Re: Cresco 1968

When Cresco Tank was rebuilt in the early1980's a internal fiberglass tank was installed. Not sure of its capacity, but it's less than 10k gallons. One year the Rotary train tied up for the night and between the Rotary, its water car and 3 engines, we sucked it dry. The last engine had to run with a short tank of water, requiring the section gang to water it by shoveling snow into the tender all day.

The Grande stopped using spark screens when the front ends of the 480's and 490's were converted from Master Mechanic front ends to Cyclones about 1940. This happened about the same time the flying Rio Grande was applied. A few rare pic around show a flying Rio Grande on an engine with a spark screen.

All the other classes kept their Master Mechanic front ends, and spark screens as needed.

The question about "regular service" requires definition. 484 helping a special train up Cumbres is "regular service". 484 is making money for the Company, as opposed to doing some sort of non-revenue service....