Express passenger trains to the south all appeared to be diesel hauled. However, freight traffic was heavy and everything was still steam worked. Single QJs handled most workings but trains towards Changchun were usually piloted by a second QJ up the bank as far as Wanggang. This departure was unusual in having a JS pilot. Note the Dowty retarders in use in the hump yard on the left.
JS 5886 piloted QJ 287 on a heavy southbound timber train that left Harbin yard on the afternoon of 27 December 1984.