I spoke too soon. The steel mill locos are definitely real working steam. And they are Chinese-built; in fact, a standard Chinese design. GJ standard gauge 0-6-0Ts, a class built in the late 50s and early 60s as the last new steam switchers in China. Sujiatun Industrial Locomotive Workshops Why didn't I recognize them before? They're even numbered in the same range as GJs built for China.Having diesels in the 60s doesn't mean they didn't also have steam. I learned recently that there is no more "real" steam in Vietnam, but there was until about 2002.
Thanks for your photo. During 2002-2005 so many steam train tours that available. From 2005 untill now, not so much programs like this, we would like to repair 141 steam loco but seem that it make us spent too much money. maybe we will repair C12 Japanese - Vietnam name: 131 because this 131 loco small and easy too keep it working.
Please let me know about 131 photos, where did you take this photo??? because I know that 131 belong to Steel Factory
In 20 years the Vietnamese will be trying to figure out how to get rid of the ugly slag heap they are creating next to the steel mill :cry::cry: