Southbound trains from the Wuyiling branch faced a climb of around 2.5km from Liushu to the summit north of Nancha. It didn't appear particularly steep but most southbound freights required assistance with a significant proportion being both piloted and banked. This was the case on the afternoon of 5 April 1988 when QJ 2554 was piloted from Luishu by QJ 283 with QJ 1987 at the rear. As always, there was a bicycle in front of QJ 283's smokebox, presumably ready to provide additional traction if required.