A so called ruanzuo was available for a 15 Y supplement, which spares you from the overcrowded yingzuo , but there is also a sleeper-coach. In Beipiaonan QJ 6226 did shunting duties, JS 8236 in Chaoyang. The loco of my train was exchanged to a new DF4. In the depot stood 8 QJ under steam and 3 DF4. Already in Chengde there are some good spots with temples in the background.
Poles are only few and there are some tunnels.
Unfortunately, traffic is very low. It seems that all three freights are scheduled, but often there is no good to transport. Do not forget taking a photo of the Pule-Temple in the morning. Steelworks branch line Business as usual on this branch-line. Showers are available in the evening.