Once my bed was only 10 meters from the rails, where those steamers, including Qianjin, ran pass. Those super fine powder falling from the the roof...

[@Peasmouldia]

I had heard of this QJ being imported into the US.Would love to see one here in the UK, but our loading gauge wouldn't take it, too many low bridges etc. We do have a preserved line with continental LG though. Brilliant vid, thank you sir.

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

@Liu Leo Track gauge is different from loading gauge. Loading gauge is another term for clearance. A QJ would be too fat, too tall, and possibly even too heavy for UK track, even though it is the correct track gauge.

[@raymondleggs5508]

@@blackbirdgaming8147 An SY (basically a clone of the USATC mikado) might fit

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

@@raymondleggs5508 I don’t think there was ever a USATC Mikado. There was a USRA Mikado.

[@raymondleggs5508]

@@blackbirdgaming8147 USATC S200 was a mikado

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

@@raymondleggs5508 It seems there was. However, it still probably wouldn’t fit since I didn’t find anything on the S200s ever being used in the UK. That means they probably weren’t built for UK loading gauge as it wasn’t necessary. The UK has an extraordinarily tight loading gauge.

[@bobcannell7603]

When they stopped building steam locos in 1956 the Soviets gave all their designs and patterns to China. The QJ is a development of the Soviet LV class which in turn was a development of the Reichsbahn 52 Class, many hundreds of which were captured by the Red Army. China finally stopped Building QJs in the mid90s and stopped using them in 2015. There's some history there.

[@MrAnythingTech.]

Heard 6988 pass by Iowa City just a little bit ago, sure wished I would have known about it I would have went and watched. I probably won't be around when she comes out of her inspection.

[@ncrailfan]

This is the best video form that weekend I​ have seen yet! Keep up the good work!

[@PetersamStudios622]

This looks so much cooler when at 2x speed

[@certifiedtrainboy]

Put this video on 2x speed, and you'll see some *REAL* speed! XD Also, can anyone else agree when her 3 chime was blown at 0:56, it sounds exactly like GTW/OHCR 6325's 3 chime from a PRR T1?

[@eriknewland3686]

Interesting that they have a diesel with the steam engine. Being a QJ, the steam engine's probably younger than the diesel!

[@StryderK]

For emergencies and dynamic braking.

[@KnapfordMaster98]

These things are so tall and bulky, seeing that at speed sure is something.

[@tahititoutou3802]

That engineer is maniac with the whistle. And the colour of the smoke shows he (or the fireman) puts too much coal ; so the safety valve is leaking from over pressure.

[@paulsmith5398]

Absolutely NOTHING beats a steam locomotive going full tilt, whether its a 40 mph freight engine, or a high-stepping 100 mph+/- passenger one!

[@gilbertorodriguez4893]

I’m a big fan I love trains and I live in Iowa inerstate

[@raymondleggs5508]

Never thought I'd see a highballing 2-10-2

[@BoilerRoom4]

The QJ's were rated at a maximum of 50 mph, but rarely ran that fast. Their counterbalancing was never quite right. They tended to run rough and also their rods and valve gear consumed a lot of oil. They were in their element double heading enormous goods trains at about 25 mph. More than 7,000 of them were manufactured (finishing in 1988) and they were cleverly designed to steam well on rubbish coal.

[@mattblack9069]

Was quite common in Europe esp gernany

[@retrokingranch]

It's only about 40 - 45mph. The reason it looks like it's going faster is because of its ridiculously small drive wheels.

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

BoilerRoom4 Makes me wonder if it would theoretically be possible to economically correct the counter-balancing and restore a survivor for faster speeds (65 mph max for example).

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

We may see a couple more highballing 2-10-2s in the next 5-10 years. Southern Pacific #982 is going to be restored to operation, supposedly it’s good for 60 mph. RJ Corman QJ #2008 was donated to the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. not too long ago. They’re currently restoring C&O 2-8-4 #2716. #2008 was supposed to be in great shape, but apparently it isn’t in as good shape as was thought. However, it is on the list to be evaluated for restoration when time and budget allows. One steam loco at a time.

[@hansvandijk1487]

Perfect footage, beautiful sound! Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱.

[@pokerfaceproductions1010]

Although i dislike how theyve kind of Americanized the locomotive removing one of the coolest details of its existence and also its history, this is still pretty cool and i cant wait till her overhaul is complete. Good for iowa

[@WesternRailway1592]

3:43

[@kevp9601]

Breathtaking

[@Match2100]

I'll admit I was sick to death of the sound of the whistle by the end if it (there is such a thing as too much of a good thing) but it's good to see a QJ getting aroung in steam. It would be interesting to know what the US crews think of the build quality and steaming ability of the QJs

[@engineerskalinera]

From what I hear, they are okay designs. Of course, you'd get better steaming with a 2-10-4, but from what steamlocomotive.com says, these should be comparable to American 2-10-2s from the 30s. However, they have a whole slue of issues, notably bad counterbalancing, undersized running gear, quickly wearing out bearings, using excessive ammounts of oil, really poor build quality from Datong in 1966-1976, et cetera.

[@LynxStarAuto]

Awesome whistle on this beauty. I couldn't get enough of it!

[@highlandwinterwolf8589]

@@SwingTheDoor Could still end up with an improved QJ someday, they are interesting locos and it would have been interesting to see what Lima could have done with one of these back in the heyday of steam

[@lekoro1]

so is the whistle for the people filming or a warning due to lack of barriers around the track? (here in the UK almost all track has fencing around it and it is some sort of offence to trespass on the track so warnings are not needed because you should not be on the track)

[@DivergingClear]

@@lekoro1 The whistling is for road crossings at grade. It is a rule in the US that the whistle is blown two long, a short and a long, for every public road. The three camera edit with two tight ground level cameras and a "down the throat" telephoto shot was at a crossing on a curve. All three cameras were set on the pavement.

[@eal8645]

An Unbelievable footage! NICE...

[@yours_sincerely48]

The small wheel limit the speed. They should modify a bigger wheel for a higher speed.

[@Oat_meal_YT]

This thing is so underrated

[@WasatchGarandMan]

Really gotta get an HO scale model of this for sure.

[@hainswurst9158]

Overwatch Bachmann build this engines in H0 for 350$ or so.

[@Bigjimvideo]

Awesome footage!!

[@ryanwiese5280]

The last QJ was built in 1988

[@thunderbird1921]

Doesn't that one belong to Boone Valley Scenic Railroad?

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

@@thunderbird1921 That’s a different locomotive. A QJ is a 2-10-2, the Boone & Scenic Valley has a 2-8-2. It’s either an SY or JS class locomotive.

[@rudycarlson8245]

@@blackbirdgaming8147 the one at The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is JS 8419 which just came back from heavy overhaul earlier this year and an interesting fact about the 8419 is the Boone and scenic Valley Railroad are original owners of the 8419 they bought it when It was still being built over in China!

[@Jadon_K]

A mix of a US steam locomotive whistle and a UK steam locomotive speed

[@Vibri25]

Wait thats in Iowa? WAIT THATS IN IOWA?!

[@Steamerchoo]

4:53 to 5:55 wow! Beautiful !

[@kevp9601]

Awesome

[@amtrak_121]

Is it possible that the Iowa Interstate will turn into a class I railroad eventually?

[@kclassproductions]

Great whistles!

[@fredtedstedman]

looks like it needs bigger wheels to be comfortable on passenger work ! I know thats no what its about , freight locos need the "low gearing" effect but listen to the r.p.m !!! I think its great that US has them . Wales UK ...........land of little trains .😍😍

[@buddyburtonphotography]

Excellent video Mary.

[@buddyburtonphotography]

That was me at 3:49 flailing my arm.

[@railfannerwes1479]

@@buddyburtonphotography I saw that it was like hey it's buddy

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Very nicely done video.

[@realtruth172]

are we going back to steam?

[@mikechapmanmedia2291]

Great job!!

[@neilsonthegreat]

Actually some QJ locomotives are still in use on heavy coal trains

[@theextremeanimator4721]

At least other Chinese steamers will know with 6988 that America is a good place for freerunning on the rails....

[@TrainFan119]

Im surprised that they didn’t remove the smoke deflecters to make it look more American

[@lt1caprice57l]

UP 844 would like to have a word with you.

[@TrainFan119]

@@lt1caprice57l 😐 It was at this moment that he knew he fucked up

[@rickd3777]

A few years ago, some Chinese railfans are angry that they modified it into the......AMERICAN look and whistle......

[@worldthe4720]

Well, the reason is that many Chinese fans(including me) seems more like the Origin Chinese look on QJ 7081, and don't like this black look. But as I know, this appearance was used for somewhat a special anniversary, and that's why the IAIS change 6988's look, and I have to say that they did a wonderful job-not just painted her a whole black but decorated her with a couple of lightning-like line at the side of her, which made her look industrial :D

[@MidwesternRailfan]

1:00 what kind of whistle is this?

[@DivergingClear]

That is a reproduction Southern Railway 3-chime whistle.

[@brandonm30]

Ahh nothin like a good workout 👍

[@tgmelinda7544]

USSR FD class is what the Chinese used as a base in designing these locomotives. I find it impressive that China still runs steam in their coal mines, makes logical sense though cause coal is the fuel used to fire the steam locomotives working those areas. If Im not mistaken the locomotive featured here was built in 1982?

[@DASDmiser]

Was the tank car supplying diesel fuel to supplement the coal or providing water?

[@DivergingClear]

Steam locomotives use water at a 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 ratio to fuel available. The tank car is an auxiliary water canteen.

[@aixrozes]

brother of 844

[@carmichaeltrainproductionc9663]

Incurable at 1:48 Is that looked like the Scene of off the Bridges of Madison County!!

[@agustinturano3297]

This engine looks like it was supposed to be a 2-8-4, a bit odd

[@b3j8]

Was that whistle the QJ's original, or was it off another US locomotive?

[@DivergingClear]

That is a reproduction Southern Railway chime whistle.

[@willausterman3104]

The original horn and whistle can be heard at 0:51

[@whimsycartoon]

@@DivergingClear I have the same question, why the original whistle has been replaced by a reproduction one?? Just curious, anyway, great greeting from China. thanks for your sharing.

[@DivergingClear]

@@whimsycartoon Genuine steam era locomotive whistles are somewhat rare and expensive to collect, so a small market has developed for new whistles that duplicate the sound of the originals. These are reproductions of original types of whistles. The whistle heard here is based on a Southern Railway whistle and was added to the locomotive in addition to the air horn and the locomotive's original whistle (we heard all three of them tested in sequence at Mitchellville that morning). Several reproduction whistles have been used on #6988, partly on a whim and partly for variety. Also, the American whistles tend to be more musical than the original. This is nothing against the tone of the original, but rather the fact that the original is a push-button on and off valve sounding the whistle while the American whistles have the ability to be "played" using the pull chord. It's just a matter of the engineer's preference. Hope that makes a little sense.

[@whimsycartoon]

@@DivergingClear Thank you very much, so appreciate. It really made many senses, actually I also noticed that the tune of reproduced American whistles can be adjustable and alterable, so interesting, however I never know the operational differences between these two whistles. When I was small and railways in China were not barricaded, I liked to play near the track and once this loud horrible whistles scared me into crying. That's the reason why I missed it. BTW, is that original air horn retained or replaced by the bell? and what is the bell for? Locomotives in China were, are and will never be equipped with bells. Again, thanks for your sharing, both the video and the valuable loco knowledge.

[@johnshadle4817]

It's my understanding that China kept steam longer than anyone because China has lots of coal and little oil. After China opened up, they had access to imported oil, like the rest of the world, so they moved to diesels. True or not?

[@walterschivo9123]

Was there a fire out there that day? the sun seems dimmed.

[@MidwesternRailfan]

0:51 Chinese Horn, Chinese whistle, then American whistle.

[@undergaming5331]

Is it in operating condition today?

[@willausterman3104]

Both of the QJs operated by this railroad are still running

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

@@willausterman3104 No, only the one shown in the video is currently operating. 7081 is stored serviceable. Needs some minor work in order to operate again. If 7081’s boiler certificate is expired, it would need a full rebuild in order to operate again. At bare minimum that means tearing out all the tubes and flues, replacing them with new ones. All other minor work must be completed, and then the locomotive must be re-certified.

[@tomtroszak]

Awesome video!

[@texasandpacific610]

So china still somewhat make steam? And they still use it?

[@voidjavelin23]

not until the prdouction of these 2 QJs, now theyre move into GE diesel power

[@stephensmith799]

These QJs will steam on coal DUST. I don’t know why it just doesn’t fall straight through the fire bars and into the ashpan. Remarkable locos. The track is very well maintained👍

[@cosmincoco6983]

Yes,the best 142 locomotive for planes,but 150,235, even 50 are better for traction in the hills. Pacifics are the most successful and adapted and I was an assistant for the engineer providing charcoals.

[@harrymurray2515]

These loco's are the only (standard gauge) steam from china my father loves. He would love to see one running.

[@BDN355]

why does it have 2 whistles

[@DivergingClear]

No other reason than because they could and they wanted to.

[@aliensporebomb]

Was this a public excursion? Would have been awesome. Great video!

[@DivergingClear]

Yes. Five short trips both days that weekend.

[@上九天-y5n]

Where`s another one? There are 2 QJ in US……

[@DivergingClear]

Three, actually. One is in Kentucky and was formerly owned by RJ Corman. The other two are #6988 (seen here) and #7081, both on the Iowa Interstate.

[@marcdelente2456]

Bravo à la Chine d avoir bien entretenu ces locomotives à vapeurs quand ont ces comment nos machines à vapeurs ont été détruites rapidement seule les 141 R ont été jusqu' aux années début 72 . Heureusement que d anciens cheminots passionnés ont eux le réflexes d en restaurés comme la 231 230 la 241 et la 141 et ont a le musée de Mulhouse heureusement pour nous passionnés que nous avont eux d enciens roulant mécaniciens et chauffeurs et des jeunes passionnés.

[@War1109]

Which they used the actual Chinese whistle more

[@mikeggg5671]

no!!!

[@TheTrainExpert]

Yes.

[@waltergarner346]

I LOVE STEAM ENGINES!

[@loganmalough2379]

The whistle sounds a bit eerie.

[@JohnSmith-rr2ti]

That's how it is supposed to be...

[@TheBestTrainsAreReal]

I love that whistle! What kind is it?

[@thestarlightalchemist7333]

I believe its a kind of SOU 3 chime, like that worn by 4501

[@TheBestTrainsAreReal]

@@thestarlightalchemist7333 ok thanks!!

[@DivergingClear]

@@thestarlightalchemist7333 I believe it's an MD reproduction of a Southern 3 chime.

[@TheBestTrainsAreReal]

Wow that's fast!!

[@scootergrant8683]

For that sort of loco eh. British ones can kick up faster and are lighter and smaller but still an amazing speed for such a small driving wheel diameter

[@davidtaylor5082]

Watch out guys she has her running shoes on

[@mariarivera4475]

(Buddythetruck2018 ) this steam loco is made Japan or china

[@DivergingClear]

China.

[@thecarolinianrailfan8339]

Nice!

[@thatonekylebuschfan9042]

What country is this in

[@willausterman3104]

This in the US state of Iowa

[@TPB-OPA]

Looks like 844

[@bigkat1919]

It sure was hot that day

[@danielcreed2328]

Why isn't it in its proper Chinese livery?

[@thebluesquare900]

That Livery was too old and was switched into a China-Shaped ALCo Locomotive.

[@danielcreed2328]

@@thebluesquare900 But the old livery is part of its Chinese heritage.

[@TheTrainExpert]

@@danielcreed2328 no need to worry IAIS 7081 is still kept in her Chinese paint

[@jamesm6638]

that thing would look SO MUCH better without those smoke deflectors

[@Plaguewielder88]

Nah

[@railfanjackson4531]

I think of them as the main indicator that it’s an exotic loco. I agree it would look nice without them, but the smoke deflectors are what signalize that it’s a QJ. Much like how they signalize that UP 844 is an FEF.

[@tracksidefilms5416]

Steam locomotive :made in China

[@Autism74]

Quality

[@jodysmith8048]

Iowa Interstate should have left the orginal whistle on the locomotive instead of trying to Americanize the locomotive

[@DivergingClear]

The original whistle has not been removed, nor has the air horn. They actually add a "guest whistle" or two. The locomotive typically has the original Chinese air horn and two or three different whistles on it.

What's her top speed?

[@blackbirdgaming8147]

Lucas Martínez Parra 55-60ish on a good day. Not fast.

@@blackbirdgaming8147 Okay.