Re: 498/493 Backhead Photos

These locomotives along with the 480 and 499 were included in the sale of the Silverton Branch to Charles Bradshaw. The caboose was not. This was before P. Anschutz had anything to do with the DRGW.

Here is the 493 shortly after being unloaded off the truck from Alamosa.


During this time, we were desperate for specific parts to keep the 473, 476 and 478 operating as well as the 481 which was being discussed to bring into the shop soon. We primarily needed parts for generators, air pumps and No. 6 brake equipment. On the morning that the trucks arrived with 493 and 498, and were parked and being prepared to unload, Supt. Jim Mayer and owner Charlie Bradshaw were having a serious discussion with RH Foreman, Steve Jackson. They were reminding Steve the importance of keeping these locomotives intact for potential service in the near future. Steve did a great job of keeping their attention focussed on him and not the 493 on the truck directly behind them. All part of the plan as Bernie Watts and I carefully and quietly removed the Pyle Generator and snuck it off the opposite side they were standing. I think it found a place on the 478 as we rebuilt another one as a spare.You will notice its absence in the photo.

We did what we had to do to keep em running!

MD Ramsey