The QJs run along fifth street just outside downtown Davenport.

The QJs depart Walcott after taking on water.

QJ 6017 leads the Hohot-Dongsheng Express in this 1999 photo charter organized by Nils Huxtable.

2-10-2 #5511 stored in the UP roundhouse at Cheyenne

John was with Nils Huxtable for this trip to China in the winter of '99 chasing QJs in active service. Here 6017 leads the Hohot-Dongsheng Express.

John was with Nils Huxtable for this trip to China in '99, chasing doubleheaded QJs in active service before they became international stars.

Rolling into the setting sun.

I had just disembarked from my train at Daban and I was making my way across the tracks towards the MPD. Looking back towards the station, this was my first sight of a double-headed freight with i... (more)

The train gets underway.

God sure was in his heaven on this perfect Sunday evening. He showered all before him in shimmering gold and poor fools like me wanted to take it all home!

Kentucky Railway Museum volunteer Tim Nelson is seen preparing R.J. Corman's QJ steam locomotive for service.

In the gloom of Daban's repair hall, this image needed an ultra wideangle lens (21mm equivalent) and an exposure of F2.8 at 1/8th second. More than that, it needed a mate's steady shoulder (thanks... (more)

Golden dusk at Daban. This was my breathtaking first view of a 'real' steam depot in the 21st century. It could scarcely have been more perfect (or surreal)!

The pool in the foreground is starting to freeze as QJ 6992 sits in the fading sun awaiting duties. This is the running shed side of Daban MPD yard and the depot's newly-delivered breakdown crane ... (more)

Shattered dreams! If ever there was such a place as the mythical 'elephant's graveyard', then surely this is the equivalent for the noble 'iron horse'. Slowly sinking into the mire is this woebego... (more)