QJ 6980 remained in use at the Wenchun Cement Works, south of Mudanjiang, for several years after the end of main line steam in the area. By 2008 it could be found at Mudanjiang Diesel Depot, not officially preserved but certainly stored rather than dumped. Despite the relentless pressure to modernise, China's railwaymen clearly have a respect for history and plinthed locomotives are more common than might be expected.