Indeed, I have seen in print that when the upgrade of track on the south end was completed in the late 20's, it was approved for K28s to Rico. If only I could remember where
Given that the Ames slide cut the line in half a year or so later, that the new receiver Victor Miller was loathe to lease locomotives, and that by the time he left, most of the '28s were soon to depart to Alaska, its no doubt any ever had a chance to be used IF trackage was indeed good enough. Given declining track conditions after WWII, a surplus of K27s that could barely stay on the track at times, and only 3 K28s left, it is no wonder nobody tried.