Re: #476's (and #478's) break-in run - fifty years ago . . .

hank Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> John K Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I'm curious how many other engines were broken
> in
> > in the same fashion. Bob Richardson had
> photos
> > published in one of his last books of the two
> > remaining K27s (463 and 464) just out of the
> shop
> > and doubleheading south to Antonito and I
> believe
> > Lava in the late 40's. One was wearing the big

> > snow plow on the pilot. I'd guess these were
> not
> > the only runs.
>
> It is my understanding that this was SOP for
> engines coming out of major shopping at Alamosa.
> At least from the 1930's on, not sure exactly when
> it became so.
> hank

Eldon's timebooks has occasional references to running engines to Antonito and back fro the shop. Other times they ran light, ahead of a freight train, then if all was well, they would then be cut back in the train as helper to Cumbres and on to Chama. I suppose it all depended on the amount and kind of work done to the engine in the shop. If the work was fairly minor (rod brasses, etc) at rip to Antonito would reveal any problems. If the drivers had been out and new crown brasses and axles applied, it would take a bit more running to be sure all was well before, sending the engine off into the great unknown.

Russ and I very well the time an untried engine was sent out on its first trip on a passenger train..... It was not pretty.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/22/2018 11:48AM by Earl.