For many rail fans it seemed an impossible dream; that working main line steam would survive into the Twenty-first Century and yet in China that was precisely what happened!

This in depth documentary programme takes a close look at some of the last days where steam managed to survive including:

Da'an - the largest and most interesting of only three major steam sheds left by January 2000 - on the border between Jilin and Heilonjiang province. With a QJ fleet of 47 and 9 smaller JS locos, there's many evocative shed scenes and plenty of mainline action around this country junction station.

Jalainur - industrial steam at a giant open cast coal mine, in the far north, near to the Russian border which has its own fleet of 54 SYs. Featuring both local passenger services and coal traffic in the pit.

Weihe - the picturesque narrow gauge system at Weihe which meanders through the hills and forests of Heilonjiang province carrying both logs and passenger traffic.

Shuangyashan - a large colliery railway some 400 kilometres north east of Harbin, with nearly 200 kilometres of track, including main and secondary branch lines, and a steam fleet which has numbered over 30 locomotives. Features both coal and passenger traffic.

Jingpeng - more stunning winter action over the famous pass on the Ji Tong line in Inner Mongolia. Tele Rail is proud to offer the largest collection of professional specialist documentary video programmes in the world that feature rail action in China.

Running time 85 minutes approx.