The Jitong Railway in Summer 2004 Part 1 by Nigel Lawrence

Most people visited the Jitong Railway and the Jingpeng Pass in winter the first time and many went back for further winter action. Some wondered what the Railway would look like in Summer and a few individuals and groups ventured there to find out. In this video taken on what I assume was a TEFS group led by Bill Alborough, Nigel captures the green fields and blue skies of summer as a real contrast to the snow and sky-high steam effects in winter. This is Part 1 of what I expect will be 3 parts. Some of the locations are fairly obvious - Daban loco stabling point, Reshui on the Jingpeng Pass, the climb to the summit tunnel from the east of the pass, while others are not known to me. I only saw the line once in winter.

This is video footage by Nigel Lawrence which was given to me to convert and edit and make available to an audience on YouTube. Shakey video 8 footage presents some challenges but I have done my best and I hope you think it is worthwhile.

Nigel Lawrence
17th May 1943 – 30th April 2025
Nigel was born in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. He studied Chemistry at Nottingham University, where he met my mother, Joan. They were married in 1965 and had two children: Keith and Sandra.
Nigel began his career as a chemist. He later became a management consultant, pioneering the integration of early computers into companies’ business models. His career included roles at IBM, Phillips, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and Diageo.
Nigel served as a Parish Councillor in East Bridgford before being elected to represent East Bridgford Ward on Rushcliffe Borough Council holding this position for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2019.
One of Nigel's greatest hobbies was his love for steam locomotives. He took adventurous trips to countries where steam trains were still in operation, including China, Cuba, Germany, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ukraine and Zimbabwe, .
Nigel's health had been declining for some years. After a minor heart attack earlier this year, followed by a series of complications, he spent twelve weeks in hospital. Despite hopes for his return home, his health took a turn for the worse, and he passed away peacefully in Warrington Hospital, Cheshire, on April 30th. His family was by his side at the end.