As the sun drops lower, an unidentified SY 2-8-2 moves a load of wagons loaded with molten slag towards the tipping area at Baotou steelworks in 2001.

In the very polluted atmosphere of Baotou steelworks GK0 1011 goes about it`s business in 2001

Slag tipping

Slag tipping

Rear coupling rod removed to ease passage of sharp curves.

A freezing day in the heavy pollution of Baotou steelworks finds SY 0502 taking on coal at the loco servicing point. A sister loco is seen at work in the distance.

An SY class 2-8-2 adds to the slag heap at Baotou steelworks in 2001.

An SY class 2-8-0 travels over some dodgy looking temporary track laid on top of a slag heap at Baotou steelworks in 2001.

A SY chugs past the setting sun after a hard days work hauling slag from the massive Baotou Steel Mill. The setting sun was a potent metaphor for the future of this locomotive and her sister SY 2-... (more)

The spectacular slag dump at Baotou steelworks as seen with SY #1676. At one time, Baotou had dozens of steam locomotives in daily service, but by this point in 2008 only seven SY 2-8-2's remained... (more)

Diesel Hydraulic B-B No GKO 1013 has molten steel poured into one of it`s wagons at Baotou steelworks.

SY 1743 is under maintenance in the shops at Baotou steelworks.

It`s shift change time at Baotou steelworks and, so far, a couple of SYs have arrived to get a new crew. Conditions underfoot are dodgy and it would be easy to fall on to your camera!

3 SY locos share the loco shed at the huge Baotou steelworks.