Sandaoling

[@arndpeter]

using steam locomotive in a coal mine makes perfect sense to me.

[@odairmiguel7132]

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[@electric7487]

@@odairmiguel7132 r/ihadastroke

[@tankista5885]

Hahaha

[@gateme3247]

Yeah

[@skiiipawbs]

Yes

[@timkaine5098]

Last steam train ran in 2022 apparently, amazing they had steam trains in a useful role in the 21st century

[@studiograham]

You saved me a google search

[@garryferrington811]

These are probably gone by now. Those heavy 2-8-2's were good pullers. What a piece of history.

[@The_Hanged-Man]

I'm a simple man. I see TRAIN video, i watch, i like.

[@traintalkproductions5934]

This is the absolute best documentary of this operation I've seen. Not only did you go over the main coal operations, but you also showed us some of the maintenance operations. Nice seeing trains in the desert and in places you normally wouldn't be able to get to from a public standpoint.

[@markusmuller6173]

An impressive accelerator for our climate change ...

[@davidng2336]

@@markusmuller6173 congratulations, this railroad is now closed.

[@markusmuller6173]

@@davidng2336 Some people have a pretty narrow focus in their perspective...

[@Spencer067]

The sound of the steam locomotive actually putting in work sounds amazing.

[@vladabuba]

Not going into political and efficiency matters, but just from artistic point; this is greatly edited video with fantastic photography. Sounds of the locomotive and deep tones are fantastic!

[@danburch9989]

Steam locomotives are probably the most appropriate technology to use. Fuel (coal) for the steam locomotives is right there where they're mining it. Very impressive operation.

[@neon6828]

in bosnia there's a coal mine where they still use ww2 german steam locomotives

[@rext8949]

Great video. The sights may be dystopian but for a train buff its a wonderful experience , watching an actual commercial operation in process in the 21st century . What is remarkable is that these trains are maintained not for tourist purposes but for actual day to day working ; no worrying about transporting diesel . The product is the fuel itself .Coal will continue to remain a major player in China's economy.

[@geraldwagner8739]

These locomotives are absolutely wrenched off!

[@Rusty_Nickle]

I was wondering if you could roughly translate that for an american?

[@geraldwagner8739]

@@Rusty_Nickle I wanted to write worn out. Sorry!

[@Rusty_Nickle]

@@geraldwagner8739 oh OK! I thought maybe it was slang

[@failranch9542]

@@geraldwagner8739 I liked “wrenched off” better. Maybe I’ll start using it.

[@tomcat2285.]

@@Rusty_Nickle I mean if you want something more slang for worn out you could say these trains are "clapped out".

[@harryflashman3141]

There seems a certain logic to run steam engines in a coal mine.

[@ohwahtdaheck]

Absolutely fascinating beautiful video! My dad who was a C&NW fireman on steam would routinely critique museum engine operations as in... "Doesn't he know how to fire? Is that just for show or what? That fire is way too dirty!" He contended that properly fired, in most but not all cases, a good fireman would be judged by a clean burning locomotive. This is one of the most realistic operations videos I've seen. Thank You!

[@garryferrington811]

The N&W posted signs in engines stating "Black Smoke Means Waste."

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

I'm a retired engineer, and this looks mighty real!!! Their track looks to be in really good shape!!! I'd give my grapes to work on a railroad like this!!!

[@Yacyz]

Well its 6 years ago and china doesn't use steam trains anymore

[@thoughtfox2409]

@@Yacyz They still use steam engines in some places, but usually just one or two as shunters that are hardly ever under steam. Sandaoling sadly closed down in september, so these were probably the last steamers still running on a daily basis...

[@armoris66]

Love watching big machines at work. Shovel loading at around 16:00 was awesome too.

[@VijayNinel]

Thanks for the great documentary. It was very interesting to watch not just the trains but all the mining operations as well.

[@bentinck69]

Vikos, thank you for your beautiful photography and for recording this for all of our history. It looks as though you did a great deal of hiking about for viewpoints.

[@colinclarke7307]

In the middle I suddenly thought 'why am I watching this?' Because it is MESMERIZING!!

[@doanster]

Great video, could pass as a professionally-produced documentary! Interesting fusion of old and new technology - steam locomotives running on rail on modern concrete ties...

[@btarunr1]

This is genius. When you're mining coal in a remote region, where there's an abundance of coal and water, you'd rather use steam traction, instead of diesel or electric. These locos are probably designed to use unwashed coal.

[@laszlofyre845]

Look, here's someone who gets it- and all without political or environmental BS too. See, kiddies, it CAN be done!

[@identiticrisis]

Not to mention the cost (in energy or "CO2" terms) of actually making these engines in the first place and making the most of what is already "spent", versus the cost of manufacturing any potential replacement and the supporting infrastructure to go with it. Although I do agree it was more likely a matter of convenience and speed of deployment.

[@JT-zl8yp]

Electric locomotives could carry FAR more coal out of the mine

[@stamrly418]

What a brilliant history of this line. In 2018 the coal was still going with steam. A great bit of explanation of the system and how it was worked. A story told brilliantly. Good video and very good editing to make the line live. Thumbs up all round.Amacf

[@stancrouch9642]

This piece should be nominated for an award of some kind. Great movie very well produced. Well done!

[@valveanti-cheat9348]

This is a very well done video. One of the best documentaries on working steam engines I've ever seen

[@daviddowling9830]

When you see a coal fired steam locomotive without a lot of smoke it has a competent fireman,very skilled at his job.

[@londonwestman1]

20:25 A nice contrast between the almost unaltered 19th century steam technology and, to the left, the shadow of a very 21st century drone that's actually doing the filming. It's great to have captured perhaps the last truly working steam trains in the world just a few years before their departure marked the very end of the age of steam transport - apparently in 2022.

[@SepticMonkey42]

the distant "chuffing" sound at 3:49 is absolutely wonderful

[@777jones]

You did a beautiful job to take this video. Thank you. These men know what real hard work is.

[@hcrun]

The sound of a steam locomotive working.....pure music!

[@Jaxymann]

A 50+ year old steam train hauling cars of coal across expanses of remote China so barren & rocky that it might as well be on Mars is such an esoteric vibe. It’s like a post-apocalypse world where modern systems have been wiped out and we have to revert to ancient technology to rebuild civilisation.

[@feintcobra]

Its not an ancient technology? The last steam locomotive in china was produced in 1988, these locomotives are the most efficient steam locomotives ever built with 3300 horsepower, taking into accord their cheap efficient fuel they are way greener then using a 'modern' diesel from the US or the likes.

[@TheKarthiktry]

Looking back in time. Nice video without music and very good narration.

[@jamesm6638]

Its a good thing you got this footage when you did...

[@jeremycox571]

At least it will never run out of coal !

[@pimmelberger9967]

but water

[@thisnicklldo]

Top class video. Lots of stuff I didn't know about, clear story, great shots. Thanks so much for recording all this and editing it together for us.

[@keithtanner2806]

Quite the best, most comprehensive and informative video of Sandaoling I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@darnoldie]

Great video. That looks like some very rugged and dirty work. The sparks coming from the smokestack make a very impressive show.

[@AdvanceStarter]

I don't know how I missed watching this for the last two and a half years. But this is the best thing I have ever watched. It is truly a spectacular show. When I was a kid, I used to watch your Bhopal Shatabdi footplating videos when I had just gotten Internet at home. And your videos continue to amaze so many years later! This is beyond amazing! 🙏

[@SortaProfessional89]

This is so awesome! Thank you so much for making this, the time and effort put into this is astonishing and very apparent. I don't think most appreciate the effort so on behalf of those interested in the topic, i thank you! The steam loco's of Sandaoling will soon be a relic of the distant past. This doc will forever cement its place in history.

[@axelrajr]

very skilled operators to get them to burn that cleanly. about the only time they dont burn clean is when they are under the heaviest demands. i love how quiet the trains are. great video.

[@Heat0ne]

This is an absolutely incredible video and hands down the greatest steam show on earth!!! Really beautiful shots and incredible insight on this operation.

[@Scrat335]

The fireworks at night. Who gives a damn about efficiency? It's a coal train in a coal mine!!!!

[@andyash5675]

Absolutely epic. This is what steam engines were invented for. It's just great to see them actually doing it.

[@richardbutcher3630]

I totally agree, excellent photography, very Good narration, thanks from the land downunder.

[@Ratplague707]

Very interesting to see the combination of concrete railway ties, jointed rail, and steam locomotives working in a modern open pit mine. A contrast of old and new that was probably never seen in the West.

[@patlawless1960]

Fantastic footage! It really makes you feel like you are there. Thanks so much for saving these iconic images for future generations.

[@agytjax]

Awesome video. Watching this seemed like going to back to late 19th century in Time Machine to witness cargo haulage using the mighty steam engines back then

[@vinylwalk3r]

Amazing footage! Really great work on the camera and documenting all of this. I almost feelt like I was standing beside you when you were filming this. Its really mind blowing for me to see all this industry in a desert environment, its both beatiful and eerie in a dystopian way. I wish I also couldve visited Sandaoling during this time, its something special to see for sure. But thanks for making all this effort for us to see!

[@coryplum5375]

China, A typical Train Museum, with Steam trains, Fuel trains, Normal Electric trains, Bullet trains and Maglev trains all be in operation.

[@potatonoodlebear8035]

Cory Plum the result of fast development in public transportation. Every generation of trains exist at the same time

[@solomonflavius24]

One of the best railway videos ever, very well presented and excellent commentary, excellent equipments used, thanks from Toronto, Canada.

[@theogdirkdiggler]

I am 54 YO and only seen a steam engine once at a narrow guage engine in Colorado. And i grew up in LA Orange county area in the 70's. This is a great video.

[@SortaProfessional89]

GO SEE ONE! You still have time. There are plenty of restored Steam Loco's being used for tours. It is a must see, the power and inginuity displayed in these relics of the late 1800's early 1900's is absolutely astonishing! Just think every piece of those machines were made by hand with slide rules, no machines.

[@electric7487]

Steam locomotives built as late as the 1980's? Wow!

[@alexk7572]

Such a good documentary! Definitely a must see for rail(steam) fans

[@igorkratka]

Beautiful machines doing what they were designed for. Filming is equally of high quality and adding touch of romance.

[@bobm549]

How lucky you are to have witnessed this operation. The steam age will soon end for ever. Thank you for this history.

[@dr.andresalval3915]

in a coal mine a Think that "steam age" will last until coal ends.

[@chemech]

@@dr.andresalval3915 Or electrified trains run from a coal-fired steam power plant. China's cheap labor costs have kept steam locomotives running, but they are maintenance intensive... At this location out in the desert, the driver for getting away from steam locomotives will probably come down to the water supply.

[@erisdiscordia1649]

@@chemech Nuclear power is the next stage in steam power, so I don't think steam will leave us any time soon

[@aabb-zz9uw]

@@chemech There are always the much more environment friendly nuclear powerplants.Zero carbon emission

[@blackdog12873]

Bhai, when i loaded this video, i didnt think i would watch it all through. being a half hour long, i thought i would skip through it or just watch short of full but it had me hooked. i did n ot miss any music either. ur narration was spot on as much as needed... and such cinematic shots allof them. !! very very awesome.

[@Chuck59ish]

Pretty wild, especially the night shots with sparks flying everywhere, but with nothing to burn.

[@oliverdecker1930]

What a great documentary. Well done , Vikas! Beautifully shot, too!

[@WasatchGarandMan]

This was an awesome video! Some very interesring locomotives and great camera work.

[@terryszabo8884]

Absolutely the most interesting videos I have ever seen on KZbin!!!! Thanks so much for sharing your camera with me!

[@MrShiffles]

Those locos chug along just like the rest of them...good to see the technology still used!

[@manga12]

for now but the need and demand for coal even in china is waneing, and getting toward the end of they vein of coal this mine is the last actual use commercial steam in the world and they say it might not make it to the end of the year this year, this area though is also one of the uylgar peoples the ones that are muslum and oppressed by the chinese government that sometimes makes the news or circles when talking of religious oppression, but this is the last place, though you might get the occasional train on union pacific or at strausburg rr in lancaster county pennsylvania but it is not everyday they use it to pull freight. the reason this is still used is it is a coal mine and the fuel is abundant for use , and steam engines are rugged and simple very powerful machines compared to electros or diesle that would be more sensitive to the dust and conditions they work in, though with the steam the shower of sparks is not so good either around the combustable fuel, but its hear prob till the end of the year, then the engines will problably but put on display there isn't talk of scrapping them and the last working steam engines in the world even in china they know the significance of this and will problably put them in a museum

[@Skorpychan]

@@manga12 The last working non-heritage ones, anyway. Plenty of heritage railways in the UK running, and one even runs a scheduled service to a main-line station in season.

[@manga12]

@@Skorpychan yes but it is the last use of somthing that has been used on railroads for roughly 200 years, and the coal mine is the last stop, which is unfortunate, sure coal causes pollution, but there are other cleaner things steam can use heat the water, there is still soo much we could get out of the tech, if you dont belive me read up on the writtings of livio dante porta, and those that carry on his research, like david wardale, and those working on the coalition for sustainable railroading, there are still things used in stationary boilers that have not yet been applied or widely tried in locomotive boilers, and the harder the strain you put on the fire of a steamer the better she runs, makes a hotter fire, and the steam expand more as you get it going you can cutoff flow and let the heat in the steam fully expand before exausting from the cylender. on the other hand though in positive news many restorations are comming along great this year, and the t1 trust almost has the boiler finished save for maybe the throat sheets and connections, almost time to start on the all important frame of the locomotive

[@mudkow5092]

Fantastic video an narration... thank you for sharing.

[@nedcro]

First of all, I'm not a steam train fan. But immediately I must add this is a fántástic video. Filming, editing, sound, all in all a excellent document !

[@dapto234]

whats the most surprising out of this is that the person filming was allowed to do that in the first place.

[@whiteknightcat]

Note that the video is more of a factual documentary. It didn't really praise or condemn anything in the operation, it simply described the way things were done.

[@yourlocalbaltimorerailfan.6756]

Wow, watched the whole thing, very interesting and sad movie. I had intentions to visit this railroad, but it appears that someone already wholesomely documented this lovely operation, thank you, and great video! Would love to see more documented real steam operations.

[@Igiveashitofaname]

When you got a coal mine, the simplest and most efficient solution to power your trains are steam locomotives!

[@loveofit6498]

Great video! Thank you so much for sharing it!

[@no1reallycaresabout2]

14:08 One of my favorite shots Great video; I had no idea of the steam operations here till I came across this.

[@TONYJUD57]

Thank you for that well documented film, Very much appreciated.

[@j-man6001]

Great Video! I love steam engines, and love watching these still being used in service

[@davidgriffith598]

Who would have thought some random coal mine in Northern China would be so popular because of the railway there 😂

[@khein2204]

this is literally a living museum, they should make some improvements to make it as international tourist destination

[@NarrowGauge1]

Fascinating! thanks for capturing these scenes and a great job putting the vision together. Vey well produced.

[@lowercherty]

I worked for USS in a rail operated pit in Minnesota. So much of this is so familiar, just make the black a deep red and it's 1941 in Hibbing. What a wayback machine.

[@itsmeintorrespain2714]

Probably the best video I have ever watched on KZbin! Loved it!

[@armoris66]

Excellently filmed, edited and narrated video my friend. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@fabioriboni3640]

Spectacular event complimenting from Italy

[@davidhitchborne9744]

Why use diesel when you've got the fuel beneath your feet.

[@acrobaticcripple8176]

Exactly! Labour's fairly cheap too. Common sense I'd have thought.

[@robertw5316]

If I hadn't seen this I wouldn't have believed it. Very enjoyable. Very informative. Thank you.

[@Brian-1948]

Loco being very well fired and good coal helps. Nice clean chimney plume.

[@richardgraves8785]

Your photography is wonderful.

[@fabiandeka4221]

Beautiful images...thanks!

[@allansplace]

Great documentary. Thanks for all your work in creating it. It shows your dedication in preserving the memory of all of these engines and their trains for future generations. Eventually the sound and light show of these steamers eventually 'runs out of steam'. (And thank you for now including background music.)

[@SaintGuardian]

That moment when a modern day drone is recording footage of a steam engine from the early 1900s maybe even 1800's. perhaps the engines are not that old but still, its like worlds colliding

[@thomasbush5778]

The technology definitely dates back that far, as well as the design, but these engines were probably built between the mid-70's and early 80's.

[@marshapearson9271]

Thank you for this wonderful documentary.

[@vineethii5278]

Very well shot video, well done Vikas. Thanks for uploading.

[@railrunner01]

Awesome video and documentation. The map really helped too. Thank you very much for posting.

[@johnathanhodskins5820]

I feel like using a steam engine to mine coal makes sense? I know they are harder to use but the fuel is litterally right there

[@PentaMa-i4v]

Ye, why pay for diesel when you can burn something you find for free?

[@mfbfreak]

They are so inefficient (about 10%), that it's more efficient to transport coal 200km to the power plant, run the electricity along the track, and then put an electric loco to work. But because labor is so extremely cheap for domestic products in a communist economy, it doesn't matter if they just gotta assign 50 more miners to produce coal for the locomotives and 10 in the maintenance shop doing overhauls every few weeks. Finally, inefficient work is a genuine strategy to keep unemployment low.

[@scootergrant8683]

@@mfbfreak I don't think efficiency is a problem. That's been a known fact for over a century. XD

[@tsbnh0]

What a great documentary report. Thank you so much for sharing it.

[@gearsau]

The night photography is impressive. I went to Urumqi many years ago.

[@gearsau]

If you look on Google Earth for Urumqi, from what I could see, Sandaoling is a couple of hundred kilometers east from it. Urumqi is the worlds' most inland city.

[@ColorMeMozart]

What an amazing sight. The production of the video really gave us a glimpse into these awesome locomotives. Thank you

[@satyam1529]

Magnificent, music of steam engine and fantastic fire work in evening. Very nice

[@nitramretep]

Great filming and narration, thanks.

[@sircrackien]

Thank you for capturing the very end of an era. I'd love to visit the place but am sure the steam would be long gone before I ever got that chance.

[@dominiquedradin340]

Superbe !!! Magnifique reportage ! Merci.

[@andymeredith6921]

Brilliant video editing commentary and explanations, well done keep it up!

[@kingtiger4444]

Very very interesting, well shot and no boring bits................... thanks for uploading

[@sigurdjohnson6617]

This is incredible footage.

[@ZergRadio]

1:41 oh boy I love that build up of that sound, brilliant!

[@edwardbenkert2618]

That is so cool that they still use steam locomotives there

[@СамоДелки22]

токарю который поддерживает жизнь этого агрегата - огромный респкт и уважуха !))

[@qpr543]

The sound of this video is great. That makes it stand apart from other steam videos.

[@TheChris1299100]

That was a great video, thank you for this.

[@Chuck59ish]

Like mining on Mars.