Re: Rio Grande construction

When the D&RGW ordered the K-28s and K-36s in the 1923-25 period, they essentially rebuilt much of lines, especially Gunnison to Salida, Salida to Alamosa, Alamosa to Durango. They used Jordan Spreader OU, Ditchers OW and OX to widen cuts and expand fills. Most of the bridges on the lines were second hand standard gauge bridges. The bridge at Antonito came from the main line near Canon City, the Antonio bridge was moved to Durango across the Animas. The bridges over the Navajo near Gato came off the North Fork branch to Somerset. The profile the D&RGW used with the Jordan Spreader had the same profile as the standard gauge. After all the K-36s were the largest narrow gauge engines in North America and were larger than many standard gauge engines.
I wrote a history of D&RGW/C&TS Jordan Spreader OU last year for the Rio Grande Modeling & Historical Society's Prospector Magazine. The issue is still available from the RGMHS web site.,