见证中国改革年代:40人的故事(英文)

　　《见证中国改革年代：40人的故事（英文）》：　　Witnessing the Evolvement of China's Railway　　The backbreaking and sweat-drenching coal-shoveling experience did not drain the passion that drove Xu on board in the First place. Instead, Xu constantly adapted himself to the constantly upgrading locomotive equipment and the new environment and was always prepared to acquire new skills. The sweat and tears Xu shed in pursuit of his dream, nurtured him into a future all-round driver.　　In 1973, Xu, at the age of 24, was transferred to Zhengzhou Locomotive Depot as an assistant driver. It was not until then that Xu had had the chance to practice his train driving skills. He drove the domestically manufactured No. 118 "Renmin Hao" （People） steam train carrying tens of thousands of passengers, shuttling between Zhengzhou and Sanmenxia Gorge.　　In the mid-1970s, the Zhengzhou Railway adopted the more efficient internal combustion locomotive for energy-saving purpose, which gave Xu a chance to drive a diesel locomotive for the first time by the end of 1975. Xu then became one of the First "acting drivers" inside Zhengzhou Locomotive Depot, finally settling in the driving seat.　　With steam locomotives replaced by diesel ones, the work of train drivers also experienced drastic changes. The crew compartment onboard became brighter and more spacious, giving driver a wider view while operating the train. Fireman was no longer needed as there was no furnace to shovel coal and add water into. But Xu was soon faced with a new challenge-how to familiarize himself with the internal combustion locomotive both inside and our. To qualify himself for his role, every day after work, Xu would bury himselfin coundess diesel locomotive textbooks and circuit diagrams-often burning the midnight oil. Before long, Xu had mastered the operation of the diesel locomotive as well as its principles, plus the skills to handle common failures or mishaps with high proficiency.　　China's reform and opening up policy in 1990 provided the soil for the burgeoning of the country's railway industry. Even though Xu was already 41 years old back then, age didn't stop him from elevating himself and becoming an electric locomotive driver.　　That very same year, Zhengzhou Locomotive Depot was electrified, enabling the use of electrically powered "Shaoshan" Model locomotive on the Beijing- Guangzhou Railway. The railway was also upgraded into seamless steel rail, drastically reducing any noise or jolting during operation and thus improving passenger experience. At the time, Xu served as the Director of the Zhengzhou Locomotive Depot. To familiarize himself with his job, he used to accompany his train drivers on their journeys, whereby he would acquire new skills and even obtain his license for driving electric trains. He also tried to drive the train himself during test runs to check its performance levels. Xu marveled, "when I was still a driver on diesel train, the engine roared so loud that I fell like I was going to be deafened by it. And the interior of the carriages also looked oily and black because of the fuel. The new electric train runs smoother, doesn't malfunction all the time and is much quieter! The carriage also looks neat and tidy; and it actually pleases the eyes."　　……