South Korean rail operator Korail has run a sectorised fleet for many years, and dedicated freight locomotives – many, but not all, identifiable by their distinctive red livery – rarely work passenger trains. In December, several freight sector Class 7500 diesel locos (EMD model GT26CW) were in use working passenger trains deputising for more modern passenger diesels. Korail No. 7531 is seen arriving at Cheong-ri with a service to Gimcheon on December 1, 2023. This loco was one of 50 built by EMD in the USA in 1971 – the 16 surviving locos from that order are all due for withdrawal by 2028.
ANTHONY FLYNN