Rail Transport Modeling in China: Steam Locomotives and Diesel Trains ( 鉄道模型・蒸気機関車 )

While in Europe the last steam locomotives were taken out of service or even scrapped in the 1970’s, in China the famous SY and QJ steam locomotives were still in service for many decades. Until the turn of the millennium and even beyond, steam trains were part of regular rail traffic in China. These incredibly powerful steam engines were used for freight transport in all parts of the large Chinese country. Paul Stapelton, a model railroader living in United Kingdom, was inspired by these Chinese steam engi