Re: 493 Update 1-10-2020

If I have my D&S History right, the line to Silverton was significantly reinforced under Bradshaw as it Had never seen any locomotive heavier than a K28. Note this was several years after the line had been isolated from Alamosa and equipment had been transferred to the Narrow Gauge Island in Durango. So in the years which the D&RGW Operated the Silverton Line Isolated they only ran the K-28's. Any K36's or K37's may have been used as a part source in that time, but I'm unaware how many components are similar between the K28, 36, and 37's

My theory, is that by the time Bradshaw bought the line, and began updating the line to run the K36 and K37 engines in 1981. 497 Returned to service in 84 I believe, and by that time three years of running K36's and K28's had probably seen some parts pulled from it and the others under the ownership of the D&S. 497 was likely the most complete and easiest to return to service. I think once they realized it's trailing truck was having issues on some of the curves, plans to restore any other 37's were sidelined. I believe this is supported given the trade to aquire 486 and 482 both resulting in K37's leaving Durango.

I believe the trailing truck issues on the K37's has been identified and a solution determined or it was specific to 497, given that 497 continued to have a wonderful career over at the C&TS and the CRRM's recent restoration of 491.