By 1999 diesels had taken over almost all main line work in the Baotou area, replacing the QJ Class 2-10-2s that had worked almost all long distance trains a few years earlier. A few QJs were retained for local work and lost their smoke deflectors, no doubt to improve visibility while shunting. QJ 6563 is seen here waiting to leave Baotou Dong light engine after arriving with a trip freight on 22 March 1999.