Notes from the film maker 'Renownvidz' recorded during early 2009 whilst visiting the mine.

The Sandaoling Open Cast Mine is a sight to behold, rather like a model railway on a grand scale spiralling implausibly out of a huge hole in the ground. The system was by then, still 100% steam worked using mainly huge JS type 2-8-2 tender engines. Trains leaving the pit exited in one of two directions with mined coal leaving at the opposite end to that in this video. Spoil trains were heavy in the extreme bearing in mind the gradients and sharp curves.
In this slightly edited video we see a 'JS' propelling it's near 1000 ton load up the incline. Unfortunately for the crew, they've been brought to a halt by the presence of a track gang. Getting going again was never going to be easy, but the train does gain momentum. However, on passing the camera with a steepening of the track and severe curvature the JS begins to loose it's feet. Even superbly skilled engine-man-ship is insufficient to overcome the odds and the train stalls. After setting back (virtually to the same place as it had originally started from) another more successful attempt is made but even now, the loco has a rough time of it and is down to a slippery crawl as it leaves the rim of the mine.

He added, '..Our thanks must go to the mine's authorities for allowing us unlimited access for a couple of days... wander where you will, and no superfluous safety regalia, a refreshing change from the UK where you wouldn't have been allowed. within half a mile of the place unsupervised'.

WARNING: even though this has been edited down from the original 20 minute film it's stiill a lot of film to sit thru, Should you not like what you see within the first few seconds you are strongly advised to hit that 'Back-Button' as fast as you possibly can and move speedily along, this video is not for you, sorry. However, if you like hard working steam locomotives and the sound of said engine working it's guts out then have a look and listen to this .... judicious use of the >button may be of use to some viewers. Click wisely now.