Two QJ's storm upgrade in the horseshoe valley of Erdi.

Steam completely envelopes the train engine as a pair of QJ's blast out of Tunnel 4 on the long slog up to Jingpeng Pass.

After dropping about half of their train on the hill, the QJs pound westward into the setting sun to make Council Bluffs on time.

Fans and residents came from all over to get a glimpse of the two Chinese 2-10-2s as they made a water stop in Anita during Jim Gunning and Bill Raia's June photo charter.

Unfortunately, the smoke from QJ 7081 obscures the trailing 2-10-2 and the freight train as the Steam Specials photo charter blasts through Wiota at around 40 MPH.

QJ 6988 spins on the turntable at Council Bluffs. Note that its large front numberboard has been removed. This locomotive was not used in the lead during the photo charter because of a problem w... (more)

I love the gritty, dirty side of steam railroading. This is the right hand side eccentric crank on QJ 6988.

Working hard near Hancock

Steam bringing tonnage (4200+ tons, 88 cars) into Anita, Iowa.

Coming to a stop near Hancock to take on water.

Working upgrade out of Council Bluffs, headed for Newton.

Storming upgrade with 88 cars at Hickory Avenue.

Deadhead move running on the IAIS main headed for Booneville, where the power will tie up for the night.

QJ 7081 leads sister 6988 and two cars off of the Iowa Interstate and onto the Union Pacific at Des Moines. This was the deadhead move for the June 9th charter with BCIB-07.