Chinese steam trains -- the end of an era

Yeah, be surprised if China kept any of them running (not so sure tourist railroads would be popular there). It is funny how things work out, South Africa was running steam until the early 1990's I believe, primarily because South Africa had coal and because of sanctions they had trouble importing oil. In either case they could have looked into things like running turbines that burn coal dust or creating synthetic fuel out of oil, but running steam engines probably was more cost effective. 

Yes, watching and taping on the DVR a show about China's last steam trains.  Name of show is Trains and Locomotives on RFD television.  Comes on every Monday at 16:30 Central time, "I Love Toy Trains" comes on every Monday at 14:30 Central.

Jesse

China is still using steam at a mine, but that is to close soon.

Watching this show about Chinese steam, noticing how it seems all the ties you can clearly see in the videos are all concrete ties.  I also noticed this when on trips to Germany, Austria and Hungary.  Anyone have an idea the percentage of rails on American roads that use concrete ties?

Jesse   TCA

texastrain posted:

Watching this show about Chinese steam, noticing how it seems all the ties you can clearly see in the videos are all concrete ties.  I also noticed this when on trips to Germany, Austria and Hungary.  Anyone have an idea the percentage of rails on American roads that use concrete ties?

Jesse   TCA

Typically passenger lines use concrete ties. I believe the entirety of the Northeast Corridor and Keystone Corridor is concrete ties. Some sections of the Surfline have concrete ties, same with Brightline and Amtrak routes stemming from Chicago.