Speculation on Garratts

Hi,

Details taken from Gavin Hamilton's Garratt web site

   Class                      Type        Gauge Cylinders Coupled Wheels    Boiler Pressure Tractive Effort
                                                 (in)      (ft. in.)         (psi)           (@75% BP)
    Nitrate Railways           2-8-2+2-8-2 metre 22x20     3' 6"             200             69150
    South Africa - GL          4-8-2+2-8-4 3' 6" 22x26     4'                200             78650
    South Africa - GM          4-8-2+2-8-4 3' 6" 20.5x26   4' 6"             200             60700
    South Africa - GMA         4-8-2+2-8-4 3' 6" 20.5x26   4' 6"             200             60700
    South Africa - GMAM        4-8-2+2-8-4 3' 6" 20.5x26   4' 6"             200             60700
    Rhodesia Railways - 20th   4-8-2+2-8-4 3' 6" 20x26     4' 3"             200             61176
    Rhodesia Railways - 20A    4-8-2+2-8-4 3' 6" 20x26     4' 3"             200             61176
    East African Railways - 59 4-8-2+2-8-4 metre 20.5x28   4' 6"             225             73500
                                                            
    Pacifico                   4-6-0+0-6-4 3'    16x22     3' 4"             -               -  
    Dorado                     4-6-2+2-6-4 3'    14x22     3' 4"             180             29110

I find it interesting that a meter gauge 2-8-2+2-8-2 has 69,000 pound tractive effort. The East African Railways - 59 is roughly a double K37. So I think a 2-8-2+2-8-2 could have been a double K37. Just think using two crews with two Garratts (one front and one rear) taking some 25-30 cars up Cumbres!

I found it interesting that there are two (2) 36" gauge Garratts listed. Some claim there was only one (1) 36" gauge Garratt.

What if the C&S had decided on keeping the South Park line narrow gauge and had used Garratts? If the South Park line had reached to Salida narrow gauge Garratts may have been able to move freight from Durango to Denver.

Thought games only. Not economicly reasonable.

Doug vV



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/29/2016 08:55AM by dougvv.