Love for trains is a family affair in Gansu

LANZHOU — Zhang Chao, from northwestern China’s Gansu province, operates a locomotive just as his father and grandfather did before him.

“I’m lucky to be an engineer during a time when China’s railway system is developing so fast,” the 30-year-old said. “While my grandfather had to take care of a lot of things, the only thing I need to do is run the train and send the passengers home safe and sound.”

Zhang Ganchen, his 79-yearold grandfather, was among the first generation of engineers in China. Half a century ago, he drove a steam train that mainly carried oil and steel for national economic construction and development.

“One day in 1958, I saw a notice on the street recruiting engineers, and I applied,” Zhang Ganchen said. “It took me 12 years to learn.”

He had to be able to handle hunger, cold and heat, and be able to make repairs himself.

Snow is common in Gansu in winter. It would be freezing cold, and the wind would lash into the locomotive’s cabin, but Zhang Ganchen still had to lean his head out the window to observe track conditions.