We had arrived overnight, RM Pacific-hauled from Taiyuan, and then spent the morning from 10.15 observing the busy steam scene at the station. Xian was 100% steam in 1983 which was a fine sight & had tremendous atmosphere.

There was still quite a variety of motive power and the RM 4-6-2s were abundant. Here RM 1033 is approaching the station from the east with a passenger train. The tender of RM 1022 is just visible on shed behind the water crane.