#476-Down for the count

My spies report the #476 is on display in the museum part of the D&SNG roundhouse . It is sad to report this fine engine might not run for a very long time .I have been told that it has a cracked frame-a very serious repair .This may stem from an old problem . The last year of D&RGW operation the steel wedges that keep the cylinder casting in the frame were allowed to fall out ,and were not replaced till the sale to Bradshaw .The roundhouse reinserted the wedges but it was too late . The cylinders were working back and forth in the frame . Steve Jackson ,the roundhouse foreman ,told me years ago the only way to remedy the problem was to take the boiler off the frame . Since some of the 470s may be ending their boiler life ,it may be ready for a new boiler as well . The 470s were designed as dual-service engines ,i.e. passenger and freight .With the discontinuance of the "San Juan" in 1951 the three remaining engines kept on the job by replacing the class K-27s on the growing tourist business on the Silverton branch . #476 was by acclamation the "Queen of the Fleet" with its nearest competitors for the title being #473 and #484. With the improvements in alignment and rail on the D&SNG over the last 20 years the power needs of the railroad shifted to the powerful and reliable 480s. #486 is supposed to be ready for service later this month . Recently I saw that #478 has the new "toilet seat" herald on its tender . A more detailed report from Charlie Moore is needed here . Charlie ,are you there ?