Re: D&S No 9 and GLRR 1203

1203 could haul full tonnage at about 3/4 throttle around 12+ MPH. In the last few years she was here, the air compressor had to be replaced, and the pulley was not properly lined up, so the compressor was out of balance, so 3/4 throttle was as fast as you could go, but that was still between 10 and 12 MPH. That was a full 9 car train, she could easily do more. Durango is the perfect home for her, because she can pull heavy trains at high speeds. None of the other diesels in Durango can do more then 10 MPH due to low gearing and lack of traction motor blowers. 1203 hits a transition around 13, and picks up speed after that. She will easily be good for 20 when her mechanical issues are resolved.

103 (D&S 9) has about 500-600 HP, low gearing, will only do about 12-15 MPH max, which is our speed limit at the loop anyway. Most of our trains run at 7 or 8 MPH, because thats as fast as the shay will go, and we can keep a schedule on that speed. Most of the delays we see are late arrivals. 111 wants to go about 12 at least and wants to keep speeding up from there, the trick with her is keeping the speed down because she would rather fly up the hill at 20. the 1934 is also geared low with triple reduction like 103, so 8 MPH will be their happy speed, perfect for the operation and schedule (remember, you don't have to water a diesel)

the 14 is standard gauge, it is on blocks in Silver Plume right now. Its trucks are behind it on the ground.