Re: track width and K-locos

Norm

The C&S practice of using half flanges didn't have anything to do with worn rail.

It did have everything to do with adhesion, wear on turnouts and sharp curves.

Even the old Cooke Moguls had a half flange on the center driver before they were reboilered in the early 1900's.

This practice was adopted in pre-C&S days, under UP direction, Like many other "C&S" distinctive characteristics.

All under UP management, the DSP&P, DL&G, and UPD&G experimented extensively with all manner of ways to improve and increase performance of their engines down to the smallest details. By the time the C&S was formed in 1899, they knew what they were doing in many ways.

When the three D&RGW C-19's were leased in the 1930's, the C&S immediately upgraded the blind center drivers to improve their performance, because the C&S engine crews couldn't stand their lack of traction.

Mike Trent